30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Camping In Your Truck
We've pitched a few tents in our time, and we're no strangers to camping. Still, when a 2013 Ram... Read More
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QUALITY | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
it doesn't come off feeling floaty and uncontrolled
Cars.com
Only sharp bumps intrude.
ConsumerGuide
nicely appointed, user-friendly, supremely quiet and very roomy
Newsday
The Enclave stands out for its quiet ride...You don't have to raise your voice much to be heard by any passenger.
Motor Trend
The bench seat sits very close to the floor, but so do most third rows.
Cars.com
The Buick Enclave's forte is its spacious, comfortable interior. It seats up to eight passengers, and has minivan-like cargo space when its second- and third-row seats are tucked away.
It also has a standard of refinement that isn't found in some other large crossovers, even ones that share its running gear.
The Enclave has more usable space and flexibility than most truck-based SUVs. The front seats are wide, not particularly formed or shaped for smaller builds, and they're softly upholstered. This year, they're also offered with heating and ventilation, a feature we're finding more common in luxury vehicles with each mid-cycle refresh.
The Enclave's second-row seats perch a bit higher than in most other large crossovers, which makes them comfortable for adults, and gives a good view out.
Even in the third row, the big Buick crossover offers enough room for adults. It's one of the largest among all the competitive crossovers--and although entry and exit aren't as easy as in some other vehicles with lower step-in heights, the Enclave has an easy to use tilt mechanism for the middle row that opens up more entry space for the third row. With that extra row and three-across seating for kids in it, the Enclave is a true minivan alternative, missing only sliding side doors.
Storage is also plentiful, with over 23 cubic feet of space behind the third row when the cargo management system is removed, and if you fold down the second and third rows, you'll free up over 115 cubic feet of cargo space. The Enclave's back seats fold down to a completely flat cargo floor, too, allowing a minivan-like space behind the second row good enough for just about any purchase from big-box stores, and the second tow tilts forward for even more space. The only issue is that you might not be able to fully open those wide rear side doors if you're parked.
Throughout the cabin, materials and trims are quite good, and this year's revamp of the dash has added more soft-touch materials where hard plastics once were used. It's a richer look, more fitting for a pricey family wagon like this one.
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Conclusion
A quiet, comfortable ride and seating for up to eight make the Enclave a great family road-trip vehicle.
