The 2021 Buick Enclave AWD with the 3.6L V6 gets 20 MPG combined. This number isn’t going to win any awards, and it certainly doesn’t place the Enclave among fuel-sipping crossovers. However, it’s an understandable compromise for buyers who prioritize a spacious and comfortable three-row SUV with available all-wheel drive and a touch of near-luxury refinement. The Enclave caters to families who need the extra seating capacity and cargo volume, and for them, the fuel economy is an accepted reality, not a deal-breaker. They need eight-passenger seating and don’t want a minivan.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates detail 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for the 2021 Buick Enclave AWD. The lower city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving and idling that naturally impacts fuel consumption. A large vehicle like the Enclave, with its naturally aspirated V6 engine and all-wheel-drive system, requires more energy to accelerate from a standstill than a smaller, lighter vehicle. The 25 MPG highway rating demonstrates the engine’s efficiency at a steady cruising speed and the effectiveness of the nine-speed automatic transmission in optimizing fuel economy. These numbers are not unusual for a vehicle of this size and type.

Annual Fuel Cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2021 Buick Enclave AWD is $2,200. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Remember that actual fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and weather conditions. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and extreme temperatures can all negatively impact fuel economy and ultimately increase this annual cost.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Many Enclave owners report figures within a reasonable range of the EPA estimates. Owners who do mostly highway driving might see numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the 25 MPG highway rating. Conversely, those who spend the majority of their time in congested urban environments are likely to see fuel economy closer to or even slightly below the 17 MPG city rating. Driving style plays a significant role. Smooth acceleration, gentle braking, and maintaining a consistent speed will contribute to better fuel economy.

How It Compares

The Buick Enclave’s fuel economy positions it competitively within the three-row SUV segment. The Acura MDX SH-AWD, for example, manages 19 MPG combined with its V6 engine. The Ford Explorer with its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, offers an estimated 23 MPG combined in RWD form, but opting for the V6 or AWD versions brings that number down. The Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L V6 AWD achieves around 19 MPG combined. For families prioritizing fuel efficiency, hybrid options like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid offer significantly better fuel economy, around 35 MPG combined, but at the expense of outright power compared to the Enclave’s V6. For those interested in all Buick fuel economy data, this comparison shows where the Enclave sits within the broader Buick lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Enclave’s 3.6L V6 responds well to smooth, deliberate inputs. Quick starts and hard braking consume more fuel than necessary. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and you’ll save fuel by avoiding prolonged idling.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. Try to avoid sudden speed changes while using cruise control.

Consider the driving mode. The Enclave offers different driving modes that can affect fuel economy. Experiment with the available modes to see which one provides the best balance of performance and efficiency for your driving conditions. You can explore ENCLAVE MPG across all years to better understand how driving habits and model years impact fuel consumption.