New for 2015

For 2015, Buick has added new exterior paint colors, a dark plum interior color option, and heated steering wheel to upper trim levels.

A Drive worth Making

Shopping for a luxury three-row crossover is cause for excitement but that joy can quickly turn to frustration when faced with the sheer amount of models vying for your attention. But if you’re ready and willing to graduate from the glorified luxury models that hail from abroad, the 2015 Buick Enclave may just be the vehicle you’re looking for.

Powertrains and Performance

Power is an important part of the luxury equation and the 2016 Enclave possesses all the quality a crossover of such stature requires.

Under the hood lives a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Mated to this potent powertrain is a six-speed automatic transmission that channels power to the front wheels, via the standard front-wheel drive setup, however all-wheel drive is available for those that desire it.

Fuel economy is another high note in the 2015 Enclave, with front-wheel drive models earning an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway),* and all-wheel drive models earning slightly less at 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway).*

Features and Trims

The 2015 Buick Enclave is a full-size crossover that starts at $39,050** and comes in three different trim levels: Convenience, Leather, and Premium.

Buyers expect a lot from their luxury vehicle and no automaker understands this better than Buick, which is why the 2015 Enclave is teeming with premium features and amenities like 18-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, a power liftgate, and rear parking sensors—all of which elevate the Enclave from “just another luxury SUV” to a real segment leader.

Of course, technology plays an increasingly important role too, which is why the Enclave also comes with OnStar, Bluetooth®, a rearview camera, and a vivid 6.5-inch touchscreen display. Not to be overlooked is Buick’s IntelliLink electronics interface, which adds voice control and smartphone radio app integration. Making your life even easier are two convenient USB charge ports. The Enclave also comes with a six-speaker sound system—complete with CD player, audio jack, USB/iPod® support, and satellite radio.

Stepping up to the Leather trim adds even more quality to an already impressive package. Here you’ll find 19-inch wheels, a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, a power-adjustable steering wheel, heated front seats, an eight-way power passenger seat, and of course leather upholstery.

Rounding out the Enclave lineup is the Premium trim. It fleshes out the feature-rich luxury crossover with even more goodies, including adaptive headlights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and heated and ventilated front seats.

For Premium models, the Enclave’s audio system also gets a boost, with the standard six-speaker setup replaced by an upgraded 10-speaker Bose system.

Design

The 2015 Enclave is rich with design elements that draw the eye and spark the imagination. On the outside, Buick’s trademark “waterfall” is front and center, an elegant center piece that commands attention while remaining delightfully understated.

The use of high-intensity (HID) xenon projector headlamps with LED signature accents is another appreciated design element that adds visual fidelity while illuminating the road ahead better than traditional headlights. Attention to detail is what separates the average from the spectacular, and the translucent blue lights that radiate around the front lamps are truly a sight to behold.

While most crossovers retain their odd and often bulky shapes to facilitate interior space, the Buick does away with this design flaw. Naturally, it retains the space and comfort required of its prestige but instead features a sleek and fluid profile that glides effortless the atmosphere.

Moving inside, wood, leather, and chrome produce a distinguished interior. A thin strip of blue ambient lighting runs around the top of the dash from door to door, pulling the interior together in a way that feels cosseting but not confining. Air inlets, gauges, and even the center-mounted analogue clock feature chrome surrounds and a standard 6.5-inch touch-screen in the center stack provides access to infotainment systems.

Buick has gone to great lengths to make the interior a tactile delight, so materials are all soft to the touch. The well-cushioned front seats have eight-way power adjustment and are available heated and cooled. Second row seating can be configured with two captain’s chairs to make the Enclave a seven-seater, or select a second row bench to accommodate eight.

A high seating position and generous glass make the Enclave easy to guide through city traffic and into tight parking spots, though the rear view camera helps too. The Enclave’s cargo capacity is also impressive, with an available 23.3 cubic feet of storage even with the third-row seats in place. With the third-row seats down, the number increases to 68.9 cubic feet and even up to 116.3 with both the second and third-rows stowed.

Safety

The 2015 Buick Enclaved is equipped with an extensive list of standard safety features designed to keep what matters to you most safe. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front outboard side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Also standard is a large airbag that deploys between the front seats in the event of a side impact. The standard OnStar system includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, an emergency button, stolen vehicle locator and active intervention, and remote door unlock.

For added peace of mind, the Leather and Premium trims include cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot warning system. The Premium trim also adds forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning systems, both of which are available on the Leather trim.

Bottom Line

Aptly named, the 2015 Buick Enclave is your on-road haven from the mundane. It arrives awash with the same upscale amenities of Europe’s finest, but at a fraction of the cost. It’s a no-compromise solution, one where your desire and expectation for performance, comfort, and value merge into one unmistakable package. 

Experience all that the Buick Enclave has to offer yourself by contacting or visiting us at Cutter Automotive Galleries to schedule a test drive.

* EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

** The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.

Image: Buick