2011 Buick Enclave

The 2011 Buick Enclave is considered as the newest large crossover SUV additions in the market. It has been redesigned and re-engineered ready to give owners the satisfaction they deserve. This is why the 2011 Enclave remains the top favorite of drivers and has become a top competitor in its class. This vehicle has unique features that combines luxury, style and comfort for the whole family. The minor change in this vehicle include the removal of the 2-way ARS (Advance Remote Start) feature. Other added features are the standard OnStar Directions and Connections program which are subscribed to by the owner.

Features

It has three trim levels namely the CX, CXL1 and CXL2. The CX is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, headlights, heated mirrors, cloth upholstery, power lift gate, and auto-dim rearview mirrors. The CLX1 features a heated power front seats, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory functions, back-up camera and rear parking sensors. The CXL2 features active headlights, ventilated front seats, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 115-volt power outlet, and a 10-speaker surround system.

Performance

The Enclave comes in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. Its engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 288 horsepower. It can also achieve 270 lbs ft of torque. The standard transmission is six-speed automatic.

The front-wheel drive’s fuel economy achieves 17 mpg in the city and 24 in the highway. The all-wheel drive on the other hand achieves 16 mpg in the city and 22 in the highway.

The six-speed transmission engine works efficiently with the 3.6 V6 288 hp engine with direct injection and the variable valve timing. These two brilliant engine features gives it maximum performance.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior is described as sleek and stylish. It was engineered to stand-out and catch everyone’s attention. Both ends are smoothly curved. The xenon headlights give a brighter light compared to halogen to give a better sight on the road and road signs. Its waterfall grille goes around the vehicle. A sun roof is featured on the CXL1 and CXL2 trims. The chromed portholes on the sides of the hood have been considered as either tacky or classy.

The interior of the Enclave features a spacious cabin that can accommodate eight passengers plus cargo. It has the roomiest cabin among the crossover SUVs in the market. The cargo space behind the third-row seat is 19 cubic feet and gives out more 68 cubic feet when the third row seat is folded. It can give out more space when the second and the third row seats are folded up to 116 cubic feet. The cabin has a very stylish dashboard. The chrome trims that illuminates with the sun’s reflections giving out more light inside the cabin.

Other important interior features of the 2011 Enclave include the tilt/ telescoping steering wheel, a tri-zone automatic climate control, and OnStar Directions and Connections program. It also offers plenty of technological options such Bose sound system with USB Bluetooth, Audio system with a rear-seat entertainment system and an XM radio 5. A navigation system can also be added as an option to the vehicle feature.

Safety & Reliability

Safety features of the Enclave includes stability control, 6 air bags, traction control, brakes with 4-wheel antilock and 4-wheel disc, rear parking assist, rear view camera system, daytime running lamps, door locks with rear child security and tire pressure monitoring system.

It also earned top ratings for over-all performance. It scored four stars for front impact protection and scored five stars for the side impact protection. The IIHS gave the Enclave top score in side –impact and frontal-offset crashes.

The Competition

The Buick Enclave is closely compared to the Lincoln MKX (MSRP $38,845; 18 city / 25 hwy) which offers a more luxurious interior. The downside to the Lincoln MKX is that can seat only five as compared to the Enclaves 8-passenger seating capacity.

The Buick can also be compared to the Chevrolet Traverse (MSRP $29,370; 17 city / 24 hwy) and the Acura MDX (MSRP $42,230; 16 city / 21 hwy).

Pros:

  • Sleek design
  • Spacious cargo
  • Huge cargo space
  • Top safety rating
  • Smooth and quite ride
  • Comfortable seats

Cons:

  • Outward visibility is compromised
  • Fuel economy is average
  • No optional engine
  • Higher price compared to competitors
  • Inconsistent quality if interior materials

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Buick Enclave is very conservative looking, but its curvy exterior and most of the interior are enough to impress most shoppers looking for a practical and luxurious vehicle.”Car Connection

“Enclave holds the road with impressive stability and agility for a vehicle of this size, with direct, well-balanced steering.”Consumer Guide

“Sleek design inside and out; smooth and quiet ride; all three rows are spacious; ample cargo space; top crash-test scores.”Edmunds

“If you appreciate the refinement of a luxury car but also need the flexibility of a crossover SUV, we think you’ll like the 2011 Buick Enclave.”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $35,865.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gallons (83 liters) MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 201.8 in. (512.5 cm) Width: 79 in. (200.6 cm)
Height: 72.5 in. (184 cm) Wheel Base: 118 in. (299.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 4780 lbs (2168 kg) Ground Clearance: 8.4 in. (21 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 23.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: 24-Valve DOHC V6 Displacement: 3.6L
Horsepower: 288 HP Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Enclave CX AWD MSRP: $37,865; MPG: 16 city / 26 hwy
Option:Enclave CXL-1 FWD MSRP: $38,980; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Enclave CXL-2 FWD MSRP: $42,345; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Enclave CXL-1 AWD MSRP: $40,980; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Enclave CXL-2 AWD MSRP: $44,345; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy

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