THE AUTO PAGE
BY
John Heilig
- MODEL: 2019 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD
- ENGINE: 3.6-liter V6
- TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic
- HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 310 hp @ 6,800 rpm/266 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm
- WHEELBASE: 120.9 in.
- LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 204.3 x 78.8 x 69.9 in.
- TIRES: P255/55R20
- CARGO CAPACITY: 23.6/58/97.6 cu. ft. (all rows up/3rd row down/2nd and 3rd rows down)
- ECONOMY: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway/13.9 mpg test
- FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 21.7 gal.
- CURB WEIGHT: 4,685 lbs.
- TOWING CAPACITY: 5,000 lbs.
- COMPETITIVE CLASS: Ford Expedition, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX
- STICKER: $56,450 (includes $1,195 delivery, $650 options)
- BOTTOM LINE: Despite its size, the three-row Buick Enclave is a sweet vehicle, doing almost everything you ask it to do with elegance.
I don’t know if you can call
a three-row sport utility sweet, but the Buick Enclave comes closest to that
definition. Maybe it’s the color of my hair that makes me lean toward Buicks,
or maybe it’s the Enclave itself.
Enclave is the largest of
Buick’s three SUV lineup. As such, it’s a very good people and cargo carrier.
So often we have to make compromises with our vehicles. With the Enclave, few
compromises are necessary. Okay, there’s that business of raising or lowering
the third row when more than four passengers need a ride (or when inquisitive
grandchildren have to check everything). I’ll admit the Enclave isn’t
completely perfect. There’s that thing with the heated or ventilated seats that
seems to automatically turn on when you sit down. Really, this is usually a pleasant
surprise, because the Enclave knows whether to make it heat or cool.
Under the hood is GM’s
venerable 3.6-liter V6 that, at 310 horsepower, provides more than enough power
for the Enclave. The engine powers all four wheels through a smooth 9-speed
automatic. I had some issues, good ones, with the shifter that required some
thought before simply banging it into gear. The pattern is different, but not
impossible, much like BMW’s recent shift patterns.
There’s a clear instrument
panel with a large centrally mounted analog/digital speedometer. Fuel, water
and battery voltage gauges are off to the right and the tachometer is off to
the left. There’s a nice infotainment screen with the usual functions.
Interior storage consists of
a large, practical center console/arm rest with an insert to add to its
practicality.
The Enclave has nice
interior styling. Whoever is in charge of GM’s internal styling is doing a
great job with all the brands.
Front seats are comfortable,
but with minimal side support. The second row captain’s chair offer good
legroom. Between them is a center aisle that is great for third row access.
Both second row seats also have fold-down arm rests.
Third row seats have a power
fold from the cargo area. There’s still very good cargo capacity even with the
third row seats up. For example, my golf bag fit in there easily. Also, there’s
an additional three cubic feet of cargo capacity under the floor.
Overall, the Buick Enclave
is a solid three-row sport utility that has features that appeal, of course, to
senior citizens, but also has the seating capacity for young families.
(c) 2019 The Auto Page Syndicate
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