Buick Enclave Ground Clearance

The latest Buick Enclave has a ground clearance of 7.5 inches, which is lower than previous models.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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The 2022 Buick Enclave has a ground clearance of 7.5 inches across all trim levels, which is lower than models in previous years.
Considering the Enclave is a luxury SUV, it’s not surprising that ground clearance doesn’t jump off the specification sheet—this market segment typically focuses on aesthetics rather than utilitarian design.
So before you get caught up in the Enclave’s dashing good looks, it’s essential to confirm that the ground clearance is big enough to handle that pesky dip in your driveway or those annoying potholes in your neighborhood.
To help you out, we have all the Buick Enclave’s ground clearance specs to give you the confidence you need. And stick around to learn how you can cut down your
Buick Enclave insurance costs
by the hundreds.

2022 Buick Enclave ground clearance

There are many differences across the three trim levels for the 2022 Buick Enclave, including upgraded upholstery and improved driver-assist technologies, but ground clearance remains consistent. Here’s the proof:
Unless you look into custom suspension, 7.5 inches of ground clearance is your only option with the latest Buick Enclave models.

Buick Enclave ground clearance over the years

The Buick Enclave’s ground clearance seems to be shrinking over time. It originally debuted in 2008 with a ground clearance of 8.4 inches, but the latest 2022 model has dropped down to 7.5 inches. Here’s a breakdown of the varying clearances you’ll find:
  • 1st generation (2008–2017): 7.6 to 8.4 inches
  • 2nd generation (2018–present): 7.5 to 7.7 inches
We’ll cover why this might be the case later in the article. First, let’s take a look at the impact ground clearance has on your driving experience.
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What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?

Let’s cover the definition first: ground clearance is simply the distance between the road and the lowermost part of your vehicle—this could be the chassis, bumper, or some other portion of the car’s underbody. But why does it matter?
Ample ground clearance can help you navigate dips in the road without having any part of your car bottom out. For most on-road situations, the Enclave’s 7.5 inches of clearance should be plenty.
Ground clearance also can impact driving performance. Lower ground clearance provides greater stability and aerodynamics by keeping the vehicle’s center of gravity low and minimizing air resistance.
So, it seems Buick has been perfecting the Enclave’s ground clearance equation—high enough to keep a safe clearance but low enough to maintain performance expectations.
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Is the Buick Enclave a good off-road vehicle?

Good off-roading vehicles typically have a ground clearance of anywhere between 8.8 inches and 10.8 inches or higher.
That being said, the Buick Enclave’s 7.5 inches of ground clearance isn’t enough to be considered a viable off-road vehicle—the risk of causing damage to your car if you go off-road is extremely high.
Not only does the specification sheet say the Enclave isn’t a good off-road vehicle, but it doesn’t look like one either. Luxury SUVs are more designed for the valet line rather than the campground.

Guard against accidents with the best Enclave insurance

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