2012 Buick Enclave

The three-row 2012 Buick Enclave crossover SUV is an excellent choice for families who want minivan functionality along with classy styling and a luxurious interior. The 2012 Enclave rides on the same unibody platform as the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. To help distinguish it as the most premium model in the group, the Enclave has sleeker exterior styling and the most luxurious interior.

The 2012 Buick Enclave remains a very appealing choice in a crowded segment, there are a few other crossover models we’d urge buyers to have a look at. These include luxury brand competitors like the Acura MDX, Lexus RX 350 and Lincoln MKT. Upper trim levels of some mainstream models like the Ford Flex and Toyota Highlander are also nice enough inside to make them worthy of consideration. And for sheer practicality, there’s just no beating modern minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Overall, though, the Buick Enclave stands out as a solid pick for an upscale family hauler.

2012 Buick Enclave CXL SUV

The 2012 Buick Enclave is a large crossover SUV that’s offered in four different trim levels. All have a standard seven-passenger seating configuration via second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench seat. An optional second-row bench seat, available at no extra charge, increases capacity to eight.

Major options vary by trim level and include 20-inch chrome alloy wheels, a dual-pane sunroof, the second-row bench seat and a second-row center console. Electronics upgrades include the 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system and a navigation system.

The 2012 Buick Enclave is offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Either way, it’s powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that pumps out 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. With the optional trailering package, the Enclave can tow up to 4,500 pounds. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive versions rate 16/22/18.

Safety Feature: Stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on every 2012 Buick Enclave. In brake testing, the Enclave came to a stop from 60 mph in 139 feet, a longish distance for this class of vehicle. In government crash testing, the Enclave earned a top five-star rating for overall performance, with four out of five stars given for front-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection.

The first things you’re likely to notice about the Enclave’s interior are its stylish design and quality materials, these superficial elements are just the beginning. The ability to comfortably transport up to eight passengers with the available second-row bench seat is something not all crossovers can claim. Even the third-row seats are suitable for adult passengers. If carrying a full load of grown-ups is something you expect to be doing a lot of, however, we should point out that there’s a bit less room back here than in the Ford Flex’s third row.

The 3.6-liter V6 provides good acceleration in a wide variety of driving conditions. This performance, combined with the 2012 Buick Enclave‘s hushed cabin, makes this a fine choice for daily driving, long road trips and everything in between.