Buick’s lineup has gotten significantly smaller following the death of the Cascada and LaCrosse. While those models weren’t exactly hits, Buick is preparing introduce a new crossover sometime next year. Tentatively dubbed the Baby Enclave, the model follows in the footsteps of its larger brother as it features a similar front and rear fascia. However, the new crossover is distinguished by a flatter beltline and a more rakish windscreen.

The model is slightly smaller than the Enclave as it rides on the short-wheelbase version of the C1 / Chi platform that underpins the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia. This means we can expect it to slot in between the Envision and Enclave. There’s a decent gap between the models as the Envision starts at US$ 31,995 while the Enclave begins at US$ 40,000. This likely means the new crossover will cost around US$ 35,000.


Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the Blazer and Acadia offer a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 193 hp and a 3.6-liter V6 with up to 310 hp. The facelifted Acadia also gained a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 230 hp and 350 Nm of torque.

Given the Buick will be positioned as a premium model, it wouldn’t be too surprising if it was offered with the turbocharged four-cylinder and the more powerful V6. It remains unclear what the model will be called, but speculation has suggested it could adopt the Enspire moniker that was used on a previous concept. There have also been rumors that it could be called the Envoy. While the latter name is closely associated with GMC, it would fit in nicely with Buick’s En- crossover nomenclature which includes Encore, Enclave and Envision.