The 2012 Buick Enclave is a great family car. It comes in Base, Convenience, Leather and Premium trim and all of them can come with either front or all wheel drive. Buick didn’t add too many changes from last year, but there’s now a brake override system that shuts off the engine when the driver steps on the gas and brakes simultaneously.
People found the Enclave sumptuous, roomy and comfortable, even though its handling and acceleration may leave something to be desired. 
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Luxury SUV | Base Price: $36,500.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gallons (83L) | MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Length: 201.8 in. (512.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 118.9 in. (302 cm) |
| Height: 72.5 in. (184.1 cm) | Width: 79 in. (200.6 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4780 lbs (2186 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.4 in. (21.3 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 23.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 7 people |
| Engine: VVT V6 w/ SIDI | Displacement: 3.6 Liter |
| Horsepower: 288 HP | Max RPM: 6300 RPM |
| Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 4500 lbs* (2041 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
*with tow package
| Option:Convenience Group FWD | MSRP: $37,420; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Leather Group FWD | MSRP: $40,400; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Premium Group FWD | MSRP: $43,765; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Base AWD | MSRP: $38,500; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:Convenience AWD | MSRP: $39,420; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:Leather AWD | MSRP: $42,400; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:Premium AWD | MSRP: $45,765; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
Engine
The Enclave has a V6, 3.6 liter engine with 288 horsepower engine. The Enclave’s engine can handle what’s required of it, but that’s about all reviewers could say about it. It gives you 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway and is able to tow up to two and a half tons.
Performance
The Buick Enclave is a family SUV and is not sexy to drive. It’s smooth and balanced and meant to haul kids, parents, pets other cargo, which it does admirably. If a driver wants something with a bit more swagger, they might consider something else.
Exterior
Reviewers appreciated the Enclave’s refined and attractive exterior, which, given the clumsiness of other midsize SUVs, is high praise indeed.
Interior
The Enclave seats eight passengers, and is quiet and elegant. Best of all, the vehicle’s third row seats can even accommodate adults. The third row of most other midsize SUVs is just about big enough for children. It has many standard features, including a steering column that can tilt and telescope, three zone climate control, and brightly lit but not glaring gauges.
Some have complained that it’s a bit tough to see the rear and the chrome trim is blinding on sunny days. But rearview cameras can be installed as an option.
Another attribute is that the Enclave can carry a lot of cargo. Only the Traverse and the GMC Acadia can hold more stuff. The Enclave holds up to 115.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the front seats, 67.5 behind the middle seats and 23.2 cubic feet behind the back row. It’s also full of storage cubbies.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2012 Enclave a Top Safety Pick. It also scored quite well on tests performed by the federal government. They gave it five out of five stars for side and overall crash protection.
Reliability
J.D. Power gave the Enclave a 3 out of 5 Predicted Reliability rating. The SUV comes with a four year or 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. It also has a five year or 100,000 mile power train warranty.
Competition
The luxury SUV market is filled with a lot of choices, among them include the Acura MDX (MSRP $43,030; 16 city / 21 hwy), the Lexus RX (MSRP $39,075; 18 city / 25 hwy), and the Lincoln MKT (MSRP $44,300; 17 city / 24 hwy). The Enclave holds its own in price, features, and horsepower.
Overall Rating
80 out of 100
What others say:
“A roomy, quiet interior really is the Enclave’s forte. This large crossover vehicle has seating for up to eight passengers and sports lots of cargo room, and it has a soft, mostly composed ride as well as a standard of refinement you won’t find in some other large crossovers.”Car Connection
“Enclave holds the road with impressive stability and agility for a vehicle of this size, with direct, well-balanced steering. Body lean is noticeable in fast turns, but the vehicle never feels unwieldy. Its long, wide body makes it somewhat difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Enclave’s brakes are smooth and powerful.”Consumer Guide
“This large SUV has a comfortable and quiet ride, and handling is agile and secure. The third-row seat is roomy enough for adults.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Buick Enclave can easily carry up to eight adults in relaxed comfort. The driving dynamics for the Enclave are not sports-car-like, but there is plenty of useful feedback via the steering wheel, and the cable chassis and suspension turn in an impressively stable performance.”KBB
“ The three-row 2012 Buick Enclave crossover SUV is an excellent choice for families who want minivan functionality along with classy styling and a luxurious interior.”Edmunds
