The Buick Enclave truly sits in an enviable place in the midsize luxury crossover market. While the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, Volvo XC90, and other similarly priced crossovers are midsize crossovers, the Enclave combines the style of a crossover, the size of a full-size SUV, and the luxury of premium luxury SUVs in an expertly engineered bargain.
Exterior Design (8.5/10)
The Buick Enclave does what most other companies can only aspire to do: combine size and style in a practical crossover. The stylish LED daytime running lights, chrome finishes, and signature large chrome-and-black grill makes for the perfect facade for a crossover. And although the rear styling hardly turns heads, the chrome accents makes the Enclave one of the most attractive exterior designs in its class.
Interior Design and Refinement (7/10)
Although the exterior design of the Enclave is phenomenal, the interior design needs work. The steering wheel is seriously outdated, the multi-purpose console resembles a microwave's knobs more than a 21st century dashboard, and the interior contains some cheap materials. However, the leather seats (in the Leather and Premium packages) are soft and luxurious, and the dashboard contains some soft materials as well. Furthermore, the 3rd row access is unmatched in crossovers, as the second row seats contort and fold in a way that allows for limousine-like access to the spacious 3rd row. Thus, while the interior styling may be outdated, the comfort and size of the interior makes this car worth buying.
Technology (6/10)
The technological features in the Buick Enclave are seriously behind other vehicles in its class. The Enclave lacks convenience features available in cheaper vehicles, including keyless entry, keyless go, and autonomous driving features (such as active lane keeping assist and collision prevention). However, the safety features available in the Enclave, including lane departure warning (but no active assisting feature), collision warning, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert are both affordable and reliable. So while the Enclave's safety and convenience features are not as active and advanced as those of other crossovers in its class, the reliability and efficiency of the features that are available are a favorable aspect of this crossover.
Performance and Efficiency (8.5/10)
The Enclave does what very few crossovers can do: it combines size and safety with performance and handling. Although the 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds seems like a long time, the direct-injected 288 horsepower V6 engine allows for a remarkably smooth acceleration. However, the performance and smooth drive of the Enclave takes a large toll on the efficiency, as the MPG of the Enclave (17 city/24 highway for AWD version) comes nowhere near other similarly priced crossovers. So while Buick was able to make the Enclave handle and perform well, the large size and capability of the Enclave slightly hampers its efficiency.
Ride and Handling (9.5/10)
When it comes to ride quality and handling, SUVs really don't get much better than the Buick Enclave. The luxurious and quiet ride of this crossover rivals that of much more expensive full-size SUVs, and the handling of the Enclave is far superior to most crossovers and SUVs in its class. Furthermore, the snow ride of the Enclave is flawless. Overall, the Enclave gives everything consumers the best of all worlds when it comes to luxurious and smooth ride and superb handling.
Price, Competitors, and Verdict
The luxury midsize crossover market is extremely concentrated with exceptional values for the price. The Acura MDX offers exceptional fuel efficiency and interior styling, refinement, handling, and technology. The 2016 Volvo XC90 similarly offers great styling, technology, and performance in a crossover meant to compete with the best luxury crossovers. However, the Enclave clearly holds the edge over all similarly priced crossovers in terms of luxury, less engine noise, and 3rd row and trunk space. The safety features that are available in the Enclave are very affordable and work very well. When considering the numerous incentives that Buick offers, the Enclave is a great option for consumers who want a spacious 3-row crossover that doesn't compromise luxury, styling, and handling.
Final Score: 7.9/10
Exterior Design (8.5/10)
The Buick Enclave does what most other companies can only aspire to do: combine size and style in a practical crossover. The stylish LED daytime running lights, chrome finishes, and signature large chrome-and-black grill makes for the perfect facade for a crossover. And although the rear styling hardly turns heads, the chrome accents makes the Enclave one of the most attractive exterior designs in its class.
Interior Design and Refinement (7/10)
Although the exterior design of the Enclave is phenomenal, the interior design needs work. The steering wheel is seriously outdated, the multi-purpose console resembles a microwave's knobs more than a 21st century dashboard, and the interior contains some cheap materials. However, the leather seats (in the Leather and Premium packages) are soft and luxurious, and the dashboard contains some soft materials as well. Furthermore, the 3rd row access is unmatched in crossovers, as the second row seats contort and fold in a way that allows for limousine-like access to the spacious 3rd row. Thus, while the interior styling may be outdated, the comfort and size of the interior makes this car worth buying.
Technology (6/10)
The technological features in the Buick Enclave are seriously behind other vehicles in its class. The Enclave lacks convenience features available in cheaper vehicles, including keyless entry, keyless go, and autonomous driving features (such as active lane keeping assist and collision prevention). However, the safety features available in the Enclave, including lane departure warning (but no active assisting feature), collision warning, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert are both affordable and reliable. So while the Enclave's safety and convenience features are not as active and advanced as those of other crossovers in its class, the reliability and efficiency of the features that are available are a favorable aspect of this crossover.
Performance and Efficiency (8.5/10)
The Enclave does what very few crossovers can do: it combines size and safety with performance and handling. Although the 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds seems like a long time, the direct-injected 288 horsepower V6 engine allows for a remarkably smooth acceleration. However, the performance and smooth drive of the Enclave takes a large toll on the efficiency, as the MPG of the Enclave (17 city/24 highway for AWD version) comes nowhere near other similarly priced crossovers. So while Buick was able to make the Enclave handle and perform well, the large size and capability of the Enclave slightly hampers its efficiency.
Ride and Handling (9.5/10)
When it comes to ride quality and handling, SUVs really don't get much better than the Buick Enclave. The luxurious and quiet ride of this crossover rivals that of much more expensive full-size SUVs, and the handling of the Enclave is far superior to most crossovers and SUVs in its class. Furthermore, the snow ride of the Enclave is flawless. Overall, the Enclave gives everything consumers the best of all worlds when it comes to luxurious and smooth ride and superb handling.
Price, Competitors, and Verdict
The luxury midsize crossover market is extremely concentrated with exceptional values for the price. The Acura MDX offers exceptional fuel efficiency and interior styling, refinement, handling, and technology. The 2016 Volvo XC90 similarly offers great styling, technology, and performance in a crossover meant to compete with the best luxury crossovers. However, the Enclave clearly holds the edge over all similarly priced crossovers in terms of luxury, less engine noise, and 3rd row and trunk space. The safety features that are available in the Enclave are very affordable and work very well. When considering the numerous incentives that Buick offers, the Enclave is a great option for consumers who want a spacious 3-row crossover that doesn't compromise luxury, styling, and handling.
Final Score: 7.9/10