Introduction
The
Buick Enclave is a 3-row entry luxury crossover SUV that shares a platform and powertrains with the
Chevrolet Traverse and
GMC Acadia. Buick says it sold 58,000 Enclaves in 2011, and half of all buyers switched to Buick from a different brand of vehicle. For 2013, Buick upgrades the Enclave in several ways.
Exterior Features
The 2013 Buick Enclave features redesigned front styling with a new grille, bumper, and hood. Standard Xenon HID headlights illuminate the way forward, equipped with LED running lights and blue translucent accent rings. Around back, the new Enclave adds a restyled bumper with integrated chrome-tipped exhaust outlets, LED taillights, and a power liftgate. New wheel designs and blacked-out C-pillar trim are also new for 2013.
Interior Features
For 2013, the Enclave's center control panel is redesigned, adding a color LCD display with capacitive-touch controls. Larger knobs and buttons govern the triple-zone automatic climate control system, and Buick claims the system is easier to operate while wearing gloves. Buick IntelliLink technology is also standard for 2013, and includes Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming capability, HD radio, an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port, and the ability to operate smartphone applications through the dashboard screen. As before, the Enclave provides 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, with a maximum of 115.2 cubic feet available when both rows of rear seats are folded down.
Optional Features
Among the extra-cost items offered for the 2013 Enclave, Buick supplies a choice of 19-inch and 20-inch aluminum wheels, premium leather upholstery available in a new Cocoa two-tone color scheme, navigation system, and a premium Bose sound system. Articulating headlights that help to illuminate around dark curves are also available.
Under the Hood
Every 2013 Buick Enclave is equipped with a direct-injected, 3.6-liter V-6 engine making 288 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission delivers the power to the front wheels or, optionally, all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system. The Enclave's suspension tuning is also revised for 2013.
Fuel Economy
Final EPA fuel-economy estimates are not available for the 2013 Buick Enclave as this preview is published. However, because the Enclave's powertrain is unchanged, Buick expects the following fuel-economy ratings:
- Enclave with front-wheel drive: 17/24/19 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
- Enclave with all-wheel drive: 16/22/18 mpg
Safety
Buick equips every 2013 Enclave with seven air bags, traction and stability control, 4-wheel ventilated-disc anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera system. For 2013, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert technologies are available as options.
OnStar telematics is standard, equipped with a 6-month service subscription that includes Automatic Crash Notification, which allows a live operator to contact occupants after an air bag deployment to see if everyone is OK, or to dispatch rescue personnel to the vehicle's exact location.
The 2013 Buick Enclave is also equipped with a new front center air bag, which, according to the automaker, is an industry-first feature that is also shared with the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. The center air bag inflates between the front seats to protect occupants from far-side side-impact crash forces.
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