The 2010 Buick Enclave boasts sleek looks, both interior and exterior, and its spacious third-row makes this crossover SUV widely appealing to those who value minivan versatility but want a sportier look and more luxurious features. Toss in its smooth and quiet drive, overall roominess and top crash-test scores, and you can understand the new Enclave's popularity.
In fact, for a crossover SUV, its three rows has made it one of the most popular choices available. Built on the same unibody platform as the GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse, the 2010 Enclave trumps them both with its luxurious cabin and sharp looks, resulting in a decidedly more upscale version of this well-regarded trio.
True, minivans like the Honda Odyssey are still tops when it comes to functionality, but a growing number of consumers are trading the convenience of some extra cargo room for a higher sense of style. The Enclave also makes a more budget-minded alternative to top-of-the-line Lexus, BMW, Acura and Mercedes-Benz crossovers, while those looking for more maneuverable choices, albeit smaller, may want to consider the Ford Flex or Hyundai Veracruz.
New for the 2010 model year are quicker automatic transmission downshifts, a new top-level CXL2 model, standard 19 inch wheels, optional 20 inch wheels, a USB jack for the optional Bose audio system as well as some minor equipment adjustments.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Enclave is a large crossover SUV available in three trims: CX, CXL1 and CXL2. Each offers seven passenger seating by way of second-row captain's chairs and a third-row bench seat. Seating capacity can be increased to eight via the optional second-row bench seat (no additional charge).
Standard features on the already well-equipped base CX model include partial power front seats, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, fog lamps, bi-xenon HID headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilt-and-telescoping leather/wood steering wheel, OnStar telematics, Bluetooth and a 6-speaker CD/MP3 sound system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
Moving up to the CXL1 adds remote ignition, leather upholstery, power front seats (8-way driver,4-way passenger), driver-seat memory settings, heated front seats and a back-up camera with a rearview-mirror display.
The top-of-the-line CXL2 adds cooling front seats, power-folding and heated exterior mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming and integrated turn signals, active headlamps, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 115-volt power outlet and a 10-speaker surround-sound Bose stereo with a USB audio jack.
Stand-alone optional features for the CX include the Bose stereo, remote ignition, rear parking sensors and the back-up camera. The CXL1 and CXL2 can be outfitted with a dual-pane "SkyScape" sunroof and a second-row storage console with a 12-volt power outlet. All models can get towing preparation as well.
There are also several optional high-tech packages only available on the CXL1 and CXL2 models. There'a a rear entertainment package with a DVD player, an 8 inch flip-down screen and rear audio controls. There's also a navigation package featuring a navigation system with back-up camera display, rear audio controls and Bose. And lastly, there's a package that combines both of these packages.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
All 2010 Buick Enclave models are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and under the hood is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that's good for 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that was updated this year with faster downshifts. With the available towing package, the Enclave has a tow capacity of 4,500 pounds.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for a front-wheel-drive Enclave stands at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. The ratings for all-wheel-driver Enclaves dip slightly to 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features for all 2010 Enclaves include 4-wheel antilock (ABS) disk brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitor and OnStar.
In government crash testing, the Enclave scored perfect five-out-of-five-star-ratings across the board in all frontal and side impact protection categories.
Interior:
The Enclave's interior is modern and slick with an overall upscale look and feel. The dashboard is particularly stylish, as are the wood-grain inlays. The gauges and displays are easy to read and user-friendly, while the seating is comfortable and supportive with ample legroom all-around. Long trip comfort is not much of an issue in the Enclave. In addition, access to the third-row is made easier with a second-row seats that both tilt and slide.
Storage capacity is a premium attribute as well. As one of the most spacious crossover SUVs available, the Enclave offers 19 cubic feet of usable space behind the third-row and 68 cubes with the third row's 60/40 sections folded into the floor. While not quite minivan-like, with the second-row folded the cargo capacity gets boosted to an enormous 116 cubic feet.
Drive:
Despite a 5,000 pound curbweight with all-wheel drive, the 2010 Enclave's 3.6-lier V6 still provides ample power in most situations. Overall handling is competent and comfortable for such a large vehicle, but not at all inspiring. The suspension is tuned for a smooth ride that handles rough roadspots well and the cabin is well-insulated from road and engine noise.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Enclave Prices:
Buick's sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.
They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.
Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons.
How To Buy A New Enclave At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Buick Enclave, here's the best way to get the lowest price.
Prices:
2010 Buick Enclave:
CX, FWD: list price: $35,515, invoice price: $33,739
CX, AWD: list price: $37,515, invoice price: $35,639
CXL1, FWD: list price: $38,630, invoice price: $36,699
CXL1, AWD: list price: $40,630, invoice price: $38,599
CXL2, FWD: list price: $41,995, invoice price: $39,895
CXL2, AWD: list price: $43,995, invoice price: $41,795
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