2017 Buick Enclave

Overview: The Buick Enclave launched nearly a decade ago—we first drove the model way back in early 2007—on the platform that gave us the GMC Acadia, the Chevrolet Traverse, and, briefly, the Saturn Outlook. They were all part of General Motors’ initial foray into three-row unibody SUVs as alternatives to the minivans it had just put out to pasture. The now-ancient Enclave carries on for one more year before it is overhauled on the all-new Acadia’s platform for 2018 (alongside the next Traverse), but it won’t get smaller as did the GMC, which sits below the big, body-on-frame Yukon in the Professional Grade brand’s hierarchy. With nothing above it in the Buick lineup and the mid-size Envision SUV joining the fold, the Enclave will retain its large dimensions.

All Enclaves for 2017 are powered by a 3.6-liter V-6, which shuttles its torque through a six-speed automatic to either the front or all four wheels. It can tow up to 4500 pounds. At $39,990, the base price is competitive for a near-luxury barge that can accommodate up to eight people, but a fully loaded model can crest $55K with all-wheel drive. At that point you’re in the territory of newer models such as the Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 that offer more luxury, fresher technology, and more engaging driving experiences. Even at the lower end of the spectrum, excellent competitors like the Dodge Durango and the Mazda CX-9 exist. The 2017 Enclave we drove for this review was a top-spec Premium AWD edition that stickered for $53,435, including $3265 in options.

What’s New: Because the Enclave is due to be replaced soon, 2017 sees only the addition of the conflictingly named Sport Touring option package, which costs $795 on Premium versions and $995 on the mid-grade Leather model. It’s not available on the base, FWD-only Convenience. (Really inventive trim names, all.) No matter how much you pay for the Sport Touring kit, you get a grille with black accents and a set of 20-inch wheels with, yep, black accents.

What We Like: The Enclave was a handsome piece when it arrived on the scene, and it still looks good today—at least on the outside. It also delivers a plush ride, even on larger wheels, and harsh impacts are managed deftly. Despite thick A-pillar bases, the forward sightlines are good thanks to a relatively low dash and instrument-panel cowl, and the interior feels roomy no matter where you sit, although the second-row seats are mounted uncomfortably low for taller adults. Access to the third row is easy; the second-row seats feature a bottom cushion that flips forward to allow the backrest to slide far forward, creating ample pass-through space. There’s also decent room in the third row for adult-sized humans, and they’ll remain comfortable for longer than in most other vehicles in the class. There’s a usable amount of space behind the third row—23 cubic feet, eight more than the Acura MDX—and the Enclave’s capacious interior can swallow up to 115 cubic feet of stuff behind the first row.

What We Don’t Like: This big, bulbous Buick has reached retirement age, and it shows most in the interior. GM’s latest vehicles have much better switchgear and interior materials than the Enclave, which only serves to reinforce the cheapness in a cabin that felt out of step a few years ago. Many displays are still of the old pixelated variety, the fake wood looks really fake, shiny plastics abound, and the Buick lacks some of the latest connectivity options, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. (It does have second-row USB ports for charging, however, as well as 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability as standard.) Similarly, the Enclave’s discordant primary controls—for example, the steering is ultralight and vague, while the accelerator pedal is overly reluctant to respond to inputs—stand in stark contrast to the excellent and harmonious tuning found in the General’s newer mainstream offerings, such as the latest Buick LaCrosse, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Malibu. The Buick also is slow for its competitive set, even among those in its (ample) weight class, and thirstier, too.

Verdict: The Enclave remains marginally competitive, but there are many newer and better options available for the same or less money.

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Specifications >

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive, 7- or 8-passenger, 4-door hatchback

BASE PRICES: Convenience, $39,990;
Leather, $44,690;
Premium, $48,550

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 217 cu in, 3564 cc
Power: 288 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 118.9 in
Length: 201.9 in
Width: 79.0 in Height: 71.7 in
Passenger volume: 150 cu ft
Cargo volume: 23 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 4850–5100 lb

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 15/22 mpg

C/D TEST RESULTS FOR:
2016 Buick Enclave AWD
Zero to 60 mph: 7.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 23.2 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.4 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.5 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 6.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.3 sec @ 86 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 108 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 g
Curb weight: 5069 lb
C/D observed fuel economy: 15 mpg