World Auto News & Reviews

Full-size SUVs have proven to be some of the most profitable vehicles in the auto industry’s 100+ years of existence, but thanks to the proverbial perfect storm of high gas prices and rising environmental concerns, new car buyers are flocking to smaller, more fuel efficient models. This may be bad news for General Motors’ larger ‘utes – the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon – but the trend away from traditional SUVs has opened the door for more car-based crossover utility vehicles, including GM’s own Buick Enclave.

What is it?
The Buick Enclave is GM’s third Lambda-based CUV — following in the footsteps of the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia and preceding the Chevrolet Traverse, which we recently tested – and is the most luxurious of GM’s large crossovers. Unlike the Enclave’s SUV brethren, the big Buick is car-based rather than truck-based, allowing for an increase in fuel economy and ride comfort, albeit at the cost of some capability.

What’s it up against?
The larger crossover segment is still in its infant stages, but it is quickly becoming one of the most competitive in the market place. In addition to the Enclave’s aforementioned stable mates, the Enclave also competes against the Lincoln MKX, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX and the smaller Lexus RX350.

Any breakthroughs?
Not for the industry, but certainly for GM. While other automakers have been in the CUV business for years, GM is only starting to get the hang of things. The Detroit automaker is learning quickly, though, as the Enclave is arguably one of the best in the segment. The Enclave’s fit and finish is light years ahead of what you’ll find in a Buick Rendezvous, and the Enclave’s styling — both inside and out – harkens back to the days of Harley Earl.

How does it look?
The opposite of any adjectives you’d use to describe a Buick from the 1980s or ’90s. With its curvaceous body and chrome-accents, the Enclave is easily the best looking of GM’s Lambda crossovers, and possibly the best-looking CUV in the segment. From its oversized waterfall front grille to its up-swept belt line, you can tell that GM designers really took their time with the Enclave and injected some much-needed emotion into the once-proud brand.

And on the inside?
Thanks to a little extra time in the design studio, the Enclave is one of the first Buick products in recent memory to actually have some kind of ‘wow’ factor. Slide behind the wheel of the Enclave and you’ll first notice its handsome dash design, highlighted by an arc atop the center stack. Wood and aluminum trim abound, giving the Enclave a modern look without going over-the-top. The Enclave’s recessed gauge cluster is straightforward and easy to read, and an aqua glow gives a unique look during nighttime driving. Small details continue to support the Enclave’s up-scale aspirations, such as leather trimmed arm rests and a concept-car inspired clear shifter surround

Fit and finish is up to snuff with the best in the biz, but the quality of materials fall just below Acura or Lexus standards.

Our CXL tester came equipped with second row bucket seats, which weren’t quite sedan comfortable. The bucket seats offer plenty of head and leg room, but feel like they could use a little more cushioning. They’re fine for around-town duties, but you might field a few complaints on longer journeys.

The Enclave’s third row is surprisingly roomy and easy to access thanks to flip and slide second row seats. Head and leg room is more than adequate – especially for a third row – and legitimately offers seating for two adults or three youngsters. When not in use, the third row folds completely flat, making for generous rear cargo room.

Overall we really like the Enclave’s interior, but, after spending a few days with the Enclave, we did find some faults that point back to GM’s badge-engineering past. The Enclave’s steering wheel wood trim doesn’t match the rest of the car’s wood trim and appears to be straight out of the Cadillac Escalade/GMC Yukon parts bin. The meat of the Enclave’s center stack and rear seat controls are also compliments of the corporate parts bin.

Yes we understand that these are small details that save GM money and the average buyer won’t notice, but they are the kind of details that set the good brands apart from the great ones. Sit back-to-back in a Honda Pilot and Acura MDX and you’ll be hard-pressed to find two things the same, despite being essentially the same vehicles.

But does it go?
Thanks to GM’s 3.6L direct-injection V6 — rated at 275 horsepower — and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offers plenty of punch at any speed. You won’t soon confuse the Enclave with the Infiniti FX35 or the Porsche Cayenne S, but there is more than enough power on tap for the average driver. Of note, the Enclave is actually the slowest Lambda of the bunch – if by only a few tenths – due to added sound-deadening materials which raise the crossover’s curb weight.

The Enclave’s six-speed transmission is a welcome departure from GM’s typical four-speed, adding refinement, smoothness and a bump in fuel economy. Those additional cogs make it nearly impossible to find the 3.6L out of breath and allow for up to 24 mpg on the highway – not bad for a large vehicle capable of hauling seven. The Enclave’s six-speed does allow for manual shifting via a shifter-mounted control, but its awkward location and the Enclave’s preference for the boulevard rendered the system virtually useless.

Why you would buy it:
You need a larger vehicle but don’t necessarily require the capabilities or image of a truck-based sport utility vehicle. You’ll also be shopping the Enclave if you want a better driving utility vehicle than the typical SUV, or if you just want to save on gas.

Why you wouldn’t:
You’re not quite ready to fork over $46,000 for a vehicle wearing the Buick logo. Although the Enclave is a very good CUV, its as tested price puts it in some pretty stiff competition – namely the Lexus RX, Infiniti FX and Acura MDX.

2009 Buick Enclave:





2009 Buick Enclave CXL AWD base price, $38,440. As tested, $46,890.
Entertainment package, $2,750; 19 inch chrome wheels, $1,495; Power sunroof with second row skylight, $1,400; Driver confidence package, $970; Luxury package, $750; Heated and cooled front seats, $650, Destination charge, $735; Wheel content credit, -$300.
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