The Buick Enclave feels a bit like the forgotten member of the brand’s crossover / SUV lineup. While the compact Encore will get a facelift for 2017 and the mid-size Envision is new to the North American market, consumers will likely have to wait until the 2018 model year for an all-new Enclave. The current gen full-sized Buick SUV, which was last updated in 2013, will soldier on for at least one more year beyond 2016. Despite its age, the Enclave still offers room for seven, a comfortable ride and plenty of premium content (4G LTE Wi-Fi, heated and cooled leather seats, navigation, satellite radio, etc). Available in front and all-wheel drive, the Enclave is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 (288 hp / 270 lb-ft.) mated to six-speed automatic transmission. Power delivery is linear and a flat torque curve (peaking at 3,400 rpm) ensures good off-the-line acceleration. The Enclave may be a bit long in the tooth, but it delivers a compelling luxury package that is competitive with its German and Japanese rivals.

SPECIFICATIONS

2016 Buick Enclave AWD Premium

BASE PRICE / AS TESTED: $49,035 / $58,995
ENGINE: 3.6L V6
HORSEPOWER: 288 hp @ 6,300 rpm
TORQUE: 270 lb-ft. @ 3,400 rpm
DRY WEIGHT: 2,930 kg
CONFIGURATION: front engine, all-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS (CITY / HWY. / COMB.): 16.1 / 10.8 / 13.7
WARRANTY (MOS. / KM): 48 / 80,000
ALTERNATIVES: Acura MDX, Dodge Durango, Infiniti QX60, Mazda CX-9