Road & Track
Buick is bucking the crossover bandwagon—those SUV-looking vehicles built on car platforms—with this stylish alternative. Proof of its “organic approach to design”: seamless body panels, a wood-trimmed dash, and triple-seal doors. Sound insulation ensures a super-quiet ride, and the hydraulic power-assisted drive is “spot-on.” This New Age family transport is both beautiful and functional.
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At 70 mph, the Enclave was actually quieter than a Lexus RX400h. Standard safety features include six air bags and traction control, though braking is merely average. Fuel economy “in our hands” was 14 mph. If heavy towing is not a primary concern, this luxury crossover ranks beside competitors from Acura, Lexus, and Volvo—and it costs a lot less.
Perhaps a better name for the Enclave would be the “Buick Gated Community.” This soothing alternative to SUVs offers plenty of protection and exclusivity, though huge rear pillars interfere with visibility. Since the Enclave weighs in at 5,000 pounds, the 275-hp engine has “a considerable load” to bear, and the transmission is occasionally slow to downshift.
