The 2016 Buick Enclave interior represents a significant evolution for GM’s three-row crossover, blending premium materials with thoughtful design that prioritizes comfort and convenience. Moving beyond the utilitarian feel of many family haulers, this model year introduced a cabin that feels genuinely upscale, with a focus on quietness, refinement, and driver-centric technology. For those considering a used example or simply researching the model, understanding the layout and quality of the interior is essential.
Design and Material Quality
Walking into a 2016 Enclave, the first impression is one of deliberate sophistication. Buick moved away from hard plastics, instead wrapping the dashboard, doors, and center console in soft-touch materials and genuine leather accents. The design language aligns with other vehicles of the era, featuring a horizontal chrome-barred grille that flows into the sweeping dashboard curve. This sweeping arc creates a sense of openness, drawing the eye across the cabin and contributing to a more expansive feel than the vehicle’s actual dimensions might suggest.
Seating and Comfort
Seating is where the 2016 Enclave truly shines for a family vehicle. The front captain’s chairs offer substantial bolstering and electric adjustments, providing excellent support on longer drives. The second-row bench seat is a standout feature, offering a comfortable middle-ground between captain’s chairs and a flat surface, ideal for three-across travel without sacrificing too much room. Third-row access is improved compared to rivals, making it less of a chore for older children or smaller adults to climb in after the second row is occupied.
Technology and Infotainment
Under the hood of the interior experience is Buick’s IntelliLink system, centered around an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen. This unit, available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, provides a relatively intuitive interface for navigation, audio, and phone functions. The rotary-style controller, positioned between the front seats, allows for blind operation, a thoughtful detail that minimizes driver distraction. Bose audio systems were available, delivering a refined and immersive soundscape that complements the cabin’s quiet construction.
Controls and Ergonomics
Ergonomics are handled with care in the 2016 Enclave. Key functions like climate control, audio volume, and drive mode selection are placed within easy reach of the driver. The turn signal and wiper stalks are positioned logically, and the paddle shifters, if equipped, integrate seamlessly with the steering wheel. While the transition to the center stack for secondary HVAC functions takes a moment to learn, the overall layout ensures that critical controls are never out of reach.
Practicality and Storage
Practicality remains a core strength, even with the premium appointments. The second row offers generous legroom, easily accommodating taller passengers without feeling cramped. The third row is best suited for children or shorter adults on longer trips, but it provides a crucial option for carrying a small group. The rear cargo area, while modest behind the third row, expands significantly when the seat is folded, creating a versatile space for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Multiple cupholders, door pockets, and a large center console storage area ensure that personal items have a designated home.
Refinement and Quietness
A significant part of the interior’s appeal is its level of refinement. Buick’s engineers placed a strong emphasis on noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction. The 2016 model year benefits from improved seals, thicker glass, and additional insulation, resulting in a cabin that feels serene even at highway speeds. This quiet environment allows the premium audio system and conversation to remain the focus, rather than the drone of the engine or wind.
