So, you have a family; and with all the love and affection that comes with that, you also need room to take them and their gear everywhere. Your sedan isn't cutting it, and it's time to go bigger.
The Buick Enclave is big, there's no doubt; its size is deceptive from the outside, but try pulling into that space at the mall and you'll see it. But that size might be good for you; this AWD Premium has two rear captain's chairs and a third bench seat that is usable, at least on shorter trips. Plus, with both rows of rear seats folded, you'll fit a lot of cargo back there, so it doesn't matter if your kid suddenly decides to take up surfing. The middle seats also fold up vertically and slide ahead for even more versatility.
But you get more than just room with the Enclave, easily the more luxurious of its General Motors siblings, the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. The 288 horsepower from its 3.6-litre engine isn't much for a car this size, but it does a good enough job moving it around smoothly. And quietly, too; using a technology General Motors calls QuietTuning, which focuses on blocking and reducing noise, the cabin is nearly tomb-like at highway speeds, easily allowing conversations with people in the rear. It adds more than a touch of refinement to the experience.
It's also loaded with safety features such as a blind-side alert, rear cross traffic alert and forward collision alert, not to mention myriad airbags. One feature, however, should be banished to the netherworld immediately; when shifted into reverse, the side mirrors bow down to see the road beside the car – not behind it. You have to rely on your rear camera for that, and it's an infuriating and dangerous feature.
You do pay for all that space, however, with the Enclave's fuel consumption. Rated at a thirsty 14.6 litres/100 km in the city, I averaged 12.2 in combined city/highway driving. It's around what you'd expect for a large people mover, but you can't help but suspect a more robust engine and more than just six gears could bring that down a bit.
But in the end, you need the room to carry those you love, and the Buick Enclave has it – along with a healthy dose of sophistication.
Tech Specs
2014 Buick Enclave
Base price: $55,260; as tested: $60,020
Engine: 3.6-litre V-6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 14.6 city, 10.2 highway
Alternatives: Infiniti QX60, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia
You'll like this car if: You need the room for your family, do more highway than city driving and don't mind the fuel bills.
Ratings
Looks: In spite of the cheesy chrome hood vents, the Enclave has sophisticated lines that seem to belie its girth.
Interior: A good mix of colours and textures, though we can all do without the fake wood trim.
Performance: It's not going to win any drag races, but it has sufficient power and a comfortable ride with little noise inside the cabin.
Tech: This model is loaded with safety features and a rear-seat video screen for the obligatory viewing of Frozen.
Cargo: The rear seats fold flat while the middle seats can fold flat or up against the front seats for up to 3,263 litres of space, among the largest in its class.
The Verdict
8.0: Minivan-like room with a refined, sedan-like ride.