21 MPG combined is the compromise you make with the Buick Enclave FWD 3.6L. It’s what you get for comfortable three-row seating, a smooth V6 engine, and Buick’s focus on quiet driving. This isn’t a vehicle for those obsessed with maximizing gas mileage, but for families and individuals who want space, comfort, and understated luxury, and are okay with average fuel consumption.

City and highway performance

The Enclave’s EPA estimates are 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the challenge of moving a vehicle of this size through stop-and-go traffic. The 3.6L V6, while smooth, needs to work to get the Enclave moving, increasing fuel consumption. On the open road, the 9-speed automatic transmission helps the Enclave conserve fuel. The engine cruises easily, and the aerodynamics deliver a respectable highway MPG. Long road trips are where the Enclave excels, offering a comfortable and quiet ride, even if it won’t win any fuel-efficiency awards.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,100 for the 2023 Buick Enclave FWD 3.6L, based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is a solid reference point. Your actual cost will vary based on your driving and local fuel prices, but this gives you a realistic idea of what to expect to spend on fuel each year. Keep in mind that fuel prices can change this estimate a lot.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures provide a baseline, but the actual ENCLAVE MPG across all years can change. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will hurt your fuel economy. But, a careful driver who anticipates traffic and maintains consistent speeds can often get numbers closer to the EPA’s highway estimate, even during mixed driving. Your driving habits matter.

How it compares

The 2023 Buick Enclave competes with other SUVs. The Acura MDX (non-hybrid) with its 3.5L V6 gets 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, slightly better than the Enclave’s city MPG. The Kia Telluride, a popular option, gets 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, offering similar highway MPG, but better city MPG. The Nissan Pathfinder, with its 3.5L V6, gets 21 MPG combined. These are small differences though. Buyers often prioritize features, space, and overall value over slight differences in gas mileage. For those prioritizing maximizing efficiency, all Buick fuel economy data reveals that the Encore GX delivers significantly higher mileage, for example. These are completely different vehicles, though, purchased for completely different use cases, it is the compromise of interior space and size for greater gas mileage and efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is important, especially when starting from a stop. The Enclave’s V6 has a lot of power, but using it carefully will reduce fuel consumption. Avoid quick bursts of speed and try to maintain a steady pace.

Tire pressure matters. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended level (on the driver’s side doorjamb).

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s weight, which affects fuel economy. Remove any items that aren’t essential, especially heavy items.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, improving fuel efficiency. It also helps prevent speeding, which increases fuel consumption and could lead to tickets.

Consider using a fuel additive to clean fuel injectors. Over time, fuel injectors can get clogged, reducing fuel efficiency. A fuel additive can help keep them clean and ensure proper fuel atomization.