Comparison Test Countdown: #3 2008 Buick Enclave CX
The 2008 Buick Enclave ends up in third place by the narrowest of margins -- 0.8 points to be exact. Two editors placed the Buick first in the recommended category, while two had it in second for personal picks. Had there been a full evaluation and performance score included in the tally, who knows? But even if the Enclave didn't come out on top, it once again proved its well-rounded nature that should appeal to many families.
Read the complete 2008 Buick Enclave Review
The Enclave is the biggest crossover here, offering the most passenger and cargo space, and yet it nearly matched the Highlander for quickest acceleration (0-to-60 in 7.9 seconds) and fuel economy (16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined). The Enclave was the only vehicle in the test without all-wheel-drive, but the differences in performance and particularly fuel economy would be acceptable.
Although the Enclave's engine is certainly efficient, much of the gas savings comes from a conservatively programmed transmission that shifts up to sixth gear early and often. Subsequently, we found it slow to downshift, which made the Buick feel lazy at times and slower than the other crossovers (well, except for the glacial Pilot).
Most editors commented that the Enclave felt the biggest here (with the Pilot a close second), at least in terms of keeping within the lines of tight roads. However, once you know its footprint, the Enclave manages to conceal its size/weight well and lends confidence to the driver. Although slightly overpowered through turns, the steering has a solid on-center feel to it. The ride is excellent, solidly thumping over bumps -- you feel connected to the road, yet never punished by it like in the Mazda. Our long-term Enclave's 18-inch wheels are the way to go. The Buick also provided the quietest cabin by far.
The interior execution is a mixed bag. All were in agreement that the quality of materials was top notch, with some giving a slight edge to only the Hyundai and Honda. Most controls are straightforward, although some found the small nav/audio screen confusing. The Enclave was also the only crossover to have its iPod/mp3 connector placed on the stereo head unit, rather than stashed safely in the center console bin. These attributes carry throughout the Enclave/Outlook/Acadia range, however, the Buick is the only one that features an abundance of chrome trim that flashes the driver's eyes constantly. It's like driving with a paparazzo in the car.
In terms of space and comfort, the Enclave is a strong contender. Although one editor deemed the driver seat the worst, most found it perfectly comfortable with a wide range of adjustment. The telescoping wheel jutted out particularly far. Our long-termer's second row featured captain's chairs, which were well-sculpted and comfy. They flip and fold out of the way better than the rest, providing the easiest access to the spacious third row. Although not offering as much headroom as the Pilot, the Enclave's aft-most quarters could nevertheless comfortably accommodate our tallest editor. Cargo space behind that seat was the most copious, ditto maximum cargo space.
In the end, the well-rounded Enclave couldn't mathematically overcome the editors' overwhelming personal preference for the CX-9 and the Veracruz's tremendous value (although just barely). We're still big fans of the big Buick, though -- it's just that we're bigger fans of the top two.
Pick Score: 15
Recommended Score: 19
Weighted Total Score (40/60%): 34.8
Each editor ranked each crossover from first to last for what they would personally buy (picks) and what they suggest the average consumer buy (recommended). First place was awarded five points, last place got one.
- Posted by
- James Riswick July 10, 2008, 12:00 PM
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- Car Buying
Dare I say it, I think the Lambda CUVs may be the best crossovers for the "average consumer."
Since I'm not the "average consumer," though, I'd probably choose the Mazda CX-9 if it's truly the most fun to drive of the bunch. Granted, I've never driven any of CUVs that were tested.
What I really don't get about the crossover craze, is why don't people just get hatchbacks, station wagons, or minivans?! Should looking "cool" really matter that much? I'd much rather have a Legacy wagon (R.I.P. USDM Leggy Wagon :( ) or Honda Odyssey if I needed a vehicle that provides the utility of a crossover.
Function > Form, folks! :o)
What do you all think?
Hey Suby,
Practicality is one thing, style is another. Wagons and minivans have a stigma that people shy away from, value notwithstanding. Minivan sales have tanked, and most of those people are buying crossovers... although in June, crossovers did poorly as well, due to the general economy and the focus on fuel economy. (Compact cars are doing very well.)
No worries, Joanne. After all, I drive an ugly Subaru.
404 Style Not Found :o)
"Well-rounded" certainly describes the styling.
Also, the whole point of second row buckets, for me anyway, is that you never have to flip and fold them. You can walk straight through to the rear. That was the #1 must-have feature when we were shopping for our last vehicle, and it is wonderful to to have two of the three kids go on back and buckle themselves up now that they're old enough to do so. I wish the bucket configuration had been available with cloth instead of leather. I do like the leather, but would have preferred not to pay extra for it, along with all the other options that come with it.
Which vehicle are you referring to? Our Enclave has cloth and captain's chairs. Excellent point, though, about the dual second row buckets and the added accessability. However, it does rob an extra seat.
Subytrojan, did I just understand you right- the Legacy wagon is gone? :o It was my favorite Suby, and the one I would (have been) be most likely to buy for myself. My parents have two now, and had a third in the past..
JRiz, he's taking about the CXL, or has to be, it's the only Enclave with leather.
Suby, why not a wagon? No 3rd row. Put in a pair of Britax car seats and it's at maximum kid capacity.
Why not a minivan? An Ody is 14 inches longer than a Pilot. For some, that's a liability (harder to park, averse to large footprints, etc).
Excellent points, 7driver.
The need for a third row is why I mentioned both hatches/wagons and minivans. The former would be fine for those who don't need it and the latter for those who do. Regarding the larger size of the minivan, that's something good drivers shouldn't have a problem with. :o)
I also wonder how minivan visibility generally compares to CUV visibility.
Talking about minivans being large, what happened to nicely sized ones like the Mazda MPV?
The cool JDM MPV is stuck across the Pacific. :(
The new-for-US MPV won this comparison(CX-9)
Yeah, I meant that I appreciate the Enclave with buckets and cloth, like most minivans offer. Our Yukon XL could only have buckets with leather.
Ideally, I'd get second row buckets and a front row bench seat. The front center console intrudes on knee space for tall folks, and the bench seat provides that occasional extra seat you lose in the second row. But I don't suppose that'll ever be available.