21 MPG combined makes the 2026 Buick Enclave AWD 2.5L 4-cyl a thoroughly competent performer for its class, especially considering it’s a substantial, three-row luxury crossover designed for families who prioritize comfort and quiet refinement over outright athleticism. This isn’t a stripped-down economy car; it’s a modern Buick, meaning a premium interior, advanced technology, and a driving experience calibrated for long-haul ease. The people who buy an Enclave are often stepping out of something similar, perhaps an older Enclave, a Highlander, or a Pilot, and they expect a certain level of luxury without needing a V6 or a hybrid drivetrain. Buick understands its demographic perfectly: empty nesters, young families, and those who appreciate understated luxury. For these buyers, 21 MPG is a sweet spot. good enough to avoid constant fuel stops, but not so aggressive that it compromises the smooth, accessible power delivery that defines Buick vehicles. It’s an honest figure for a vehicle that’s designed to be a comfortable workhorse, not a drag racer or an EV alternative.

City and highway performance

Diving deeper into the EPA ratings, the 2026 Enclave AWD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine is rated at 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure, 20 MPG, is particularly telling. This shows that Buick has done its homework on optimizing the powertrain for stop-and-go conditions, a common pain point for larger vehicles. The smooth 8-speed automatic transmission likely plays a significant role here, keeping the engine in its most efficient power band without being overly intrusive. For those living in suburban environments with frequent errands, school runs, and shorter commutes, this 20 MPG city rating is quite respectable. It means less guilt when navigating congested streets or waiting in the pickup line. On the highway, 24 MPG is exactly where you’d expect a modern, turbocharged four-cylinder to land in a vehicle of this size. It’s solid, unfussy, and capable of delivering worry-free long-distance travel. The AWD system, while contributing slightly to efficiency losses compared to a front-wheel-drive variant, offers crucial all-weather capability that many Enclave buyers prioritize, especially in colder climates. It’s a trade-off that most find entirely acceptable for the enhanced security and traction it provides, without crippling the highway range.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,100 for the 2026 Buick Enclave AWD 2.5L 4-cyl. This figure is calculated based on an assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year and national average fuel prices, which fluctuate but provide a standardized benchmark. For an Enclave buyer, understanding this number is key to budgeting. It’s a transparent way to see the running cost impact of driving this specific vehicle. While $2,100 sounds like a significant sum in isolation, it’s essential to put it into the context of owning a premium three-row SUV. It represents a predictable, manageable expense within the broader spectrum of vehicle ownership, which includes insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. Buyers in this segment are typically financially secure and view this annual fuel cost as a reasonable operating expense for a vehicle that delivers spaciousness, comfort, and safety for their family. They aren’t looking to spend $1,000 less per year on fuel if it means compromising crucial aspects of their daily driving experience. Buick has positioned the Enclave to offer good value that balances luxury features and a palatable running cost.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, consumers should realistically expect the 2026 Enclave AWD 2.5L to deliver close to its EPA ratings, provided they drive with reasonable care. Buick’s powertrain calibration tends towards smoothness over aggressive response, which inherently encourages a more relaxed driving style beneficial for fuel economy. Those with lead feet or who regularly carry a full complement of passengers and cargo will see figures closer to, or slightly below, the 21 MPG combined. Conversely, drivers with a gentle touch, anticipating traffic and avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration, might even exceed the EPA estimates, especially on uncongested highway cruises. The 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder is designed for accessible torque at lower RPMs, meaning the transmission isn’t constantly hunting for gears, which often aids real-world efficiency. Heavy city driving, particularly with short trips that don’t allow the engine to fully warm up, will naturally lean closer to the 20 MPG city rating. The Enclave’s mission is consistent comfort and quiet operation, and its real-world fuel economy generally reflects that measured approach to performance. For more information on all Buick fuel economy data, check out our database.

How it compares

The 2026 Buick Enclave AWD 2.5L takes a unique position against its competitors in the crowded three-row SUV segment. Let’s stack it up against some key rivals the typical Enclave buyer might consider. The Kia Telluride, a popular choice for its value and perceived luxury, offers a standard 3.8L V6. The AWD version of the Telluride manages 21 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway), directly mirroring the Enclave’s combined figure, despite its larger engine. This shows how efficiently Buick has tuned its smaller 2.5L turbo-four to match a naturally aspirated V6. Then there’s the Honda Pilot, another family favorite. The Pilot AWD, with its 3.5L V6, achieves 22 MPG combined (19 city/25 highway) in its slightly more efficient Black Edition trim. While the Pilot ekes out 1 MPG more than the Enclave, the difference in real-world driving is often negligible and comes down to driving habits. For buyers considering a more premium experience, the Acura MDX AWD, with its standard 3.5L V6, hits 21 MPG combined (19 city/25 highway), again identical to the Enclave’s combined figure. This is particularly impressive for Buick, given the MDX’s reputation for efficiency and refinement. The Chevrolet Traverse, built on a similar platform, often offers competitive figures, with AWD versions usually falling in the 20-21 MPG combined range depending on the engine. For those interested in seeing ENCLAVE MPG across all years, explore our detailed model page. The Enclave’s advantage isn’t necessarily a class-leading number, but instead achieving competitive efficiency with a modern, torque-rich four-cylinder that delivers the quiet, refined driving experience expected of a Buick, often at a more accessible price point than traditional luxury brands.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining consistent tire pressure is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure your Enclave operates at peak efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consuming more fuel. Check them monthly, especially as seasons change.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid hard acceleration and braking. The Enclave’s powertrain responds smoothly to gentle inputs, and by allowing the momentum of the vehicle to work for you, you’ll reduce stress on the engine and transmission, directly improving your city and highway MPG.

Use the Enclave’s cruise control on highway stretches. Maintaining a steady speed without constant throttle adjustments is far more efficient than trying to regulate speed manually. Buick’s adaptive cruise control, if equipped, can further optimize this by maintaining safe distances without abrupt changes.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Before long trips, remove any heavy, non-essential items you might be storing in the cargo area. While the Enclave is a substantial vehicle, every pound adds to the effort required to move it, impacting overall fuel economy.

Consider the use of your roof rack. If you have a roof rack or cargo carrier installed, remove it when not in use. Even an empty rack significantly increases aerodynamic drag, forcing your Buick to burn more fuel to maintain speed, especially at highway velocities.