The 2019 Buick Enclave AWD with its 3.6L V6 gets an official EPA fuel economy rating of 20 MPG combined. For a three-row crossover, that’s not particularly impressive, but buyers often accept the tradeoff if they want more space, comfort, and a smooth ride. The Enclave is aimed at families who need seating for seven, appreciate a quiet interior, and value the Buick brand’s reputation for reliability and easy ownership. They care about fuel efficiency, but it’s usually not their top concern.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Enclave’s fuel economy at 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Enclave’s weight and the energy needed to accelerate from a stop. The highway number is better, helped by the nine-speed automatic transmission that lets the engine cruise at lower RPMs. Drivers who spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic will probably see fuel consumption closer to 17 MPG, while those using the Enclave mainly for longer trips should see numbers closer to 25 MPG. Watch your driving habits; aggressive acceleration and hard braking will always hurt your fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Buick Enclave AWD at $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a good way to compare running costs across different vehicles, but remember that your actual fuel expenses will depend on how much you drive, your driving style, and local fuel prices. You’ll need to prepare for this fixed cost if this vehicle fits your needs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA uses a consistent testing method, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Several factors can affect what you see on the road, like weather, tire pressure, cargo weight, and even the type of gasoline you use. Drivers often report slightly lower or higher figures than the EPA estimates, so check online forums and owner reviews to get a broader view. Remember to check ENCLAVE MPG across all years for a comparison to other similar models and years.

How it compares

The Enclave’s fuel economy is average compared to its competitors. The Acura MDX SH-AWD, a popular alternative, gets an EPA rating of 19 MPG combined. The numbers are similar. The Honda Pilot AWD offers slightly better fuel economy at 22 MPG combined, which might be appealing to those who want to use less gas. The Infiniti QX60 AWD, another luxury three-row SUV, also gets around 20 MPG combined. Buyers in this segment often compare several vehicles, weighing factors beyond just fuel costs. Budget, cargo needs, and comfort features are some of the criteria used. Be sure to check all Buick fuel economy data if this vehicle is underperforming and to verify the average fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Enclave’s 3.6L V6 works best with smooth and deliberate acceleration. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and try to keep a steady foot on the accelerator, especially when merging onto highways. This uses less fuel to get up to speed.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes, since this can affect pressure.

Don’t use accessories that draw power from the engine, like air conditioning, more than you need to. Comfort is important, but using the A/C sparingly can improve fuel economy, especially on shorter trips. Open the windows or make smart choices about your climate control to save money.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it uses. Remove anything you don’t need to lighten the load during your daily commute or road trip. Small weight reductions can improve fuel efficiency.

Regular maintenance helps the engine run efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes and spark plug replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more smoothly and consumes less fuel.