Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A blue 2023 Buick Enclave is shown parked on a street.

How Do You Know Which 2023 Buick Enclave Trim Level Is Right for You?

Are you looking for a new vehicle? What are the most important things you’re looking for? When you begin the process of finding a new vehicle, say, the 2023 Buick Enclave, for instance, you have to consider a multitude of options, from tech to cosmetics to performance. If you haven’t sat down and written out a list, you may feel overwhelmed, or you might only have one or two things you care about when it comes to a new vehicle.

How can you make this easier on yourself? By looking at the trim levels of the vehicle you’re eyeing. Trim levels are put together to appeal to certain types of drivers, from those who prefer all the bells and whistles to those who just want something serviceable. Whether you use your car daily for commuting or you only use it a few times a week, it matters which trim level you get. So, when looking at the Buick Enclave, how do you know which trim level is right for you?

The Enclave Essence

Whatever helps you feel organized, take a moment to use that tool and list the things you’re looking for in a vehicle. While you probably won’t find one that checks all the boxes, you’ll be able to see which ones come close, and then your decision is made simpler by eliminating the choices that aren’t a good fit. Common things people look at for their next car are fuel efficiency, price, number of seats available, safety features, and powertrain. How does the 2023 Buick Enclave measure up?

The base trim level for the Enclave is the Essence, but its powertrain is also standard in the Premium and Avenir, which means you won’t have to skimp on power. A 3.6L V6 engine provides 310 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque, so there’s plenty of power to get you going. A nice perk of the Enclave powertrain is that it also conserves fuel by utilizing a stop/start system––when you stop at a red light, the Enclave turns off the engine and then turns it back on when the light turns green. Not only does it help save on fuel costs, but it also limits greenhouse gas emissions.

Other great features include StabiliTrak (the Buick stability and traction control system), a liftgate with LED logo projection and hands-free power programming, a three-year subscription to OnStar and Connected Services, and an electric defogger for the Enclave’s rear windows. Even at the lowest trim level, the Enclave provides plenty of premium features for those who enjoy having some luxuries but don’t want to bother with additional or optional features. Does the Enclave Essence check off most of your list’s boxes? Then this is the trim level for you.

The Enclave Premium

Are you interested in what else the 2023 Buick Enclave has to offer? The Premium trim level sits squarely in the middle of the trims, giving drivers and passengers the best of both worlds. The Premium is for those who might want a few luxury options but don’t want to max out their budget. If you’re a person who is looking for a couple of special features, upgrades, or unique options, then you’ll more than likely want to take a look at the Enclave Premium.

Along with the standard features included on all trim levels, the Enclave Premium is enhanced with outside mirrors that power-fold, auto-dim on the driver’s side, and are heated to prevent any ice or snow from freezing over it. It also comes with Buick’s memory package, which retains information on settings for two drivers, meaning you’ll never have to adjust your seat, steering wheel, or outside mirrors. The Enclave will remember exactly how you like things and simply adjust to you or the other driver. Another excellent feature is the 120-volt power outlet, which can power up a laptop, phone, or tablet faster than the typical USB port. You can also utilize it for game days when you need to contribute to the group potluck or when it’s your turn to host the tailgate party.

In light of your potential entertainment opportunities, the Enclave Premium has another feature that you’ll adore: the Bose ten-speaker stereo system characterized by its active noise cancellation, amp, and subwoofer, allowing road noise to fade away and your playlist to shine. There may also be times when you want to drive solo for a day trip, and the Enclave Premium has you covered there, too, with lumbar support and massage functions, which means you’ll arrive at your destination relaxed, happy, and ready to explore.

A silver 2023 Buick Enclave Avenir is shown parked in a driveway.

The Enclave Avenir

Ah, the Avenir––the Enclave’s top trim level, a truly luxurious vehicle from stem to stern. Are you the type of person who spends a lot of your time in transit? You don’t need to have a mediocre experience––you want the best experience, which is why the Enclave Avenir was built with you in mind. Whether you’re using the Avenir as your daily commuter or for longer trips, you’ll feel pampered and refreshed every time you get inside.

Though the Avenir shares some standard features with both the Essence and Premium, there are plenty of things that set this trim level apart, like the 20-inch wheels that come finished in the Avenir Pearl coloring and paired with all-season blackwall tires. Like to make a dramatic entrance? Then this one’s for you. The Avenir trim level also caters to those who want to enjoy the view, but not with just any old moonroof––a front power sliding moonroof and a skylight in the back. You and your passengers can stargaze to your hearts’ content, enjoy a fireworks show, or look for a flying comet.

Curious about what else the Avenir has to offer? It comes standard with practical features like puddle lamps, rain-sensing wipers, HD surround vision, and an enhanced braking system that will assist you with braking or brake for you when it senses a vehicle stopped in front of you. Even if you’re going slowly, the automatic braking system can detect vehicles in front of you and make the necessary changes to avoid a collision.

There’s a Buick Enclave for You

Now that you’ve seen the differences between trim levels and you have your list handy, it’ll be easy to see which one is better suited for you and your driving needs. You don’t have to get lost in the weeds, overcome by the sheer amount of vehicles available for sale. You know a good vehicle when you see one, and the 2023 Buick Enclave looks really good. You can opt for a simplified version with the Essence, get the best of both worlds with the Premium, and treat yourself to a luxury experience every time you drive with the Avenir. There aren’t any right or wrong answers, just like there’s no one trim level that’s really “better”––they all have a purpose and cater to specific drivers. Whichever trim level you ultimately decide on, you’ve now got the tools to help you with that decision, a checklist of needs and wants, and a guide through the various trim levels and their specialties. You can sit back and relax now because your decision just got a lot easier to make.