| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | $30,000 to $40,000 Mid-Sized Crossover SUV |
| Who should buy this car: | A family looking for a upscale crossover with loads of room for 7 or 8 people and and a comfortable, super quiet cabin |
| Comparable models in this class: | Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Infiniti FX35, Lexus RX350, Lincoln MKX, Saturn Outlook |
ST. LOUIS Crossover vehicles blend attributes of an SUV, a car and a truck. Because they are designed to haul people and things, crossovers are essentially the minivans of the new millennium, according to Maria Rohrer, Buick marketing director.
Minivans are so pass that General Motors no longer builds them. The Enclave shares its basic chassis platform with the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. All three vehicles reflect new levels of refinement and style, but the Enclave seems to stand out as the boldest of the trio.
Styling is a key attribute of the Enclave, which combines fashion with luxury, handling and performance in a way that puts it on even footing with the best-selling vehicles in the segment. The bold exterior bulges in all the right places and it has wheels that sit out nearly flush with the body sides. The cabins greenhouse, or window area, is slightly narrower than the rest of the body, adding to the muscular, well-planted stance. Inside, there is room for seven or eight, depending on the configuration.
On the twisting two-lane roads of rural Missouri, the Enclave sat firmly and confidently. The body stayed admirably flat in turns, and the ride is both comfortable and responsive. A compact independent rear suspension plays a big role in the vehicles overall handling prowess, but some credit also goes to the Michelin tires that were designed specifically for the Enclave to provide good grip without sacrificing ride quality or noise. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 19s are optional.
Quiet vehicles intrinsically feel luxurious, and Buick engineers paid a great deal of attention to noise reduction throughout the Enclaves design. The windshield utilizes glass with a sound-deadening laminate, portions of the body have laminated steel panels, and expandable foam that absorbs noise fills many body cavities. Its easy to talk inside the vehicle at 70 miles per hour, even from the third row. As one engineer said, you have to be careful what you say about your kids because now they can hear every word.
The Enclaves 3.6-liter V-6 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This transversely mounted powerplant, also used in the Outlook and Acadia, has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. Horsepower is 275.
Out on the road, this engine is smooth and relatively quiet. Mash the throttle and it responds with good power. I found that cruising through hilly terrain with three persons aboard caused the engine to shift up and down frequently to maintain a consistent speed. More midrange torque would give the Enclave even stronger performance in these situations.
Price: We drove a wide variety of vehicles, both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive CX has a base price of $32,055. An all-wheel-drive CXL begins at $36,255. Add $735 to each number for the destination charge.
Warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles, with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
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