INTRO: Combining car, minivan and truck-like attributes, the 2012 Buick Enclave presents a luxurious blend of convenience, safety and ruggedness in a stylish and versatile crossover package with seating for up to eight.
Anything but stodgy, the Enclave displays sculpted bodylines that invoke a sense of motion. Up front, the HID headlamps flow smoothly over the flared fenders creating the start of an expressive crease that extends across the doors to the wrap-around taillights.
Abandoning last year's trim designations, the 2012 Enclave comes in base trim and a choice of three Equipment Group upgrades - Convenience, Leather and Premium.
PERFORMANCE: The Enclave uses a direct injected 3.6-liter V6 sending 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels or available all-wheel drive through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the Enclave can tow up to 4500 pounds.
FUEL ECONOMY: Here are the highest and lowest EPA estimates for fuel economy:
FEATURES: Even the base model Enclave comes brimming with luxurious amenities including a leather wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood accents and mounted audio and cruise controls. Standard tri-zone automatic climate control gives the driver, front passenger and second row passengers separate temperature controls.
Second row captain's chairs with fold-down armrests are also standard but can be swapped-out at no cost for a 3-person bench seat. The second row seats slide forward for easy access to the third row. All rear seats fold flat to create a level floor and 115 feet of cargo space.
An optional rear seat DVD entertainment system includes an 8-inch LCD overhead display, remote control and wireless headphones.
SAFETY: Standard safety systems include dual stage frontal and side impact airbags for driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags for outboard passengers in every row, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and traction and stability control.
PRICING: Base MSRP for the 2012 Buick Enclave is $36,600. A Premium Equipment Group model with all-wheel drive starts at $45,080.
WARRANTY: The Enclave is backed by a 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
CLOSING: With a bounty of luxuries and practical features, the 2012 Buick Enclave turns the classic SUV formula into a stylish and versatile family hauler.