Last year Buick introduced the all-new Enclave cross over, which replaced Buick’s Rainer and Rendezvous sport utility vehicles, and was powered by a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine generating 275 horsepower at 6,600 rpms. The engine was tweaked – and is used in variety of General Motors vehicles, including Enclave’s vehicular cousin, the all-new Chevrolet Traverse. The new engine generates 288 horsepower and an additional 29 foot-pounds of torque to give it more oomph off the starting line and on the highway. Another positive feature is the direct injection design allows a more complete burn of the fuel/air mixture, requiring less fuel, and the direct injection reduces cold-start emissions by 25 percent.

The bottom line is more power, better gas mileage (one mile city, two miles highway) and cleaner emissions. Enclave is a well-designed, evolutionary vehicle combining the best features of prior models with several 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 or SUV but handles like a sedan. Top pluses include a super quiet interior, excellent cargo space that belies the smallish but attractive exterior profile, and occupant comfort aided by a unique second row Smart-Slide for contortion-free entry and exit, even for third row passengers.

Our test drive CXL front-wheel drive added $8,015 in optional packages that boosted comfort and utility. The entertainment package ($2,750) came with touch screen navigation and three free months of real-time traffic alerts, BOSE sound system, rear seat audio controls and a 110-vold power outlet. Other options included 19-inch chromed aluminum wheels, power sunroof with a second row skylight, rearview camera, remote start, heated/cooled front seats, heated and folding side mirrors, and articulating headlights to illuminate turns. Standard on Enclave are hands-free Bluetooth phone connection and high-intensity discharge headlamps.

Cargo space abounds – 24 cubic feet behind the third row and 116 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The ride is exceptionally quiet, helped by noise-reducing components, like laminated safety glass, triple door seals and sound-deadening material place is more than two dozen spots.
Occupant ergonomics are strong, with cowled instrument gauges, chrome and faux-wood accents, a sliding armrest cover for the center console’s deep storage area, and two dozen knick knack, map and cup storage areas. Coat hangers behind the driver are awkwardly placed. Muscle is there 4,500 pounds towing capacity. Safety features are strong.