2018 Buick Enclave Essence

The 2018 Enclave is Buick's three-row SUV, the one you'd cross-shop with the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander if you want a roomier, plusher family hauler. It drives more like a big sedan than a truck-based SUV, with a smooth, steady feel that makes long trips easy. Inside, the Enclave seats up to seven with captain's chairs in the middle row, and the third row actually fits adults. Cargo space is generous even behind the third row, so you can haul a week's worth of luggage for the whole family. The Essence is the entry-level Enclave trim, so you give up some luxury touches like the Premium's upgraded audio and the Avenir's quilted leather, but you still get the same roomy cabin and smooth ride. Under the hood is a 3.6L V6 making 302 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, which gives you confident all-weather traction and enough power to merge easily on the highway.