Buick Enclave Review

2009 Buick Enclave CXL SUV Shown

The Buick Enclave is an all-new entry in the luxury crossover SUV segment and could finally end the brand's string of so-so products. It shares a platform with GM's latest group of large crossovers and features a fully independent suspension, a 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. The Enclave's interior can accommodate adults in all three rows and up to 116 cubic feet of cargo room -- more than that of many traditional full-size sport-utilities.

Current Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave crossover is new for the 2008 model year. It comes in CX and CXL trim levels with standard seven-passenger seating. An available second-row bench seat increases capacity to eight. The well-equipped CX comes with xenon headlights, a power liftgate, power driver seat, a telescoping leather/wood steering wheel, triple-zone automatic climate control, CD/MP3 audio with an auxiliary jack, satellite radio and OnStar. The upmarket CXL adds bigger wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat and memory positioning for the driver.

Most options are grouped in packages. A navigation system with a back-up camera is available, as is a premium Bose audio system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. A Driver Confidence Package adds remote start and rear park assist, and a CXL Luxury Package offers adaptive headlights, power-folding mirrors and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. A dual-panel sunroof is available on all Buick Enclaves.

Whether you choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, all Enclaves are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 275 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Properly equipped, it helps this Buick tow an impressive 4,500 pounds. All come with the latest safety equipment, including stability control with anti-rollover sensors, front side-impact airbags and three-row side curtain airbags.

Inside, the Enclave feels genuinely first-class with a design reportedly inspired by private jet cabins, with a gently curving dash, rich-looking wood-grain inlays and soft, double-stitched leather. Adding interest are a Tiffany-style analog clock and aqua blue instrumentation. With such roomy accommodations, most will probably overlook a few questionable trim choices and some minor controls that seem small and overly complicated. Access to the third row is excellent, with second-row seats that tilt and slide out of the way, and there are a useful 19 cubic feet of space behind the upright third-row seat.

The Buick Enclave's V6 offers adequate power in all situations accompanied by a mildly sporty exhaust note. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but it's programmed to maximize fuel economy so downshifts are sometimes a bit delayed. To compensate, there's a manual shift button on the shift lever -- but we'd like to see Buick offer the convenience of buttons or paddles on the steering wheel. The Enclave is quiet and smooth-riding on the highway as expected, though some buyers may find the CXL model's ride a bit too firm due to its 19-inch wheels. Overall handling is competent and predictable, though not necessarily the equal of its more driver-oriented rivals.

If you're looking for a premium people mover and don't want to join the minivan camp, we have no doubt that the Buick Enclave will more than satisfy your needs. However, there's still some question about its ultimate success as a luxury SUV. Despite being more elegant in its design and appointments than other Buicks, there are still a few questionable interior pieces that don't measure up to its upscale import-brand competition. However, if this doesn't offend and you'd rather pocket the difference in cost, the less-expensive Enclave might just be premium enough for you after all.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.