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.
Leftlane’s bottom line
We know the Enclave is a Buick, but don’t let the badge fool you. The Enclave is what happens when the world’s largest automaker actually focuses on producing a top-notch product. At $46,000 the Enclave CXL isn’t exactly cheap, but it comes loaded to the gills – navigation, Xenon headlights that turn with the steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, remote start and a power lift gate , just to name a few. Compare the Enclave CXL to a comparably equipped Acura or Infiniti and you’re not even in the same zip code.
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.
Words and photos by Drew Johnson.
12/03, 8:40 AM
posted by:
A4
if you buy a lexus RX over this vehicle you are an absolute fool… i would take the FX before both though
12/03, 9:45 AM
posted by:
howsmydriving
What would Tiger Woods think of Enclave? Was Tiger Woods even consulted before his contract expired? Did Tiger Woods oversee the design? Was Tiger Woods part of the Enclave management team? Would Tiger Woods choose Enclave as his personal vehicle? These are key considerations that any buyer will want to know.
12/03, 9:47 AM
posted by:
oldraven
I want one of these so bad. I can handle 24mpg in a vehicle of that size, considering my much smaller 4-cyl CVT Vue only gets 2 miles more out of a gallon. We’re planning on adding two more kids to our family (we have to already), so upsizing is inevitable. It may as well be in something that looks this gorgeous.
12/03, 9:58 AM
posted by:
oldraven
to=two
12/03, 9:59 AM
posted by:
teahead
How can you compare this to the RX? RX is tiny w/no room in it.
Apples v. oranges.
Now compare the GX to this CUV and you’re getting closer. And the GX is like what…$60k?
12/03, 10:08 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
GM needs to hire Plaxico Burress in some capacity seeing as they’ve been accidentally shooting themselves for years.
12/03, 10:18 AM
posted by:
Borat
Johnny, you make my morning lighter with laugh. Burress would not do however. They need an expert in shooting own testicles off, he missed.
12/03, 10:25 AM
posted by:
Borat
My commentary on actual vehicle
What’s it up against? GM board of directors and upcoming corporate death after bailout or instead of it (most likely after). You could not squeeze out directorial gray matter when their were compensated millions for incompetence, how much incompetence you get for a buck?
Why you would buy it: complete idiot. if company put on respirator before death, they must stop producing those vehicles to satisfy green fraction of government which will pass them the $$$. If company croaks (unlikely) you have unsupported product. Actually, you pretty much get unsupported product even if GM continues to sustain one foot in the grave posture.
Why you wouldn’t: all of the above
12/03, 11:14 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
IL – the Enclave and all of the GM Lamba vehicles are not technically “car-based.” The Lambda platform was designed from the ground-up to be a cross-over vehicle, and doesn’t share platforms with any car. This is an important distinction that results in a better vehicle with fewer compromises. Unlike the Lexus RX, which is based on the Camry, the Acura MDX/Pilot, which is based on the Accord, and the Infiniti FX/Murano, which is based on the G35.
Also, you claim the “quality of materials” is below Acura or Lexus standards… please explain with examples, or if it’s just subjective opinion, note it as such.
12/03, 11:43 AM
posted by:
oldraven
Borat, if you were trying to prove that your company was to be viable in the future, would you prove it by axing one of the only current models you have that are desirable? A car that everyone is touting as a real breakthrough for the Brand?
12/03, 12:01 PM
posted by:
Borat
oldraven, I actually like the vehicle, despite the company it keeps
. That is not my point, how good or bad it is, the point I am making that if GM will get the bailout 40-50 billions (yes I know they asked for only 18 till March of 09, but I am an optimist and hope that they either will stop asking or government will stop giving after 50 billions), condition of bailout will be fuel efficient vehicles. 24 mpg was fuel efficient in early 70’s.
12/03, 1:20 PM
posted by:
Generic User Name
Z06ified- The FX and Murano do NOT share the platform. The FX rides on Nissan’s FM platform which underpins the 370Z, FX, EX and G. The Murano rides on a version of the Altima’s platform. Hence why the FX is rear drive and the Murano is FWD
12/03, 1:46 PM
posted by:
non_biased_enthusiast
This is a well written article. Thanks Drew.
12/03, 1:47 PM
posted by:
A4
24mpg was fuel efficient for a GREMLIN in the early 70s, does this look like a gremlin to you? And yes, this vehicle goes head to head with the Lexus RX. The RX is in the same price bracket, and has available 3 row seating. Not to mention the next gen will only grow fatter to solidify that comparison,
12/03, 3:27 PM
posted by:
inline6
Borat,
The Hyundai Santa Fe (both the 2.7 and 3.3) gets 24mpg highway, and it’s (3.3L) got 46 less horsepower, 44 less lb-ft of torque, is 17.7″ shorter, 4.6″ narrower, and is a whopping 934lbs lighter than the Enclave.
The non-Hybrid Highlander gets 24mpg hwy, and it’s got 18 less horsepower, 22 less lb-ft of torque, is 13.4″ shorter, 3.8″ narrower, and is 801lbs lighter than the Enclave.
The Pilot gets 23mpg hwy, and it’s got 38 less horsepower, 17 less lb-ft of torque, is 10.9″ shorter, 0.5″ narrower, and weighs 670lbs less than the Enclave.
The Lexus RX350 gets 23mpg hwy, but has 18 less horsepower, 19 less lb-ft of torque, is 15.6″ shorter, 6.4″ narrower, and 910lbs lighter than the Enclave.
The Acura MDX gets 20mpg hwy (AWD, Enclave AWD gets 23mpg), but has only 12 more horsepower, 5 more lb-ft of torque, is 11.1″ shorter, 0.5″ narrower, and weighs 437lbs less than the Enclave.
The Lincoln MKX gets 23mpg hwy, doesn’t come with a 3rd row at all, has 23 less hp, 20 less lb-ft of torque, is 15.3″ shorter, and weighs 570lbs less than the Enclave.
It would seem as though your complaints are ill-founded.
For a vehicle that weighs nearly 4800-5000lbs, the fact that the Enclave gets as good or better mileage than all of its competitors, while offering more power and torque (save the MDX, which is more powerful, but gets a paltry 20mpg to Enclave’s 23mpg), and being much larger than all of them, the Enclave is indeed a breakthrough.
12/03, 4:15 PM
posted by:
Architect
The Buick Enclave is an exceptional vehicle, which proves there is life within GM should they survive this disastrous economic storm. I would buy this vehicle (and am considering doing so for our next ‘family’ car) over ANY of the competition (the Flex is appealing as well, but in a completely different way).
12/03, 8:48 PM
posted by:
vortec4200
I think of Enclave as “the sexy fat girl.” She’s a bit porky and thick, but damn those are some nice curves all the way around.
12/07, 2:17 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
LLN: nothing is “proverbial” unless it comes from a proverb.
My enclave has enough capability for me.
LLN: neither highlander, nor for that matter, neither pilot, is a proper competitor. ditto the MKX.
I tested the CX-9 and tribeca, and the Q7 is the perfect competitor.
“the Enclave is arguably one of the best in the segment.” Why bother saying anything, if you say that?
“The Enclave’s fit and finish is light years ahead of what you’ll find in a Buick Rendezvous …” The Rendezvous wasn’t that bad, but point taken.
” the Enclave is one of the first Buick products in recent memory to actually have some kind of ‘wow’ factor.” yep.
“Fit and finish is up to snuff with the best in the biz, but the quality of materials fall just below A–a or L—s standards.
OK, that’s it, I’m done with this article … PLEASE STOP INSULTING MY INTELLIGENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A4: “if you buy a (REBADGED HIGHLANDER) over this vehicle you are an absolute fool…” “Hear, hear! I think the FX is good, but it doesn’t work for me.
howsmydriving: F— Tiger Woods
oldraven: “I want one of these so bad.” I’d reccomend one, though in the interest of fair disclosure I’ve owned mine less than a year and it’s only got 9K on it.
Z06ified: The “RX” is a rebadged highlander/Camry wagon. The Pilots are based on the Accord
A4: … “This vehicle goes head to head with the L—s ‘RX.’” Maybe head to nutsack.
Architect: “The Buick Enclave is an exceptional vehicle.” yep.
vortec4200: There are sexy plump girls, but I think sexy stops short of fat.