By Tom Crosby
AAA Carolinas

Buick has recently climbed into the top echelon of J.D. Power’s quality charts and will remain there with the new Enclave cross-over, which replaces Buick’s Rainer and Rendezvous sport utility vehicles. It is a well-designed, evolutionary vehicle that combines the best features of prior models with the latest in luxury upgrades. Enclaves come in CX or CXL trims, front wheel or all-wheel, with optional upgrade packages. With seating for seven or eight – depending on whether there are captain chairs or a bench in the second row – the Enclave has characteristics of a van, SUV but handles like a sedan, although it parks long like a van. Top pluses include a super quiet interior, excellent cargo space that belies the smallish exterior profile and occupant comfort aided by a unique second row Smart-Slide for contortion-free entry and exit, even for the third row. Our test drive CXL was all-wheel drive with an entertainment package ($4,320) that added touch-screen navigation, DVD screens on the back of the front seats, a rear view camera and better audio sound and controls. A chrome package ($2,195) added a power sunroof, second row skylight and 19” seven-spoke chrome wheels while a luxury package ($925) and driver confidence package ($520) included remote start, heated outside folding mirrors, rear parking assist, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and rotating headlights.

The CXL base price is less than the Rainer’s, which never gained strong market traction. Built on a platform shared by GMC’s Acadia and Saturn Outlook and sharing similar 3.6-liter, V-6 engines, Enclave is the first Buick to have a six-speed automatic transmission that helps improve gas mileage but suffers some lag when seeking additional power. However, there is plenty of muscle, with towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.  The touches provided by the chrome package and the sloping curves provide an upscale appearance with the signature Buick slated grill, a chrome bar across the front end, dual chrome exhausts, and Buick’s icon chrome-rimmed portholes forming a V angle below the windshield. Inside, perforated and heated leather seats, cowled instrument gauges, chrome and faux-wood accents, a sliding armrest cover for the center console’s deep storage area, easy to fold seats for adding storage space, and two dozen knick knack, map and cup storage areas provide occupant comfort. Cushioning the ride are variable-effort power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering that helps with precision control and handling and independent front and rear suspension. Safety features are strong with side-impact air bags for all three rows; traction and stability control and roof rail air bags in case of a rollover.