2009 Buick Enclave Expert Review: Autoblog
Autoblog
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When the Buick Enclave concept hit the Detroit Auto Show in 2006, the roomy CUV was very well received, but past experiences left both the media and public skeptical. Many felt that the stunning looks and luxury amenities of the Enclave would never make it to the dealer lot, and in the end there would be a lot of compromises made to keep costs down. As it turns out, the General pulled a fast one, and the exterior and much of the interior of the classy concept hit production intact. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz kept saying that Buick could compete with Lexus in terms of quality and refinement, and the Enclave shows that blogger Bob isn't just blowing smoke. We've been eagerly awaiting a crack at the Enclave in the Autoblog garage, and now we've finally got our chance. Read on for our impressions from our week-long test.
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On the road, the Enclave has a commanding presence. Buick's CUV is Tahoe-like in both width and length, and the Enclave's monstrous chrome grille looms large in many a rear-view mirror. While the Enclave shares its underpinnings with both the Saturn Outlook and the GMC Acadia, the Buick gets by far the most distinctive sheetmetal. Elegant, flowing lines are accented with tasteful chrome trim on the bodywork and around the headlights and taillights. The aforementioned grille and optional 19" wheels get an extra helping of the stuff, and give the Escalade a run for its money in the bling department. The size of the tires on the Enclave are massive, even when compared with other CUVs and even some larger pickups. 
Few large vehicles we've driven have garnered more positive comments than the Enclave, and one passer-by actually asked if he could sit in the back seat to test out the captain's chairs. Once inside, the appreciation of the large CUV grows. The driver's seat is so roomy, it took us a couple days to get used to our newfound freedom. Comfortable and supportive, the front seats provided ample cushioning for a long trip up north. Thanks to its lower ride height, getting in and out of the Enclave is a bit easier than in most truck-based SUVs. The steering wheel on our CXL (the L stands for leather) mixed thick leather with wood, and large, easy-to-use redundant controls were well-placed and easily accessible. The only problem we had with the controls was that we hit the tuner button on three separate occasions when making large turns, which changed the channel on the radio.
The gauge cluster was bright and legible, and contained a readout for everything we could ever need. The backlighting looked very classy at night, with the analog clock, radio read-out, steering controls, and gauge cluster all sharing the same crisp blue hue. The center armrest has a small storage area for receipts, pens, or change, and a much larger compartment below can store anything from a small purse to bottled waters or snacks. 
The center stack is an important part of every vehicle, as it adds character to the cabin while providing the driver and passenger with necessary functions and information. The Enclave scored extremely high in this regard, with a similar layout to what you'd find in a Tahoe or up-level Suburban, and truly easy to use HVAC controls. There's a digital time display on the Bose stereo, which some would call redundant due to the analog clock situated directly above it. I had the same thought until my daughter, while in the 3rd row seat, read the time aloud for her younger sisters. She couldn't read the analog clock, but the digital display on the radio was clearly legible. 
While the Enclave's exterior design will grab your attention, the second and third rows are where this crossover shines the most. The Enclave is positively huge inside, and with the captain's chairs in the second row, seven full-grown adults can travel in comfort, six if they're tall or big-boned. The hot summer weather was kept at bay by a very strong air conditioning unit, as all three rows get their own individual vents, and the big cabin cools down quicker than some compacts. The Enclave provides the flexibility of a fold-flat third row, giving you the ability to load plenty of groceries or shopping goods. One item we'd like to have is a deep well behind row three, as some items rolled around on the flat surface. There is a removable compartment with a shallow well that works OK, but removing the top could mean losing it forever, as many a family can attest.
When on the road, the Enclave doesn't feel as big as a Tahoe and it's more nimble than a smaller Explorer or 4-Runner. The steering has a nice weighted feel, although we'd never call the 4,800lb CUV sporty. Body roll was minimal when hitting turns at 15-20mph, and I didn't get the tire-squeal I tend to hear in my 2006 Freestyle. The 275hp, 3.6L V6 provides steady acceleration both from a stop and at highway speeds, but we get the feeling the Enclave's powertrain was tuned more towards fuel economy than performance. The proof was in the pudding, too, as we achieved an absolutely astounding 21.5mpg in very mixed driving. The Enclave's 6-speed transmission was very smooth, and even has grade shift logic, which automatically downshifts when going downhill with a boat or camper in tow. We didn't tow anything during our time with the Enclave, but GM says you can pull up to 4,500lbs with the optional heavy tow package.
Safety features include Stabilitrak, extremely bright and aesthetically-pleasing Xenon headlamps, heated side mirrors, a backup sensor, and heated washer fluid. OnStar is standard, and the available turn-by-turn navigation is outstanding. All you need to do is hit the On-Star button located on the rear-view mirror, give the operator the name or address of the place you'd like to go, and you'll be given audible, computer-generated directions all the way to your destination point. On-Star will even look up phone numbers for you, which can save $1.50 or more per call vs. using your cell phone to call information. Our tester also had XM Radio and the optional Bose audio system. The sound quality is superb, especially when you're listening to talk radio. We didn't listen to much music during our time in the Enclave, however, as we got our first taste of the many comedy channels that XM has to offer. This feature alone made my 45 minute commute to work pass by very quickly.
The Buick Enclave starts at $32,790 for the CX, and $34,990 for the CXL. Our tester was $37,780, and it included the upgraded sound system and 19' wheels. Overall, the Enclave is an excellent CUV that combines many luxury appointments with the roominess and flexibility found in thirstier SUVs. The 21.5mpg we achieved during our tenure with the Enclave blew us away, especially when considering the amount of city driving we did with a car full of people. GM has done some of its best work with the Enclave, and judging by the reactions others had to our test vehicle, the General will be rewarded with increased sales volume as time rolls by. $37,780
New Car Test Drive
Big crossover SUV is smooth and refined.
Introduction
The 2009 Buick Enclave is a luxury crossover sport utility vehicle that seats seven or eight, offers big cargo space, and gets good fuel economy and performance from a modern V6 engine. As a large midsize crossover, it offers the space of a truck-based SUV yet it is built using car-like unibody construction.
Buick Enclave shares its basic platform with the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and Chevy Traverse, but it's as different from each of them as chalk is from cheese. Enclave is aimed at the upper end of the crossover segment, with competitors like the Acura MDX, Lexus RX 350 and Mercedes-Benz R 350. Enclave's styling is completely different from its siblings.
But what really sets the Enclave apart is its modern cabin, with stylish illumination, crisp graphics, genuine wood trim and nice leather. The seats are comfortable, and it can be ordered with a second-row bench seat or luxurious captain's chairs, depending on whether seven- or eight-passenger capacity is needed. There's lots of convenient cubby storage and the Enclave offers 115 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats folded down.
Equipped with GM's high-feature 3.6-liter V6, the Enclave offers good acceleration performance while earning an EPA-estimated 16/22 City/Highway mpg (with all-wheel drive) under the more stringent new test procedures. Enclave is rated to tow up to 4500 pounds. Smooth and practical, we think it may be the best vehicle Buick has ever built, though there are some fine vintage models we certainly wouldn't mind having.
The Enclave was introduced for the 2008 model year. For 2009, Enclave gets a more powerful engine and various equipment upgrades. The 3.6-liter V6 engine adds direct-injection, upping horsepower from 275 to 288 and torque from 251 to 270 pound-feet. New features for 2009 include a standard Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, real-time traffic information for the available navigation system, available heated and cooled front seats, and a 110-volt power outlet that comes with all entertainment packages. A rear-view camera that projects its image on the rearview mirror is also new.
Lineup
The 2009 Buick Enclave is offered in CX and CXL models, each with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Both come with the high-feature 3.6-liter 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing. At this stage, no hybrid, diesel, or V8 version is on the horizon.
Enclave CX ($35,070) and CX AWD ($37,070) come standard with cloth upholstery, three-zone automatic climate control with rear controls, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, 6-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, 2-way power front passenger seats, second-row captain's chairs, split-folding third-row seat, OnStar assistance, power windows, power locks, power heated mirrors with turn signals, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD stereo with XM satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass, outside temperature indicator, power liftgate, automatic bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, roof rails, and P255/65R18 tires on alloy wheels.
The CXL ($37,380) and CXL AWD ($39,380) add to the CX leather upholstery, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, a 4-way power front passenger seat, memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, and P255/60R19 tires.
Options are many, including a range of four entertainment packages that build upon one another: Package 1 ($860) includes 10 Bose speakers, rear audio controls and a 110-volt power outlet; Package 2 ($2155) adds a rear DVD entertainment system; Package 3 ($2750) adds a touch-screen navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, as well as a rear backup camera; and Package 4 ($4045) gets a Bose surround sound system. The Luxury package ($750) includes power folding exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror, steering-linked headlamps, and a power tilt/telescoping steering column; the Driver Confidence package ($920) includes remote engine starting, ultrasonic rear parking assist, and heated washer fluid. Other options include chromed aluminum 19-inch wheels ($1495), a second-row center console ($300), heated and cooled front seats ($650), a power sunroof with a second-row skylight ($1400), the Panasonic DVD rear-entertainment system with dual screens ($2010), a trailer towing package ($500 CX, $425 CXL), and a rear cargo cover ($130). A second-row, three-passenger bench seat is a $495 credit.
Safety features that come standard include dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags with rollover deployment, OnStar emergency communications (with turn-by-turn navigation), tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Enclave is rated as a five-star front-crash, five-star side-crash and four-star rollover safety vehicle by the federal government.
Walkaround
The exterior design of the Buick Enclave is more elegant and refined than that of the GMC Acadia, which is deliberately truck-like, and the Saturn Outlook, which carries the new Saturn front end and grille design and is well downmarket from the Enclave.
The Enclave carries the latest Buick design language. The protruding vertical bar grille and vestigial portholes on the hood make sure you know it's a Buick. The evolving design of that grille and the sculpted sides are reflected in the upcoming 2010 Buick LaCrosse.
The long body shell is anything but boxy, with curvy, swoopy, and sexy shapes from every angle. All of the front lighting elements use clear lenses, with lots of different elements to please the eye and light the road. Everything under the bumper is kept simple and clean to draw the eye to that massive grille. The standard tires are big, fat 18-inchers on seven-spoke alloy wheels, with 19-inchers optional and 20-inchers available from your dealer, and they certainly add to the visual punch of the Enclave. The roof and the side windows are done in a gracefully decreasing sweep from front to rear, accented by bright-metal roof bars that follow the roof's curvature perfectly front to back.
Out back, the top-hinged tailgate with standard power opening and closing is a work of art, with the rear glass extending beyond the sheetmetal into the rear opening. The rear glass is quite large, and is convex-shaped, coming to a point just above the Buick tri-shield logo and above the wide-screen taillamps. Under the rear bumper is a diffuser panel and dual exhausts with bright tips, making for one of the tastiest rear-end treatments in the crossover segment.
Interior
The cabin is what sets the Buick Enclave from other seven- and eight-passenger crossovers. Starting with the double-wave dashboard and instrument panel and going all the way back to the rear cargo floor, it's as modern as tomorrow and as functional as a Swiss Army knife.
The chrome-ringed white-on-black instruments and analog clock are highly styled, with a soft blue-green illumination (which is repeated around the perimeter of the headlamp), and halo lighting at night. The graphics are large and clear, and the wood is real. On the CXL version, the steering wheel is leather and mahogany, with 10 switches and controls mounted on it for easy use. The layout is familiar GM, with a large, bright navigation screen low enough to be shaded, high enough to be seen without distraction. The dead pedal on the far left of the floor is the first one we know of to be specially designed for use by women wearing high-heeled shoes.
New for 2009 is a rearview camera that projects on the rearview mirror when buyers opt for the camera without a navigation system. In a messy Chicago winter, the camera lens became speckled with dirt and salt, making the image hard to see in the rearview mirror. A larger image on the navigation screen would have been easier to see and more helpful. Our recommendation is to spring for the navigation system with the full-size display.
Seven- and eight-passenger seating is available: The standard seven-passenger, 2-2-3 seating scheme uses second-row captain's chairs with a feature called Smart Slide that allows easy entry into the third row by flopping the seats forward and sliding them fore and aft; this can also be ordered with a second floor console for storage and 12-volt power. Or, there's a second-row bench seat that makes for a 2-3-3 seating scheme for a total of eight passengers.
Either way, the driver and front-seat passenger get power bucket seats. The third row is usable for more than just kids. The third row has enough head-room for adults, and leg room is good for kids and fair for adults. Three kids will fit across, but three adults will find it tight. Only small kids will find the third row comfortable for long trips, though, because the seat bottoms sit too low to provide thigh support.
The Enclave gets high marks for storage space and flexibility. There's 23.2 cubic feet of cargo room just inside the power tailgate behind the third row, 67.5 cubic feet with the third row seats down, and 115.3 cubic feet with both rows folded. Another 4 cubic feet of storage space is found under the rear cargo floor. And if you need to, you can flop the passenger seat over as well for extra-long cargo. Up front, the Enclave has storage on top of the dash for sunglasses, iPods, and cell phones. Buick says the Enclave has 24 storage areas, counting door pockets, under-seat areas, and built-in storage. The Buick Enclave has more cargo volume than the Acura MDX, the Lexus RX, Volvo XC90, and Audi Q7 do.
Driving Impression
The Buick Enclave offers brisk acceleration performance. Buick claims a 0–60 time in the low eight-second-range, not bad for 5000 pounds. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine features a special intake system for increased power, and for 2009, it gets direct-injection, which adds 13 horsepower and 19 pound-feet of torque. The added power makes the Enclave slightly more responsive. Because the Enclave is lighter than a truck-based SUV, you don't really miss having a V8 engine.
The Enclave's six-speed automatic transmission benefits from special gearing that gives a 14.2 overall ratio in first gear for rapid acceleration and a 2.33:1 ratio in sixth gear overdrive that lets the engine run at very relaxed rpm at Interstate cruising speeds. So you get quick acceleration performance for jumping on the freeway, but long-legged relaxed cruising at high speeds.
The Enclave also offers frugal fuel economy for its size. It scores an EPA-estimated 17/24 City/Highway mpg with front-wheel drive and 16/22 with AWD. By comparison, the AWD Cadillac Escalade is rated 12/18 mpg. The Enclave is 800 pounds lighter than the Escalade and its V6 is more fuel-efficient than the Escalade's V8.
For some years now, Buicks have been all about living your driving life in splendid isolation, and that's true is spades with this big empty box called Enclave, the toughest kind of vehicle to quiet down. The Buick folks have taken dozens of time-consuming and expensive steps to quiet down the engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive system, and tires, isolate the front and rear suspension and steering from the cabin, and wrap the entire package in sound-deadening materials in the floor, pillars and doors, all under the rubric of Quiet Ride. In lab tests, the Buick Enclave is quieter than the Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Acura competition, and in our road-driving experience in Missouri, it was extremely quiet. Conversations between first-row and third-row occupants at 70-plus mph were heard and understood in normal speaking voices, and the XM satellite music played through loud and clear at reasonable volumes.
The suspension on the Enclave is far more sophisticated, far sharper in handling and far more compliant and comfortable than what we'd come to expect from this class of vehicles. The rear suspension is especially complex and expensive, designed to work well with or without the rear-drive portion of the all-wheel-drive system, and using elaborate aluminum H-arms to put the wheels out as far as possible to the corners and allow for a wide, flat load floor up above.
Flying around on Ozark Mountain two-lane roads or humming down I-44 and I-64 in and around St. Louis, the Enclave showed off ride and handling. It provided a quiet, compliant ride, and very, very quiet road behavior. It's far more carlike than any of GM's big truck-based SUVs, with much less lean in turns. Drivers will find that it feels much smaller than its considerable size. The steering is accurate, although a bit numb.
The all-wheel-drive system operates full-time all the time, automatically adjusting to road speed, throttle position and the relative speeds of each of the four tires, wet or dry. We think the all-wheel drive is well worth the extra money. Normally, it is biased 90/10 front/rear torque split, normally operates between 40/60 and 60/40 in most driving, but it can divert 100 percent of available torque to the rear wheels if necessary. No buttons, no ranges, no fuss, just traction.
Summary
With all due respect and reverence for classic Buicks like the 1956 Century, the '63 and '66 Rivieras, and the pavement-ripping GS 455 Stage II of the muscle-car era, we'll go out on a short, sturdy limb and call the Enclave the best Buick ever built, and the most complete Buick we've ever driven. If you're in the market for a luxurious family hauler, give this one a long, serious look. It makes much more sense than a heavier, more wasteful truck-based SUV for anyone who doesn't need to tow a heavy load.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw test drove the Enclave in the Ozarks. Correspondent Kirk Bell reported from Chicago.
Model Lineup
Buick Enclave CX ($32,790); CX AWD ($34,790); CXL ($34,990); CXL AWD ($36,990).
Assembled In
Lansing, Michigan.
Options As Tested
Entertainment package 4 ($4045) with navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, rearview camera, Bose Surround Sound audio system, rear radio controls, DVD entertainment system, and 110-volt power outlet; Driver's Confidence package ($920) with rear park assist, remote engine starting, and heated washer fluid; Luxury package ($750) with power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, power folding mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming, and steering-linked adaptive headlights; chrome alloy wheels ($1495).
Model Tested
Buick Enclave CXL AWD ($39,380).
2009 Buick Enclave Information
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