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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  New Car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Happy - April 27 - 7:09 pm

  I sent in a review and wanted people to know the outcome. I am the gentleman that had a problem with the motor @1500 mile and hoped GM stood behind its product. They replaced the vehicle with a new one exactly the way we ordered the first. Hudson Buick GMC was exceptional thru the whole ordeal. Great vehicle you will love the ride. Did from day one!!!!!

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  Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By debbie - April 27 - 12:00 pm

  I wanted a car with 3 rows of seats to hold 6 grandchildren but also wanted a nice interior for myself--enclave was perfect. I have always had a large SUV but my husband wanted me to get away from a vehicle that large--enclave great size. It looks great, drives great--still very happy a year later

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  Consider a Buick - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Lovemybuick - April 27 - 11:33 am

  I found the consumer reviews very helpful so I decided I should give my experience. I looked at Toyota Highlander(no 60/40 split 3rd row)and Acura MDX (2nd row of seats do not move adjust for back passagers). I kept coming back to the Buick. This crossover is so quiet, it is riding in your living room. We have already driven it on a long road trip and had no complaints. The dealership was wonderful to work with and gave us a great price.

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  Best large crossover (by far) - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By luv my enclave - April 20 - 6:46 pm

  First let me say that I drove all the competition (MDX, Pilot, RX350, Highlander, CX-9, etc) and none can compare to the Enclaves combination of MPG, horse power, interior space, and fit/finish. We just couldnt be happier with our new Enclave. It simply blows away the competition. Hopefully it is not too late for GM, but they finally got it right with this Buick. If status appeal of the nameplate is not your top priority when buying a large crossover SUV, the Buick Enclave will be the natural choice.

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  Great Experience - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Denid - April 19 - 9:32 am

  I just purchased the Buick Enclave CXL A.W.D. with the Driver Confidence package,the Luxury package,entertainment package #1 with an after market drop down D.V.D. player,all for $42,500.00. I had researched for two months and test driven the Acura,Mercedes,Ford Flex and a Chevy Lumina.I feel that I have a really great value in the Enclave. It is truly a beautiful vehicle thats so much fun to drive.

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  Buick Hit It Out Of The Park - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Red Jewel Enclave - April 9 - 4:56 pm

  The Buick Enclave is a thoughtfully designed vehicle that is beautiful in every way. The exterior styling with the Red Jewel tintcoat is stunning against the chrome finishings. We chose the cashmere leather with cocoa accents, which sets off the luxurious tone of the interior. The Edmunds editor doesnt like the interior bling, but we love it. On a recent road trip, we averaged 22mpg. With city driving mixed in we are seeing an overall average of 19mpg, so we are very satisfied with the fuel economy. No other SUV comes close to this one in terms of comfort, quietness and luxury features. My other car is a Cadillac and all I want do now is drive the Enclave (but the wife wont let me).

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By atm - March 27 - 7:08 pm

  I received this as a Christmas present from my husband in 2007. It is my favorite car ever. My college age children did not like my mini-van and urged me to get a SUV. But, this is so much better than an ordinary SUV. Its a luxury car with SUV features. I have driven from Pennsylvania to Texas twice and love the GPS system and XM radio and the room. I just read where Buick has the best rating for service and I believe it. I would recommend this car to anyone. My children, who are 24 and 21 both have borrowed my car for road trips. Its not just an "old" persons car. They love it, too.

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  Buick Enclave - 2008 CXL AWD - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By traveler - March 25 - 12:15 pm

  We have 12000 miles on our Enclave. Love the car. Traveled from Illinois to Florida and car performed beautifully. Car had a bad battery at delivery but that was quickly resolved. Excellent highway mileage, 22 mpg. with full load. Very comfortable ride and so far all accessories performing perfectly. Some visibility problems for shorter drivers.

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  Very Happy with our Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By BN - March 19 - 9:36 am

  We absolutely love our new Enclave. Frankly, we were hesitant about purchasing a Buick, but when comparing the Enclave to the other vehicles we were considering, the Enclave won out each time. The comfort, space, ride, look and feel of the vehicle reinforce our decision every day.

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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Brad - March 8 - 12:46 pm

  This is the best vehicle my wife and I have purchased. THe quality is outstanding. A relative of ours had the 2008 Enclave CX and we couldnt wait to get rid of our Trailblazer to get one. It drives smoothly, is VERY quiet, and we enjoy the XM radio. We test drove the Mazda CX-9, the Toyota Rav4 and the Toyota Highlander. The Enclave CX came with the most "bells- and whistles" standard than any vehicle we looked at.