The answer to minivans
The Enclave is available in 7- and 8-passenger configurations, whichever suits you best. Like the Terraza minivan, it offers three separate rows of seating. The middle one can either be made up of reclining fore/aft captain's chairs or a flat-folding 60/40 split-bench seat (optional). Meanwhile, the third row is comprised of a smaller split-bench seat that proves comfortable enough to accommodate children or small-size adults. Despite GM's Smart Slide system, though, getting in and out of the rear passenger compartment still requires some flexibility.
Once the second- and third-row seats are completely folded down, the cargo capacity is greater than the old Rendezvous' (3,259 liters vs 3,084).
Conversely, when all the seats are occupied, you would think that the available cargo room is minimal, with only 535 liters. However, a quick comparison with competing models will prove you wrong. The Hyundai Veracruz, for example, barely offers 184 liters of cargo room behind the third row. The all-new Toyota Highlander (290 liters) and the award-winning Mazda CX-9 (487 liters) also fail to exceed the Enclave. Now that's encouraging news.
Eccentric interior
The interior styling is somewhat eccentric yet becomingly matched to the exterior. As far as Buick products go, this one is quite striking. In fact, it's probably as stylish as the Infiniti FX45, which is renowned for its one-of-a-kind design. Attention to detail, the judicious use of faux wood appliqués (tastefully executed, I must add), the addition of chrome and brushed aluminum inserts and the leather-wrapped steering wheel with genuine Mahogany wood grain accents all combine to offer a sublime driving experience.
Generous bucket seats provide princely comfort to the front occupants. The controls of the 8-way power driver seat adjuster could be improved, however. As for the 3-seat middle row, it offers "decent" comfort at best.
The Enclave is motivated by a 3.6L V6 producing 275 horsepower. This modern engine features variable valve timing to allow the mastodon to reach 100 kph in just over 8 seconds. The downside of such performance is felt at the gas station, as one might expect: my tester averaged over 14.5 L/100 km during the test week.
The Enclave is available in 7- and 8-passenger configurations, whichever suits you best. Like the Terraza minivan, it offers three separate rows of seating. The middle one can either be made up of reclining fore/aft captain's chairs or a flat-folding 60/40 split-bench seat (optional). Meanwhile, the third row is comprised of a smaller split-bench seat that proves comfortable enough to accommodate children or small-size adults. Despite GM's Smart Slide system, though, getting in and out of the rear passenger compartment still requires some flexibility.
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| Cargo capacity increases from 535 to a whopping 3,259 liters when the rear seats are folded. |
Once the second- and third-row seats are completely folded down, the cargo capacity is greater than the old Rendezvous' (3,259 liters vs 3,084).
Conversely, when all the seats are occupied, you would think that the available cargo room is minimal, with only 535 liters. However, a quick comparison with competing models will prove you wrong. The Hyundai Veracruz, for example, barely offers 184 liters of cargo room behind the third row. The all-new Toyota Highlander (290 liters) and the award-winning Mazda CX-9 (487 liters) also fail to exceed the Enclave. Now that's encouraging news.
Eccentric interior
The interior styling is somewhat eccentric yet becomingly matched to the exterior. As far as Buick products go, this one is quite striking. In fact, it's probably as stylish as the Infiniti FX45, which is renowned for its one-of-a-kind design. Attention to detail, the judicious use of faux wood appliqués (tastefully executed, I must add), the addition of chrome and brushed aluminum inserts and the leather-wrapped steering wheel with genuine Mahogany wood grain accents all combine to offer a sublime driving experience.
Generous bucket seats provide princely comfort to the front occupants. The controls of the 8-way power driver seat adjuster could be improved, however. As for the 3-seat middle row, it offers "decent" comfort at best.
The Enclave is motivated by a 3.6L V6 producing 275 horsepower. This modern engine features variable valve timing to allow the mastodon to reach 100 kph in just over 8 seconds. The downside of such performance is felt at the gas station, as one might expect: my tester averaged over 14.5 L/100 km during the test week.
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| With 275 horsepower on tap, the V6 is potent enough but fairly thirsty. |