Mature styling
The Enclave is a fine looker but it'll never stir feelings of lust or of “the absolute need to own”, as if you were staring at the Lamborghini Aventador. Despite the lack of sex appeal, the Enclave has the necessary angles, curves and chrome touches that help distinguish it from the competition and its siblings.
The Crystal Red tintcoat shade along with the optional 19” chrome-clad wheels work well with Buick's signature grille. What the Enclave could benefit from is a little dose of Regal-rejuvenation. Buick's sportiest car retains all of its Buick-ness and mixes it with dynamic juice that seems to be flowing freely in Buick designs these days.
Perfect V6
There are no “flow” problems when it comes to the 2012 Buick Enclave's powertrain. GM's much lauded and appreciated 3.6L V6 is a perfect fit for this vehicle. At 288 hp, it's actually one of the more powerful normally aspirated sixes. Mated to a 6-speed automatic and AWD, the Enclave is well versed for all-condition driving.
While no bullet, the 3.6's torque comes on strong at low rpm and with the help of the well geared box, it will get you going in jiffy. These same two elements allow the Buick to tow up to 2,014 kg (4,500 lbs).
Once underway, the 2012 Buick Enclave behaves as one would expect a Buick to. Quiet, reasonably smooth and without fuss, the big CUV covers ground with the same effort we put into curling up on our couch to watch a movie. The Enclave is adept at maintaining stability and confidence on the highway and can tackle on-ramps without scraping the wing mirrors on the pavement.
In the city, despite the vehicle's avoirdupois, the big Buick is fairly manoeuvrable and easy to park. What it is not easy on is the wallet. My tester gulped over 13.5L of black gold per 100 km. This is very much in line with the consumption numbers I got in last summer's 2011 GMC Acadia Denali road test.
Other than that, the Buick Enclave is a pleasure to drive. The sightlines are generally good, the brakes are well up to par and the steering provides easy to live with assistance.
The options
I don't want to take anything away from Buick; they are in the midst of a rebirth, a successful one I might ad. Thing is, it's still a Buick. Today's discerning buyers are interested in badges as much or more so, than content. Case in point, the 2012 Audi Q7 starts at $58,000. At that price, it's naked but it's got four rings on the front grille...
Then, there's the Acura MDX with which the Buick Enclave competes directly. I hate to say it but my guess is that the older crowd would spring for the Buick while the hipsters would stop by their local Acura dealer.
The 2012 Buick Enclave is not in a territory all its own but it's a valiant offering. I like it but it would be difficult, as it may or may not be for you, to fork over $60k for it over one of the other two.
The Enclave is a fine looker but it'll never stir feelings of lust or of “the absolute need to own”, as if you were staring at the Lamborghini Aventador. Despite the lack of sex appeal, the Enclave has the necessary angles, curves and chrome touches that help distinguish it from the competition and its siblings.
The Crystal Red tintcoat shade along with the optional 19” chrome-clad wheels work well with Buick's signature grille. What the Enclave could benefit from is a little dose of Regal-rejuvenation. Buick's sportiest car retains all of its Buick-ness and mixes it with dynamic juice that seems to be flowing freely in Buick designs these days.
Perfect V6
There are no “flow” problems when it comes to the 2012 Buick Enclave's powertrain. GM's much lauded and appreciated 3.6L V6 is a perfect fit for this vehicle. At 288 hp, it's actually one of the more powerful normally aspirated sixes. Mated to a 6-speed automatic and AWD, the Enclave is well versed for all-condition driving.
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| GM's much lauded and appreciated 3.6L V6 is a perfect fit for this vehicle. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
While no bullet, the 3.6's torque comes on strong at low rpm and with the help of the well geared box, it will get you going in jiffy. These same two elements allow the Buick to tow up to 2,014 kg (4,500 lbs).
Once underway, the 2012 Buick Enclave behaves as one would expect a Buick to. Quiet, reasonably smooth and without fuss, the big CUV covers ground with the same effort we put into curling up on our couch to watch a movie. The Enclave is adept at maintaining stability and confidence on the highway and can tackle on-ramps without scraping the wing mirrors on the pavement.
In the city, despite the vehicle's avoirdupois, the big Buick is fairly manoeuvrable and easy to park. What it is not easy on is the wallet. My tester gulped over 13.5L of black gold per 100 km. This is very much in line with the consumption numbers I got in last summer's 2011 GMC Acadia Denali road test.
Other than that, the Buick Enclave is a pleasure to drive. The sightlines are generally good, the brakes are well up to par and the steering provides easy to live with assistance.
The options
I don't want to take anything away from Buick; they are in the midst of a rebirth, a successful one I might ad. Thing is, it's still a Buick. Today's discerning buyers are interested in badges as much or more so, than content. Case in point, the 2012 Audi Q7 starts at $58,000. At that price, it's naked but it's got four rings on the front grille...
Then, there's the Acura MDX with which the Buick Enclave competes directly. I hate to say it but my guess is that the older crowd would spring for the Buick while the hipsters would stop by their local Acura dealer.
The 2012 Buick Enclave is not in a territory all its own but it's a valiant offering. I like it but it would be difficult, as it may or may not be for you, to fork over $60k for it over one of the other two.
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