The 2020 Buick Enclave has two trims with standard massaging back seats. Here's why you might like that.
Three Features We Look For
Here at Torque News, we are fortunate enough to test some pretty special vehicles. The testing shapes out options and we have found that there are a few features that we consider benchmarks. First, every vehicle should have Android Auto Compatibility. Next, every top trim of any vehicle, and any vehicle with a "winter package" should have a heated steering wheel. Finally, every true luxury vehicle should offer massage seats up front.
Massage Seats - Why Do They Matter?
The price point for massage seats is usually very steep and the few vehicles we have tested that have massage seats have been from Land Rover and BMW. We find that on long trips a massage seat can really help a sore back and it feels good even if your back is in top condition.
That's why finding that the 2020 Buick Enclave, starting at about $50K, offers from occupant massage seats was so surprising to us. Buick now offers this on the Premium and Avenir trims of the Enclave.
“Buyers are choosing the Buick Enclave because it is everything they want in a premium crossover with its distinct styling, quality, and driving dynamics,” said Phil Brook, vice president of Buick and GMC marketing. “For the 2020 model year, we’re upping the comfort with available massaging seats, bringing in a new and different look for customers with Sport Touring and enhancing our in-vehicle technology to provide more of what these customers want.”
Which Are Truly Luxury Brands?
Now, since we have those other qualifications for any great vehicle we did a little checking. The Buick Enclave does indeed have Android Auto and an automatic heated steering wheel is part of the Premium and Avenir trims. It seems to us that the Buick Enclave surpasses the luxury of not just a number of models, but brands. Here is a quick list of a few brands that do not offer all three of these features (on any current model):
Rolls Royce
BMW
Lexus
From our point of view, Buick is making some wise choices and this new feature puts Buick back on our list of brands that we consider luxury brands.
See you in our latest Buick Enclave story where Torque News Editor Armen Hareyan reviews the 2020 Buick Enclave Essence.
John Goreham can be followed on Twitter at @johngoreham.