Buick Enclave

The large, three-row Buick Enclave is a quiet, comfortable, and responsive three-row SUV. Power comes from a lively 3.6-liter V6 teamed with a smooth nine-speed automatic. We got 18 mpg overall in our tests. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. The roomy cabin is very quiet and the ride is comfortable, befitting a Buick flagship. The third-row seat is relatively roomy for the class. The infotainment system is easy to use and connectivity features abound. But the unintuitive gear selector is fussy and a nuisance to use in parking maneuvers. The manual sunshade for the sunroof and two-way only lumbar adjustment for the seat are out of place given the Buick’s price. Low-speed automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning are standard, though only on top versions costing more than $50,000.

The large, three-row Buick Enclave crossover is being treated to its first redesign in about a decade. The 2018 model promises improved fuel economy, increased interior space, and a technology smorgasbord. A 3.6-liter V6 teamed with a nine-speed automatic transmission sees output increase 14 hp to 302. Combined with a start/stop system, this powertrain should bolster efficiency over the 15 mpg we recorded with the outgoing model. This setup has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Buick says significant attention has been paid to quieting the cabin, and second- and third-row seats fold flat for loading cargo. Advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning are available, though not on all of the trim levels. Full-speed AEB is available only on the top-level Avenir.

The Buick Enclave is a large, car-based SUV with three rows of seats. It shares a platform with the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook. All use GM's contemporary 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that is a bit hesitant to downshift. We found the ride comfortable and quiet, and the powertrain smooth. Handling is secure and pretty agile for such a big vehicle. The third-row seat is roomy enough for adults. Fit and finish are excellent. Fuel economy was slightly worse in the heavier Enclave than in our tested Traverse. A revised version with an improved infotainment system and the industry's first center airbag between the front seats debuted for 2013.