Check Out the China-Exclusive 2021 Buick Enclave Pioneer
The Buick Enclave has been a hit with the Chinese market ever since it debuted back in October of 2019, and now, the popular model is slated to gain a new entry-level trim that will enable more drivers to get behind the wheel of this competitive crossover.
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The Pioneer trim level
It’s no secret that Buick has a thriving fanbase in China, but not every driver can afford the sticker price of a luxury model. That’s why GM introduced the Pioneer trim level on the 2021 Buick Enclave, which swaps its frills for a more affordable price tag. The Pioneer trim level nixes the panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, the reversing camera, and the seat heating and ventilation. These features will still come standard on the six other Enclave models available in China, including the range-topping Avenir model.
This pared-down model comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is reserved for higher trims. However, the Pioneer still boasts the Enclave’s China-exclusive 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which delivers 233 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its American equivalent is a fair bit beefier. The Enclave on this side of the Pacific boasts a 3.6-liter V6 that churns out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. However, both the American and Chinese models sport a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Enclave in China
GM has been proactive with tailoring its lineup to suit the needs of the Chinese buyers, and the automaker’s unique Enclave models are a key part of that strategy. In China, drivers can pick between two different sizes of the Enclave, including an exclusive shorter model that’s sold nowhere else in the world.
In addition to gaining the new Pioneer trim level, the Chinese-market version of the 2021 Buick Enclave will now offer power-operating running boards to help passengers climb into the cabin.
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Currently, there aren’t any plans to bring the Pioneer trim or the smaller Enclave model stateside.
Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.