Model tested: Buick
Enclave CXL AWD
MSRP for the model
tested: 64, 745.00
Competition in its
class: Acura MDX AWD • Lincoln MKT • Lexus RX 350 FWD
Immediately the exterior of this vehicle took me in:
eye-catching, sleek and compact looking; the Enclave is beautiful. The exterior
chrome finishes really complete the look, accentuating the curves of this
gorgeous-looking ride.
My initial impression of the interior was that it was
extremely busy. The mix of leather, brushed nickel, genuine mahogany accents and
traditional plastic-like interior trim didn‘t do it for me. Colours aside, the
interior feels comfortable and inviting. The cup holders and storage are well
placed and don‘t
interfere with each other in the least (there‘s none of that having to move a
coffee cup in order to reach for change in the small compartments, which is
nice).
Need space? The
Enclave has it.
The exterior of the Enclave is deceiving; it doesn‘t
appear to have as much room as it does. The Enclave offers a standard 7-seat
configuration with second-row captains chairs, but is available with 8 seats
with a 60/40 split-bench (which is an option with no additional charge).
This option really catapults the Enclave out in front when comparing with its competition; you have the luxury and
options that are comparable to the others, but the available seating is a HUGE
advantage. Compared to the Acura MDX, the third-row seating of
the Enclave is far superior, in my opinion.
The easily accessible third row is great for traveling with
friends and family and provides enough room for a couple of adults to sit.
Though it doesn‘t
boast quite the same amount of legroom as the second row (which can slide forward and back to increase the legroom for the third row), it‘s still
a comfortable ride. The 7-seat option, which we tested, came with the optional storage
console, equipped with cup holders, between the second row which would mean
that folding the chair to access the third-row would be a must – you know,
instead of the kids squeaking through between the captains chairs. And with the
third row stowed away, there is a considerable amount of space for cargo and/or
the family pet.
But it isn‘t just the space; the Enclave includes a number of
QuietTuning® acoustic technologies that reduce, block and absorb noise – like
triple sealed doors. The drive is extremely quite and relaxing – well, if it‘s not
loaded up with kids and blaring music of course. Despite MY feelings on the
interior colours, it‘s well crafted and the attention to detail is evident in
the Art Deco-inspired analogue clock, and steering wheel controls that allow
the driver to control almost everything – including Bluetooth® hands-free –
without removing their hands from the wheel.
One thing that I’ve rather enjoyed lately (since I am driving a new car per week lately!) is the voice activated controls; changing the radio station via voice commands is definitely a great feature which would work well with this vehicle.
The mileage?
With gas prices where they are, the Enclave could use a little help in fuel economy. Boasting a 3.6L Direct Injection V6 with 6-speed automatic transmission, this vehicle likes it’s gas. And it has a big tank. With the big push on the environment and eco-friendly options, I would have like to have seen an eco option available with the Enclave. Some eco-friendly fuel-saving techniques would really benefit this crossover, not to mention any potential shoppers looking to save a little in their gas budgets.
Let‘s talk options.
They don‘t call this a luxury cross for nothing, my friends. This
model – the CXL with the “Preferred Equipment Group CXL2“ is
equipped with heated front bucket seats – okay so that‘s
nothing special anymore, right? But what about AIR CONDITIONING FOR YOUR BUTT!?
Yes, cooled front seats. I won‘t lie, it takes a little getting used to but – NICE.
Also
included in the “Preferred
Equipment Group CXL2, you‘ll find power folding exterior side-view mirrors with
driver‘s
side auto-dimming, steerable head lamps, rear seat audio controls, USB
connectivity and a 115-volt power outlet, which is awesome if you have, say, a
camera battery to charge and it doesn‘t have a traditional car adapter,
ahem.
The standard equipment includes: remote keyless entry,
illuminated entry, In-Vehicle Communications and Assistance
Service – OnStar Directions & Connections, stolen vehicle
tracking, overhead airbag curtains for all three rows of seating, heated
mirrors, power lift gate; I could keep going. There are so many standard
options I‘m
surprised it doesn‘t
drive itself.
The model I drove includes an additional $11, 705.00 in
options, which, when you look at the MSRP for the model tested as I‘ve
shown above, it definitely says luxury. The Enclave starts at $43, 685.00, which
is very well equipped at that price point, but it is still in the higher
end of the market. For those looking for a luxury crossover, the Enclave should
definitely be on your list.
I apologize for the
poor quality of my pictures this time. I swear, the whole week I had this
vehicle it didn‘t stop
raining once!
Oracle: In java.util.BitSet
public void and(BitSet set) Performs a logical AND of this target bit set with the argument bit set. This bit set is modified so that each bit in it has the value true if and only if it both initially had the value true and the corresponding bit in the bit set argument also had the value true. »
