The 2017 Buick Enclave is a veteran trailblazer that's bid farewell to its younger days and embraced its role as a seasoned journeyman. Despite showing its age with an outdated interior and an infotainment system that might make you nostalgic for the days of dial-up internet, the Enclave's tranquil cabin still offers a serene escape from the rattles and roars of the road. It may not be the spry, trendsetting model it was back in 2008, but the Enclave's swansong year introduces the Sport Touring package, a nod to fans seeking a dash of style on their daily drive. The package pairs a sleek black grille with 20-inch chrome wheels, adding a touch of modern chic to this old stalwart. Don't let the matured facade fool you – this charmer still has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Read on to learn more about the 2017 Buick Enclave.
The 2017 Buick Enclave's interior design may show signs of age, but its sizeable passenger space sets it apart from competitors. With room for up to eight passengers and ample space in the third row, it offers a comfortable and spacious ride. While the cabin hosts a mix of soft-touch materials and hard plastics, the latter unfortunately adds a cheap feeling to the experience. However, the seating is large and comfortable, providing a smooth and quiet ride that could compensate for the dated design.
One of the things that makes the Enclave really stand out is its awesome cargo capacity. It's huge, which gives it an advantage over most competitors. Even when all the seats are being used, you can still fit four carry-on suitcases behind the third row. And if you need even more space, you can fold down all the seats and fit a whopping 30 cases! This makes it a great choice for big families or anyone who needs to haul around bulky stuff. On the flip side, one of the downsides of the 2017 Buick Enclave is its outdated technology. The infotainment system and climate controls are kind of behind the times. The 6.5-inch touchscreen is small compared to newer models, and navigating through the system can be a bit of a challenge. That might not sit well with tech-savvy drivers. All in all, though, the 2017 Buick Enclave offers a comfy and roomy ride with plenty of cargo space. Just keep in mind that the interior design and tech might not be up to everyone's standards.
The exterior of the 2017 Buick Enclave is pretty impressive, with its sleek design and strong presence that commands respect. The polished, aerodynamic silhouette not only looks good but also reduces drag for better efficiency. The front grille proudly displays the iconic Buick tri-shield logo, representing excellence and sophistication in both quality and style. The LED headlights add a modern touch and provide better visibility. If you want to take it up a notch, go for the Sport Touring package with its black-chrome grille and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels that will definitely turn heads. The dual exhaust outlets at the back give a subtle hint of the power under the hood. But it's not just about looks; the well-built body with high-strength steel ensures a solid frame and improved handling. The 2017 Buick Enclave is all about performance and style, inside and out.
The 2017 Buick Enclave carries a 3.6-liter V-6 engine under its hood, producing an output of 288 horsepower. Although this doesn't make it a powerhouse contender in the segment, it holds its own in terms of reliability and consistency. The engine's smooth, even power delivery is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It may not provide the quickness for a thrilling ride – our tests indicate a somewhat sedate 7.9-second run from zero to 60 mph – but it's ample for the car's size and structure. However, the transmission does shift slowly, which can make everyday city driving and merging into traffic a bit of a chore. The engine's performance is acceptable, but it falls short when compared with more agile, responsive competitors. The Enclave comes in either front-wheel drive or an optional all-wheel drive, depending on your preference and the driving conditions you typically encounter.
The 2017 Buick Enclave isn't particularly noteworthy in the field of fuel efficiency. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Enclave's fuel economy stands at an estimated 15 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 22 MPG on the highway with the all-wheel-drive model. For the front-wheel-drive variant, these figures are slightly better at 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. While these numbers aren't impressive in comparison to some newer competitors, it's important to note that they are fairly standard for the Enclave's size and weight class. Potential buyers should consider these figures when gauging the Enclave's suitability to their lifestyle and driving habits.
The 2017 Buick Enclave takes safety seriously, earning a commendable overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It scored five out of five stars in side crash tests, displaying its robust build and protective design. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Enclave good ratings in various categories, underscoring the model's commitment to passenger safety. Features such as a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and a full suite of airbags come standard, offering added peace of mind. Despite being an aging model, the 2017 Enclave holds its own in the realm of safety, making it a reliable choice for families and individuals alike.
To wrap it up in a nutshell, the 2017 Buick Enclave is a bit of a mixed bag. Its selling points lie in its considerable cargo space and generous passenger room, making it an ideal pick for large families or frequent road trips. The aged interior design might not win any fashion awards, but it's like that comfy pair of old shoes you can't quite part with - it gets the job done. However, let's not gloss over the glaring issue of the low-quality interior materials, which unfortunately stick out like a sore thumb amidst the Enclave's premium price tag. And for the tech-heads among us, the dated infotainment system might feel like you've just time-traveled back to the dial-up internet days.
All things considered; would we recommend the 2017 Buick Enclave? Well, if you value roominess and comfort over cutting-edge features and interior quality, and aren't particularly fussed about fuel efficiency, then yes, the Enclave might just be up your alley. But if you're looking for a modern, tech-savvy, and luxurious interior, you might want to keep on moving down the car lot.
