The 2018 Buick Enclave hones its appeal with beautiful style, much-improved handling, and no-nonsense technology.
Pros Expressive sheet metal Spare and elegant cockpit Good third-row space Much-improved handling Still rides smoothly
Cons Base seats are cloth All-wheel drive is part-time Fuel economy still just average Best safety features not pervasive Pricey Avenir trim level is more a feature-unlock code
The Avenir name is something new entirely. It's a new sub-brand that Buick is introducing on the Enclave that adds another layer of luxury onto the standard model. It will sit above the Premium model that was previously the most feature-rich trim level offered on the Enclave. Standard features on the Enclave Avenir include a unique mesh grille, 20-inch wheels and exclusive interior colors and materials. The individual features aren't striking on their own, but taken together they do make this Enclave look a step above anything offered on its predecessor. Apart from the Avenir upgrades, the Enclave follows much the same formula as the previous model. It's a spacious three-row crossover with a standard V6 and a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 302 horsepower to either the front wheels or all four wheels on all-wheel-drive models. Towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds and we expect overall mileage to improve slightly.
The fully redesigned 2018 version is hugely important as the brand’s grandest offering.Buick’s latest three-row ute succeeds in being a marked improvement over its predecessor in every meaningful way.
Pros Shapely design, tons of usable space, refined road manners, lots of available features.
Cons Prices climb quickly with options, a tight third row for three, some cheap bits still visible.
The Ford Explorer is fully redesigned for 2020.Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020.The 2020 Ford Explorer comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 10-speed shiftable automatic.
Pros Increased passenger space and cargo room Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing Additional tech and driver assistance features
Cons Maximum seating capacity is seven, and most are equipped to seat six The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry Interior materials could be better in the higher trims Not enough USB ports
The 2020 Ford Explorer rediscovers its capable, outdoorsy side without becoming trucklike in any other respect.
Pros Great ride and handling Attractive profile, styling Soft, nicely detailed cabin Quiet interior
Cons Cramped third row Sluggish/drab infotainment Hybrid emphasizes capability, not mpg
The 2020 Ford Explorer ranked #18 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Ford Explorer has a score of 7.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 11 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Impressive standard safety and tech features Broad, airy cabin Lots of cargo space Lineup of powerful, refined engines
Cons Bland interior in lower trims So-so upgraded infotainment system
