Overview & Reviews

Buick has been on the upswing the past few years, introducing new models that are much more desirable than its mediocre past products. The Buick Enclave was one of the first vehicles to point Buick in the right direction.

The Enclave shares a platform with GM's latest group of large crossovers and features an upscale interior, a powerful 3.6-liter V6 and plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. If you're looking for a new or used large luxury crossover SUV with a number of family-friendly features -- such as a roomy cabin with easily accessed and adult-friendly third-row seats -- the Enclave is one of the better choices available.

Current Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a full-size crossover SUV powered by a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is optional.

There are three trim levels: Convenience, Leather and Premium, all with standard seven-passenger seating. An available second-row bench seat increases capacity to eight.

The Enclave with Convenience Group comes with 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone app integration and OnStar. The Leather Group adds 19-inch wheels, a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat and driver memory settings. The Premium trim level features lane-departure and forward collision warning systems, active headlights, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, ventilated front seats and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Option highlights include 20-inch wheels, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a dual-panel sunroof.

In reviews, we've praised the Enclave's spacious and pleasant interior, with its gently curving dash, rich-looking wood-grain inlays and soft, double-stitched leather. Adding interest are a Tiffany-style analog clock and aqua blue instrumentation. Access to the third row is excellent, with second-row seats that tilt and slide out of the way, and there are a useful 23 cubic feet of space behind the upright third-row seat. Folding down both rows yields a class-leading 115 cubic feet of cargo space. If you need more space for people or cargo, you won't find it in another crossover.

The Buick Enclave's V6 provides quick acceleration, along with a mildly sporty exhaust note. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. On the highway, the Enclave is quiet and smooth-riding, though some buyers may find that the optional 20-inch wheels degrade the ride noticeably. Overall handling is competent and predictable, though not necessarily the equal of its more driver-oriented (or smaller) rivals.

Used Buick Enclave Models
The Buick Enclave debuted for the 2008 model year and overall, any used Enclave will be a solid choice for an upscale, family-friendly crossover SUV.

In its first year, the V6 had a lower output of 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. The following year welcomed the direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 (power increased to 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque) as well as other upgrades that included Bluetooth connectivity and a traffic feature for the navigation system. Until 2010, there were just two trim levels – base CX and luxury CXL. Also, for the first two model years the transmission could be lazy to downshift due to its fuel-economy-biased programming. For 2010, the transmission was reprogrammed for quicker response. Additionally, Enclaves from 2008-'12 have slightly different exterior styling than the current model as well as some lower-quality switchgear.

The Enclave's current, more descriptive trim levels of base, Convenience, Leather and Premium arrived for 2012. Two years later saw the addition of the lane departure and forward collision warning systems.

User Reviews:

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  Quiet, refined, but... - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By flablueovalfan - September 27 - 9:43 am

  There is much to like about the 11 Buick Enclave. It provides a serene, luxurious ride. However, there are a few inexplicable and obvious nods to cost cutting that do not belong in a $50,000+ vehicle of this class. I particularly dislike the fact that the front passenger seat cushion adjusts front to back only - no angle adjustment! And is it to much to ask for some ambient interior lighting - like my $15,000 less expensive 11 Mustang GT has? A few bits of interior materials could be better - too much hard plastic. I had the Ford Flex with Eco Boost higher on my list, but the wife was put off by the styling. The Enclave is a nice car, it just needs more attention to the details.

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  Enclave Seats Poorly Designed for Booster Seats - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By lbardel - September 16 - 1:44 pm

  2nd & 3rd row seats are almost impossible to buckle using backless &"with-backs" toddler booster seats (infant car seats w/5-point harness are ok). The latch at bottom of the seat does not budge & presses against the booster so tightly, youll rub your knuckles raw trying to get the buckle in....also, the buckle is slightly angled making things even more difficult. I transport four 5-year-olds to Kndgarten & not one of them can buckle in......I bought 3 different brands of boosters, & nothing helps. Theres just not enough room on the seat for the booster to fit against the latch. Buick suggested a belt extender Buick later said NOT to use extender they are perplexed for solution.

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  Nice Car, So Far - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rusgc - August 7 - 4:11 pm

  Weve had it a week. My wife loves it. It feels big and a little clumsy to me, and Im used to driving a van. Limited visibility will also take some getting used to. Very comfortable seats. Gas mileage so far is disappointing, less than rated. My opinion on this and most cars now is the electronics are way over done. Too many "features" that arent necessary. Huge gripe is the lack of hanging hooks inside rear doors, instead they are half way back by the 3rd seat or cargo area. Totally inconvenient for hanging dry cleaning, and the bar I use on vacation to hang clothing. We travel a lot and this silly oversight may have been a decider to go with a Lexus.

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  In Town gas mileage BAD - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By wml1 - August 1 - 9:35 pm

  13.3 13.6 in town is awful, I traded 08 Avalanche LTZ for this. The Avalanche got 14 to 15 in town, so far Buick says its in specs I Have been a G.M. owner far over 40yrs wont even try to put a number of cars and truck,s so far I feel like G.M. s really let me down. other then that its a very nice, great confort really nice interior, I should have bought the Cad.

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  Best in Its Class - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rvanparys - June 19 - 8:44 am

  We wanted to move from our minivan to something more compatible with our long NW winters. After many weeks of in depth research we finally decided on a GMC Acadia. The dealership also featured Buicks. After test driving both my wife and I came to the conclusion that the Buick outshown the Acadia in fit and finish and overall quietness and ride. I found the car responsive and while it will never be the first one away from the starting line, it does have the requisite power on demand to pass safely. The ride is exceptional as is the quietness. Both of these were prime concerns for my wife. The interior is well laid out and materials above average. I would highly recommend this car

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  Could Be the Best SUV - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By paulie10 - June 15 - 8:26 pm

  Took delivery of my new 2011 Enclave. I looked at many SUV type vehicles and kept coming back to the Buick it has real seats for adults in the 2nd row, they also slide forward and back for more rear or leg room. Cargo space in the back is very adequate as well. Leather, fit and finish is as good as any. Ride and quietness of the cabin interior is far better than most. The V6 pulls like a V8 with power to spare. The looks are curvey,sporty and apealing. To save some grief while at the dealer have them activate for you On Star, and have them install the Navigation Disc. In case there is a problem. Fuel Mileage is as posted not bad not great. Around 20 MPG So far I am pleased with the Enclave

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  exceptional - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By pkirk618 - June 12 - 10:00 pm

  Purchased a fully loaded Enclave. Towing, chrome, 20" wheels, DVD rear....and those directional head lights, thats just so damn neat. Ive never owned a luxury SUV and well, its a pleasure to drive. I dont care about mileage as I feel it cant be avoided in something this big. It could be better I suppose, but I expected 20mpg average and thats what I get. Their paint and chrome, especially in the tri-coat diamond enclave is beautiful. The front end, especially with the blue ring in the headlights and waterfall grill compliment each other well. Its what sold my wife on this vehicle. ...and remote start standard? Heck yeah!

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  A cargo hauler with class - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rvanparys - June 10 - 9:50 am

  When we started our automobile research we had a number of requirements. The car had to be 4WD because of our location and sometimes elongated winters. It had to be comfortable, quiet, handle well, get reasonable gas mileage, allow my small stature wife to sit comfortably while driving and have enough cargo room to tote our Old English Sheep Dog in spoiled comfort. This last requirement eliminated a number of fine candidates and pricing further shaved the list. We finally came down to a GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave. The Buick wasnÂ’t originally on our list due to pricing but with manufacturer and other discounts it was brought into our budget. We could not be happier. The car is quiet,

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  2011 Buick Enclave, Gold Mist - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By wayne107 - May 28 - 10:18 pm

  Purchased our Enclave in 2/11. It replaced a 1998 Toyota Avalon. Weve put more than 7,000 miles on it driving on trips down to San Diego, and up to Sacramento and Redding. It is a joy to drive and ride in. Passengers have commented on its ride and quietness. So far there has been nothing to require taking it in for service (other than its first oil change) or replacement under warranty. The Gold Mist color is proving to be a good choice for not showing dust/road grime. Best gas mileage has been 21.9 on mountainous highway driving at 75 mph.

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  Encore Enclave - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By steves1961 - May 10 - 8:25 pm

  This our second Enclave. Our first was a 2008. Best Crossover on the Market. Handles well, plenty of interior Room for the family. Great quality and ride. Toatlly satisified with the Enclave .