Review: 2009 Buick Enclave CXL AWD
Full-size SUVs have proven to be some of the most profitable vehicles in the auto industry’s 100+ years of existence, but thanks to the proverbial perfect storm of high gas prices and rising environmental concerns, new car buyers are flocking to smaller, more fuel efficient models. This may be bad news for General Motors’ larger ‘utes – the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon – but the trend away from traditional SUVs has opened the door for more car-based crossover utility vehicles, including GM’s own Buick Enclave.
What is it?
The Buick Enclave is GM’s third Lambda-based CUV — following in the footsteps of the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia and preceding the Chevrolet Traverse, which we recently tested – and is the most luxurious of GM’s large crossovers. Unlike the Enclave’s SUV brethren, the big Buick is car-based rather than truck-based, allowing for an increase in fuel economy and ride comfort, albeit at the cost of some capability.
What’s it up against?
The larger crossover segment is still in its infant stages, but it is quickly becoming one of the most competitive in the market place. In addition to the Enclave’s aforementioned stable mates, the Enclave also competes against the Lincoln MKX, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX and the smaller Lexus RX350.
Any breakthroughs?
Not for the industry, but certainly for GM. While other automakers have been in the CUV business for years, GM is only starting to get the hang of things. The Detroit automaker is learning quickly, though, as the Enclave is arguably one of the best in the segment. The Enclave’s fit and finish is light years ahead of what you’ll find in a Buick Rendezvous, and the Enclave’s styling — both inside and out – harkens back to the days of Harley Earl.
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