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2009 Buick Enclave Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
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Buick Enclave Full Review
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2009 Buick Enclave
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Buick Enclave should get more available power. This eight-passenger SUV is a crossover that shares its basic design with the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. It comes in CX and CXL trims. Enclave is available with a 275-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. A direct injection version of the 3.6-liter that makes 304 hp should also be available. Towing capacity is 4500 pounds. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is available. Seven-passenger seating is standard with 2nd-row bucket seats and a 3rd-row bench. A 2nd-row, three-person bench is optional. General Motors' Smart Slide 2nd-row seats have flip-forward bottom cushions and sliding backrests. They're designed to allow easier access to the 3rd row and are standard. Available safety features include curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, front side airbags, ABS, traction control, and an antiskid system. Bi-xenon headlamps are standard. A navigation system and DVD entertainment system are available. Drive impressions based on 2008 report.
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2009 Buick Enclave Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Maneuverability |
| Drivetrain refinement | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Enclave has adequate go in all situations. Front-drive versions are marginally quicker from a stop. The transmission shifts smoothly but is often caught in too high a gear, limiting available power. Downshifts for passing punch are sometimes tardy.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Enclave has adequate go in all situations. Front-drive versions are marginally quicker from a stop. The transmission shifts smoothly but is often caught in too high a gear, limiting available power. Downshifts for passing punch are sometimes tardy.
Fuel Economy
Test front-drive Enclaves averaged 17.7-18.8 mpg, impressive for a large SUV. Enclave uses regular-grade gas.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
Test front-drive Enclaves averaged 17.7-18.8 mpg, impressive for a large SUV. Enclave uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Controlled and composed, Enclave traverses most rough roads with only minor wallow. Only sharp bumps intrude. There's little difference in ride quality between the 18- and 19-inch tires.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Controlled and composed, Enclave traverses most rough roads with only minor wallow. Only sharp bumps intrude. There's little difference in ride quality between the 18- and 19-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Enclave holds the road with impressive stability and agility for a vehicle of this size, with direct, well-balanced steering. Its long, wide body makes it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Enclave's brakes are smooth and powerful.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Enclave holds the road with impressive stability and agility for a vehicle of this size, with direct, well-balanced steering. Its long, wide body makes it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Enclave's brakes are smooth and powerful.
Quietness
Luxury sedan quietness is an Enclave hallmark. Road rumble is well-controlled, and wind noise is limited to a slight whistle from the mirrors at highway speeds. The engine growls pleasantly under acceleration, and is near silent at cruise.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Luxury sedan quietness is an Enclave hallmark. Road rumble is well-controlled, and wind noise is limited to a slight whistle from the mirrors at highway speeds. The engine growls pleasantly under acceleration, and is near silent at cruise.
Controls
Clear, luminous gauges are easy to see in all light conditions. The optional navigation system absorbs most audio functions, but doesn't complicate their use. Climate controls are mounted fairly low, but are within easy reach, though their push buttons are less convenient than rotary knobs.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Clear, luminous gauges are easy to see in all light conditions. The optional navigation system absorbs most audio functions, but doesn't complicate their use. Climate controls are mounted fairly low, but are within easy reach, though their push buttons are less convenient than rotary knobs.
Details
The well-assembled interior includes high-quality materials. Chrome and wood-finish trim accents impart a classy ambiance. CX's cloth upholstery is pleasant, but CXL's leather feels more upscale.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6.8 |
The well-assembled interior includes high-quality materials. Chrome and wood-finish trim accents impart a classy ambiance. CX's cloth upholstery is pleasant, but CXL's leather feels more upscale.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of headroom and legroom. Thick roof pillars and a high beltline in back hinder the rear view, making the available rear obstacle detection worthwhile. Despite its tall build and chair-height seats, entry and exit is a breeze.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 7.6 |
Plenty of headroom and legroom. Thick roof pillars and a high beltline in back hinder the rear view, making the available rear obstacle detection worthwhile. Despite its tall build and chair-height seats, entry and exit is a breeze.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Easy entry through large doors, and the 2nd-row seats tilt and slide forward to ease access to the 3rd row. Whether buckets or bench, the 2nd-row seats slide fore and aft about 3 inches to benefit either 2nd- or 3rd-row legroom. With the 2nd row slid forward, the 3rd row can accommodate six-footers--though they'll ride knees-up. The bench seats are wide enough for three-across seating for adults, but center-seat cushioning is stingy.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Easy entry through large doors, and the 2nd-row seats tilt and slide forward to ease access to the 3rd row. Whether buckets or bench, the 2nd-row seats slide fore and aft about 3 inches to benefit either 2nd- or 3rd-row legroom. With the 2nd row slid forward, the 3rd row can accommodate six-footers--though they'll ride knees-up. The bench seats are wide enough for three-across seating for adults, but center-seat cushioning is stingy.
Cargo Room
A strong point. Enclave's cargo volume is largest among premium midsize SUVs, rivaling that of many large SUVs. There's more usable space behind the raised 3rd-row seat than in most midsize SUVs, plus a handy underfloor compartment. Both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold forward easily to create a flat, nearly-level load floor. The standard power liftgate is a handy feature. Several bins and cubbies provide ample interior storage.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 8.7 |
A strong point. Enclave's cargo volume is largest among premium midsize SUVs, rivaling that of many large SUVs. There's more usable space behind the raised 3rd-row seat than in most midsize SUVs, plus a handy underfloor compartment. Both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold forward easily to create a flat, nearly-level load floor. The standard power liftgate is a handy feature. Several bins and cubbies provide ample interior storage.
Value within Class
Enclave builds on the strengths of its Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia cousins by offering tangible upgrades in luxury and style. Its car-like driving dynamics and ample passenger and cargo versatility make it a 2008 Best Buy for shoppers considering a premium SUV.
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 8 | 10 | 6.8 |
Enclave builds on the strengths of its Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia cousins by offering tangible upgrades in luxury and style. Its car-like driving dynamics and ample passenger and cargo versatility make it a 2008 Best Buy for shoppers considering a premium SUV.
Total Score
| 2WD CX | AWD CXL | Class Average |
| 77 | 79 | 70 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 65 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 79 |
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2009 Buick Enclave Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Buick Enclave Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Buick Enclave 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 118.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 201.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 72.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4985 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 116.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.6 /217 | 3.6 /217 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 275 @ 6600 | 304 @ 6700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 251 @ 3200 | 273 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed automatic | 16/22 | NA/NA |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Buick Enclave 4-door wagon |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Buick Enclave Review:
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5.
6.
Buick Enclave Full Review
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