What makes a vehicle the perfect family car, truck, or SUV? Is it the size alone or the passenger/cargo capacity? Do the standard and optional features matter? Is safety the most important consideration?
There are so many different specifications and properties that go into determining the perfect family vehicle. More often than not, it is a personal preference that differs from family to family. Depending on the size of that family, the vehicular preferences, the daily commutes, and much more, what works for one family will be insufficient for another. The right family vehicle makes all of the difference when it is particularly suited to the specific needs of the family itself.
The best way to know if a vehicle is going to be your perfect family option is to think about what you need from the vehicle. Consider your daily commute, the destinations members of your family often visit, the location, environment, and driving conditions you typically experience, and more. The more you know what you need from a family vehicle, the more you’ll be able to see just how well an option fits you and your family.
This is why manufacturers try to make family vehicles that are meant to accommodate the needs of a variety of people and families. While no specific model will meet every single need every single time, many models do get close to perfection. One such model is the 2018 Buick Enclave.
As a three-row, full-size family SUV, GM has taken some extra steps to add the perfect blend of performance, convenience, safety, and a general family-oriented driving experience. Comparing the 2018 Buick Enclave vs. 2018 Honda Pilot, the Enclave has the right combination of specifications and features that will satisfy most large families needing a vehicle for a variety of purposes.
Performance Under The Hood
To have the perfect family vehicle, you need the right engine and drivetrain. Unlike sports cars, trucks, or other SUVs, a family vehicle has its own set of requirements when it comes to the engine in particular. Since most families don’t need to scream down the road at 150 mph, a family-oriented engine doesn’t have to be the most powerful.
Instead, the magic ingredient to the family-oriented engine is balance. Striking a delicate balance between power and fuel efficiency is key. A family vehicle can be neither too fuel-thirsty or drastically underpowered.
The 2018 Buick Enclave has the perfect engine that manages to strike such a balance. With a 3.6l V-6 engine that is shared with the Chevy Traverse, GM has developed a powerplant to balance the performance required for daily driving in urban and rural environments and the fuel efficiency most families seek. This engine offers 310 hp with 266 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine provides a smooth and precise feel as it accelerates through the gears up to city or highway speeds. Coupled with the standard front-wheel drivetrain, the SUV offers around 18 city/26 highway miles per gallon with the all-wheel drivetrain option subtracting one mile per gallon.
One of the key family-oriented features GM has built into this SUV is a mixture of passive and active noise cancellation systems right in the engine bay. Designed to filter out and quiet down most engine noises, this feature keeps the interior nice and quiet even when the engine is revving up during acceleration.
Interior Comforts
Arguably, the most important thing for many families is the comfort inside the vehicle itself. A vehicle’s interior is a combination of ergonomics, convenience, safety, and overall comfort. For the 2018 Buick Enclave, GM has infused several different features to keep the vehicle safe overall and comfortable with plenty of room to spare.
The ride quality starts with the front struts and rear multi-link suspension system that smooths out rough rides more efficiently than other large size SUVs. Acceleration and braking are also smooth to keep passengers firmly in place without experiencing major forces as the car moves to a new speed.
The interior comes with the capacity to fit seven individuals comfortably using the Enclave’s second-row captain’s chairs and third-row bench design. The first two rows offer the most amount of head and leg room, making this a perfect vehicle for smaller families that want extra cargo space.
For entertainment and comfort, the vehicle features a three-zone automatic climate control system that reaches every single row in the interior. The infotainment system uses a large 8-inch central LCD panel that has Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility with 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Higher trim lines also include a more advanced infotainment system with more, typically optional, features such as turn-by-turn navigation and real-time weather/traffic reports.
For the drivers in the family, the Enclave feels like a vehicle much smaller than a normal large SUV. The driver has access to a variety of settings and information using the 4.2-inch color display built right into the instrument cluster. The driving ergonomics are enhanced by an electronic joystick shifter and mounted paddle shifters, so the driver doesn’t have to let go of the steering wheel.
Small interior accents such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and upgraded floormats give a subtle touch of luxury and enhance comfort to the inside. No matter where you sit in this vehicle, from bumper-to-bumper, the interior experience is all about comfort for every passenger.
Experiencing The 2018 Buick Enclave
What’s the first step to determine if the Buick Enclave 2018 model is right for you? The answer is a test drive. Get behind the wheel of this great large SUV to see how it feels at your fingertips. A test drive is a perfect way to experience the true family-friendly performance and comfort this vehicle can deliver. Best of all, this will also give you and your family the chance to experience every single square inch of the Enclave. From the front to the back, you will see just how comfortable a family SUV can be.
