General Motors was the first to market a three-row crossover with the 2007 Saturn Outlook. Built upon the internally known Lambda platform, the Outlook garnered instant success. Soon, the Lambda architecture was used by the rest of the GM family: Chevrolet, GMC and Buick.
Unfortunately for Saturn, the Outlook only had a short run, but the Lambda platform continues to live on in the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave as a proven architecture.
Compared to its siblings, the Buick Enclave boasts the most standard features and a classy look. It is the cornerstone of the brand’s renaissance and is widely popular in the luxury, large crossover segment. However, it faces stiff competition from newcomers such as the Acura MDX, the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7.
The Buick Enclave received a fairly extensive mid-cycle refresh in 2013, so changes to the 2015 model are minimal, namely new interior and exterior colours and a heated steering wheel for upper-level trims.
Design
Clearly, this Enclave is not your grandfather’s Buick. The current Enclave is defined by modern, contemporary styling.
The Enclave is designed first and foremost to comfortably accommodate three rows of adults. It is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, and comes in three trim levels, including Convenience, Leather and Premium.
Despite the recent redesign being only a mid-cycle refresh, exterior enhancements were quite comprehensive, including reshaped fenders, a new hood and chrome side mouldings. Signature elements include the black-chrome waterfall grille and wing-shape LED lighting.
The Enclave’s cabin features luxurious amenities and high-quality materials. The fine leather is equal to the feel of premium home furnishings.
Buick has also provided nice standard safety features. Every Enclave comes with Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. The Enclave also boasts the industry’s first front centre side-impact air bag system, protecting front passengers in far-side impact crashes.
Performance
The Enclave is powered by a 3.6-litre, direct injected V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Output is rated at 288 hp and 270 ft-lbs of torque while FWD models return 8.4L/100km highway fuel consumption.
Living up to its premium image, the Enclave provides a quiet and comfortable ride. Highway commutes are effortless, and while it doesn’t boast a huge amount of horsepower, it has adequate acceleration for passing.
Aiding the Enclave’s calm ride is Buick’s QuietTuning sound suppression system. This is more than just a marketing gimmick. At higher speeds, road noise can’t be heard and the engine is delightfully quiet, reducing fatigue over long drives.
And for those planning on minor off-road excursions, the Enclave is quite capable of handling steep passes despite its 4,745-pound (FWD) curb weight. However, the bulk is felt a bit more on twisty roads. If needed, the Enclave can also tow up to 4500 lbs.
While it may not carve up a canyon road, the suspension does provide confident, steady grip in normal driving conditions. The Enclave feels smaller than it is at low speeds, especially with the available variable-effort steering.
Environment
On board, the new Enclave features a handsome dash with classic instrument faces and a clean integration of the touchscreen.
The standard 6.5-inch HD colour touchscreen works with GM’s IntelliLink infotainment system. This system is customizable and offers a high level of wireless connectivity. Not only are you able to create a “home page” for your favourite features, but it uses online services such as Stitcher SmartRadio. Voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling is offered, as it was in previous models.
The screen also serves as the display for the standard rearview camera. It also works nicely with the available navigation system and DVD player.
Driving the Enclave is no chore from the eight-way power front seats and the wood steering wheel looks and feels great. Heated and cooled front seats are only options, but the driver seat comes with a standard memory function.
The standout feature of the Enclave’s cabin is its versatility. Available in seven or eight passenger configurations, the second row seats feature the SmartSlide system. Legroom is generous in both rear rows, but with the pull of a handle you can easily access the third row or increase cargo space.
On the topic of cargo space, the new Enclave remains at the top of this segment with a maximum total cargo volume of 115.2 cubic feet. That is achieved with the second-row folded and the third-row removed, but with both in place, there is still 23.3 cubic feet.
Features
The base model Enclave Convenience is one of the most affordable in this segment with a $42,295 starting price. Leather models start at $47,445 and Premium models begin at $51,545.
Standard equipment includes steering wheel mounted Bluetooth, cruise and audio controls, keyless entry with remote start, automatic three-zone climate control, second-row captain’s chairs, heated power exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear park assist, and a power rear liftgate.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive forward lighting, heated and cooled front seats, and a power tilt and telescopic steering column.
Fuel consumption (L/100km) for FWD models are 12.7 city, 8.4 highway and 10.8 combined. AWD models return 13.0 city, 8.6 highway and 11.0 combined.
Thumbs Up
The Enclave’s quiet, comfortable ride makes driving this large crossover easy and its interior versatility allows you to do many things in any circumstance.
Thumbs Down
While Buick’s image has been rising considerably recently, some luxury buyers will only look at a European or Japanese brands because they offer substantially “cooler” designs. Those rivals also offer diesel-powered luxury SUVs with better fuel consumption.
The Bottom Line
If you want an upscale crossover that follows the traditional American model and can comfortably accommodate seven or eight people, the 2015 Buick Enclave is good value for money.
Competitors
Acura MDX
The MDX impressively blends comfortable seating for seven, a good driving experience and a reasonable sticker price. The MDX also comes with Acura’s reliability reputation and sporty handling.
The newest MDX has a starting price of $49,990
Volvo XC90
If safety is your primary buying concern, the XC90 is one of the safest vehicles on the road, not just seven-passenger crossovers. Current models don’t offer a lot of cargo space or power, but a completely redesigned model is to arrive soon.
The 2014 Volvo XC90 starts at $50,800, but 2015 prices have not be released yet.
Audi Q7
The Q7 offers everything Audi is known for and the versatility of a third-row seat. The Q7 is available with two powerful gas engines and an efficient turbo diesel. A new version is coming out soon in 2015.
Audi Q7 starting prices range from $58,200 to $73,500 across its three models.
