2024 Buick Enclave Redesign: All the Changes You Need to Know

The 2024 Buick Enclave is getting its most ambitious makeover yet, and fans have been waiting for a glimpse of what’s under the hood and behind the wheel. Buick’s engineers say the redesign isn’t just a facelift; it’s a rethinking of the SUV’s identity for a new generation of shoppers. From sharper styling cues to a revamped cabin and updated powertrains, the 2024 Buick Enclave redesign aims to blend luxury feel with practical family‑friendly utility. Below, we break down every major shift you’ll notice when the new model rolls onto showroom floors.

Why Buick Is Overhauling the Enclave

After three generations, the Enclave’s sales plateaued, prompting General Motors to inject fresh energy into the nameplate. Market research showed buyers were gravitating toward crossovers that offered more daring looks and cutting‑edge tech without sacrificing comfort. Buick responded by positioning the 2024 Enclave as a “premium‑yet‑affordable” alternative to the German‑style midsize SUVs that dominate the segment. The redesign also aligns with GM’s broader electrification strategy, hinting at hybrid options that could appear later in the model year.

Exterior Changes: A Fresh Face

The most noticeable update is the front fascia. Buick replaces the aging waterfall grille with a slimmer, horizontally‑stretched version that echoes the brand’s newer design language. LED headlamps now feature a sculpted “C‑shaped” light pattern, giving the Enclave a more assertive presence at night. Body panels are slightly reshaped, reducing the overall width by a few millimeters while adding a subtle taper toward the rear, which improves aerodynamic efficiency. Wheel options start at 18‑inch alloys and go up to 20‑inch designs, each with a glossy finish that complements the new paint palette—think deep navy, muted bronze, and a fresh “Sunrise Pearl.”

Interior Revamp: Tech and Comfort

Inside, Buick throws out the dated dash in favor of a cleaner, more driver‑centric layout. A 12.3‑inch touchscreen now anchors the center console, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The infotainment system runs on Buick’s updated IntelliLink platform, which learns frequent destinations and suggests routes based on real‑time traffic. Ambient lighting strips run along the footwells, offering three intensity levels to suit nighttime drives. Seating sees a redesign too: the second‑row bench can slide forward by 5 inches for easier access to the third row, and all seats feature higher‑grade Nappa leather inserts in the Premium trim.

Powertrain and Performance

Mechanically, the 2024 Enclave sticks with the 3.6‑liter V6 that has powered the SUV since its 2018 debut, but the engine now delivers an estimated 310 horsepower—about 20 hp more than the previous iteration—thanks to revised intake and exhaust tuning. Fuel economy improves modestly, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for front‑wheel‑drive models. For those seeking greener credentials, Buick introduces an optional plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) variant that pairs the V6 with a 13 kWh battery, delivering roughly 30 miles of electric‑only range. The PHEV version also features regenerative braking and a dedicated “Eco‑Assist” mode that optimizes throttle response for efficiency.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Buyers can choose from three primary trims: Preferred, Essence, and Premium. The base Preferred now starts at around $45,500, a modest increase that reflects the added technology and safety features. Essence, positioned as the “sweet spot,” sits near $48,200 and includes the larger 20‑inch wheels, heated rear seats, and a 360‑degree camera system. The top‑tier Premium, priced at roughly $52,800, adds genuine wood trim, a 10‑speaker Bose audio system, and the optional plug‑in hybrid powertrain. All trims come standard with Buick’s Super Cruise driver‑assist system, though it’s limited to compatible highways for now.

Safety Suite Enhancements

Safety remains a cornerstone of Buick’s brand promise, and the 2024 Enclave doesn’t disappoint. Standard driver‑assist technologies include automatic emergency braking, lane‑keeping assist, and blind‑spot monitoring with rear cross‑traffic alert. The new “Intersection Assist” feature uses radar to detect cross‑traffic when you’re turning left at a busy junction, applying gentle braking if a collision risk is identified. Crash‑test results from the IIHS are expected to be released later this year, but early prototypes have already earned “Good” ratings in front‑offset impact tests.

Connectivity and Owner Perks

Beyond the infotainment screen, the Enclave offers a suite of connected services through Buick’s OnStar platform. Owners receive remote start, vehicle‑location tracking, and over‑the‑air software updates that keep the navigation maps and driver‑assist algorithms current. A three‑year subscription to the premium OnStar plan is bundled with every new Enclave, covering emergency assistance, stolen‑vehicle recovery, and a 24/7 concierge service for roadside needs.

How the Redesign Stacks Up Against Competitors

When placed side by side with rivals like the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, and Audi Q5, the 2024 Enclave holds its own on several fronts. Its interior space remains one of the class’s best, offering 41.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row—slightly ahead of the MDX. The refreshed exterior gives the Enclave a more contemporary silhouette, narrowing the visual gap with European competitors. However, the Enclave’s V6 still lags behind the turbocharged four‑cylinders found in some rivals when it comes to outright acceleration. The upcoming plug‑in hybrid could tip the scales, especially for buyers eyeing federal tax credits and lower operating costs.

What Buyers Should Expect at the Dealership

Dealers plan to showcase the new Enclave alongside a handful of concept‑grade models that highlight the optional PHEV powertrain. Test drives will emphasize the smoother ride quality achieved through a retuned suspension, which uses adaptive dampers on the Premium trim. Prospective owners should also ask about the availability of the “Driver‑Focused Package,” which bundles sport‑tuned steering, larger brakes, and a selectable “Dynamic” driving mode. Early reports suggest inventory will be limited during the first quarter, so reserving a model online may be advisable.

FAQ

• What are the major exterior differences between the 2023 and 2024 Enclave? The 2024 model features a slimmer, horizontal grille, new LED “C‑shaped” headlights, a slightly narrower body profile, and updated wheel designs ranging from 18‑ to 20‑inches.
• Is the plug‑in hybrid version available from launch? The PHEV variant is expected to arrive mid‑year, initially on the Premium trim, with a target electric‑only range of about 30 miles.
• Does the 2024 Enclave still come with Super Cruise? Yes, Super Cruise is standard across all trims, though its hands‑free capability is limited to compatible highways.
• How does the new infotainment system improve over the previous generation? The larger 12.3‑inch touchscreen runs Buick’s latest IntelliLink software, supports wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and offers a more intuitive layout with faster response times.