Buick's flagship Enclave crossover is the latest of the brand's models to gain a Sport Touring Edition trim package for 2017, joining the Lacrosse, Regal and Verano sedans and Encore compact crossover in offering this new appearance package.
Available on Leather and Premium versions of the Enclave, the Sport Touring Edition adds 20-inch chrome-clad wheels with "satin black ice" accents and a grille wearing the same finish.
Otherwise, the Enclave's fundamentals are unchanged: this is the best-execution of GM's mid-size crossover strategy, which also includes the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. Fittingly, Enclave is the most upscale of the trio, benefiting from the brand's QuietTuning interior noise mitigation efforts and interior finishes that are a better fit for a $50,000-plus crossover than upper trims of the Chevy and GMC versions, whose prices top out around where the Enclave's MSRPs kick off.
Enclave is Buick's answer to high-end European crossovers like the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90, and it's a strong effort even if its driving feel is a better fit for the Buick of old than the "new" Buick that's trying to steal buyers away from those Euro brands.
As hard as Buick as worked to separate the Enclave from its platform mates, it still shares its powertrain with them, that being a 3.6L V6 (288 hp/270 lb-ft of torque) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is optional in entry-level Leather trim and standard in the Premium model. The 3.6L is a strong motor that's willing to be pushed for its power, but we'd love to see Buick bolt in something more sophisticated, like a smaller-displacement forced-induction six-cylinder; that might help reduce fuel consumption, which is estimated at 14.6/10.7 L/100 km (city/highway).
Enclave's entry-level is the $52,035 Leather trim, which includes 19-inch wheels, heated front seats, power liftgate, rear park assist, backup camera, remote engine start, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, satellite radio, heated steering wheel, three-zone automatic climate control, dual stainless steel exhaust tips, automatic HID headlights, heated side mirrors, seven-passenger seating (an eight-passenger layout is optional), eight-way power front seats with driver memory, six-speaker stereo with USB input, IntelliLink infotainment, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, wi-fi hotspot, tilt-and-telescopic steering column and tire pressure monitoring.
For $56,535, Premium trim adds adaptive headlights, 10-speaker Bose stereo, navigation, ventilated front seats, power-folding side mirrors, power-adjustable steering column, forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
Options include a sunroof, and a trailering package that adds a Class-III trailer hitch, heavy-duty radiator and uprated towing capacity. Conspicuous by their absence as standard or optional features are autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, intelligent keyless entry and heated second-row seats.
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