Reliability is one of the key attributes that consumers look at when buying a car. The assurance that your vehicle will not let you down and will run every time will always be a paramount concern. Just look at the popularity of Toyota and Lexus over the years. These two Japanese automakers have always been at the top of lists when ranking car brands by reliability.
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However, you must look the other way if you’re in the market for a six-cylinder SUV. An American automaker currently stands out in terms of reliability, and that is, of course, Buick – specifically, the Buick Enclave. Among the brand-new six-cylinder SUVs in the market, the 2024 Enclave currently stands out as the most reliable, giving the nameplate a great reputation before the all-new, third-generation model becomes available for the 2025 model year.
2024 Buick Enclave
- Base MSRP
- $43,900
- Engine
- 3.6-liter V6 Gas
- Horsepower
- 310 hp
- Torque
- 266 lb-ft
- Transmission
- 9-speed automatic
What Is Reliability, And How Do We Measure It?
Vehicle reliability refers to an automobile’s ability to perform consistently well over time, with minimal need for repairs and maintenance. It’s critical for buyers who want to ensure that their investment will provide long-term value without frequent breakdowns or expensive fixes.
Reliability is typically measured through various metrics, but organizations like J.D. Power conduct extensive surveys and studies to assess vehicle reliability. Its Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) is one of the most respected in the industry. It analyzes problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles over the past 12 months.
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The latest J.D. Power 2024 US VDS, released in February and now in its 35th year, was based on responses from over 30,500 original owners of 2021 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study covered 184 specific problem areas across nine major vehicle categories: climate, driving assistance, driving experience, exterior, features/controls/displays, infotainment, interior, powertrain, and seats.
The Buick Enclave: Model Overview
The Buick Enclave is a midsize three-row SUV that has been in production since 2007. Now in its second generation, it is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and upscale features, making it a popular choice for families. The 2024 version of the Enclave continues to build on this reputation, with significant design, technology, and performance updates arriving with the 2022 refresh. Even better, as this generation is at the tail-end of its lifetime, Buick had a chance to correct any issues typically seen at the start of each life cycle.
The Enclave is offered in three trims: Essence, Premium, and Avenir, each offering a range of features to suit different preferences and budgets. After receiving a price reduction for the 2024 model year, the range now starts at $43,900 (sans the $1,395 mandatory destination charge), with a 3.6-liter V6 engine powering the SUV, regardless of the trim level customers choose.
The Enclave has a Quality & Reliability rating of 85/100 from J.D. Power, making it not only the most reliable six-cylinder SUV in the market but also the most reliable three-row SUV you can buy brand-new today.
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Engine & Performance
Under the hood, the Buick Enclave is powered by GM’s 3.6-liter LFY V6 engine, which delivers 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave’s powertrain is one of our favorite six-cylinder engines available today, and we think it was tuned perfectly for a smooth drive.
One of the standout features of the Enclave’s performance is its balance between power and efficiency. The V6 engine is equipped with advanced technologies such as direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, enhancing performance and fuel economy. The Enclave achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, making it a great choice for long-distance travel. Additionally, the Enclave offers available all-wheel drive, which enhances traction and stability in various driving conditions.
In-Car Technology
The Buick Enclave has advanced in-car technologies designed to enhance convenience, connectivity, and safety. The centerpiece of the Enclave’s tech offerings is the Buick Infotainment System, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display. This system provides access to navigation, entertainment, and communication functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, partnered with wireless smartphone charging. The Enclave also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, providing internet connectivity for several devices while on the go.
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In terms of safety, the Enclave is available with advanced driver assistance features available under the Enhanced Buick Driver Confidence package. These include Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, IntelliBeam auto high beam assist, Front Pedestrian Braking, Front and Rear Park Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking. The Enclave also offers an HD Surround Vision camera system, providing a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings to aid in parking and maneuvering.
Interior & Comfort
With seating for up to seven passengers, the Enclave offers a spacious three-row cabin perfect for families. The interior uses premium materials, including available leather-appointed seats, wood accents, and soft-touch surfaces, creating an upscale atmosphere. Front-row passengers enjoy heated and ventilated seats, while the second-row seats are available as either a pair of captain’s chairs or a bench seat. The third row offers adequate legroom for adults on shorter trips or children on longer journeys.
Cargo space is another strong point for the Enclave, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet behind the second row, and a generous 97.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. The Enclave also provides a quiet and serene cabin environment through its QuietTuning technology, which uses active noise cancelation, triple-sealed doors, and acoustic laminated glass to minimize road noise.
The 2025 Enclave Is Coming
You can still buy a brand-new 2024 Enclave today, but an all-new 2025 Enclave is coming. Revealed back in April, the Enclave sports a Wildcat Concept-inspired styling and uses the GM C1XX-2 platform shared with the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia.
More importantly, the third-generation Enclave does away with the V6. A 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine powers the entire lineup, churning out up to 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and available in front- or all-wheel drive.
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Buick has yet to announce the pricing and full specifications of the 2025 Enclave, but we expect the new-generation model to hit showrooms this summer. That said, the most reliable six-cylinder SUV you can buy today only has a few months on the market, so you may want to rush and order one before the new four-pot version enters. Hopefully, the 2025 Enclave shares the same reliability ratings as its predecessor.
Another Reliable Buick: The Envision
While the Enclave stands out as a top choice regarding reliability in the six-cylinder SUV category, Buick’s lineup includes other reliable models, such as the Envision. The Buick Envision is a compact luxury SUV with a similar commitment to quality and reliability in a smaller package. It has an overall J.D. Power rating of 84 out of 100, and it scored 81 in the quality and reliability department and a whopping 92 out of 100 for the dealership experience.
Also updated for the 2024 model year, the Envision is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Envision shares many of the Enclave’s strengths, including a well-appointed interior, advanced in-car technology, and a suite of safety features. Despite its smaller footprint, the Envision promises a comfortable driving experience, particularly with the Avenir trim, which comes standard with Continuous Damping Control technology.