The 2016 Buick Enclave FWD, with its 3.6L 6-cylinder engine, gets 18 MPG combined. It’s a generously sized SUV that prioritizes passenger comfort and cargo capacity over high fuel efficiency. Owners understand they are buying space and a smooth ride. This is a vehicle for families, road trip lovers, and those who routinely haul multiple passengers or gear. It’s about practical luxury, not fuel sipping.

City and highway performance

The Enclave’s EPA ratings are 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the demands on the 3.6L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission when navigating stop-and-go traffic. The Enclave is not light, so its powertrain needs to work to get it moving. The 22 MPG highway figure is more achievable during steady-state cruising. However, expect that number to drop if you routinely travel at higher speeds or encounter hilly terrain. Aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance have an effect on the MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Buick Enclave FWD at $2,450 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing the Enclave’s running costs to other vehicles, even though individual driving habits and local fuel prices will influence the real-world cost.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized testing procedure, but few owners achieve the exact numbers on the window sticker. Real-world fuel economy for the 2016 Buick Enclave FWD depends on driving style, traffic, and maintenance. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and neglecting maintenance will hurt fuel efficiency. Drivers who adopt a smoother style and keep up with maintenance will likely see results closer to the EPA estimates. Remember that tire pressure and roof rack usage can also change MPG.

How it compares

The 2016 Buick Enclave competes in a crowded field of three-row SUVs. The Acura MDX, for instance, gets a better 22 MPG combined in its FWD configuration. The Nissan Pathfinder gets around 20 MPG combined with front-wheel drive. The Toyota Highlander manages 21 MPG combined in its V6 FWD version. These differences can add up to hundreds of dollars annually in fuel savings. The Enclave buyer might prioritize interior space, ride comfort, or specific features more than fuel economy. Those wanting better fuel economy within the Buick family may want to review all Buick fuel economy data. If you would like to see ENCLAVE MPG across all years, you can do so here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize idling. The 3.6L V6 uses a lot of fuel when idling. Avoid letting the Enclave idle for a long time, especially when the engine takes longer to warm up in cold weather. If you anticipate a wait of more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Monitor tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. This makes the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tires monthly and inflate them to the pressure on the doorjamb sticker. This will improve fuel economy, prolong tire life, and improve handling.

Anticipate traffic. Being a defensive driver will improve both safety and fuel economy. Drive smoothly and avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. Maintain a safe following distance and anticipate traffic so you can avoid sudden stops. Every speed change requires more fuel.

When possible, use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed. This prevents changes in throttle position and minimizing wasted fuel. While not always appropriate in heavy traffic, cruise control can improve fuel economy on long highway trips.

Lighten the load. The Enclave’s fuel economy is sensitive to weight. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle, especially heavy objects in the cargo area. Extra weight forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Avoid carrying extra cargo if it will be unnecessary.