2017 Buick Enclave
Pros
- Smooth ride even when the road isn't
- Seating for up to eight and cargo space to match
- Peace of mind that comes with top safety scores
Cons
- Interior quality could leave some wanting more
- Infotainment and climate controls are behind the times
- Disappointing acceleration and fuel economy
- It's a big crossover and drives like one
2017 Buick Enclave pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
If all you're looking for is something to help you fulfill your day-to-day family-schlepping obligations, there are a number of viable choices. But if you're searching for a crossover SUV with seating for eight and a premium interior, your options are more limited. That leads us to the 2017 Buick Enclave, an upscale yet still practical crossover that undercuts luxury-branded rivals on price.
Aside from its distinctive styling, the main differences between the Enclave and the mechanically related Chevrolet Traverse (the GMC Acadia is redesigned this year) can best be experienced from inside the Enclave's remarkably quiet cabin. It rolls down the open road as a big Buick should, with the comfort-tuned suspension soaking up pavement irregularities and the added sound insulation keeping wind and road noise nicely subdued.
The interior has a third-row seat that provides suitable accommodations for larger kids and smaller adults, something few rival three-row models can claim. Getting back there is made easier by wide-opening rear doors and the standard second-row captain's chairs that can slide up and out of the way. If it's hauling capacity you're looking for, the Enclave offers a generous 23.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row and a downright cavernous cargo hold with all the rear seats folded down.
Though the Enclave excels on the highway, it isn't exactly nimble in everyday driving. It's also one of the oldest models in this segment, and this shows up in the Buick's dated infotainment interface and less-than-stellar acceleration and fuel economy. In contrast, the updated 2017 Acura MDX is sportier to drive, has fresher tech features and gets superior fuel economy. You could also shop the Infiniti QX60 and Volvo XC90 for their more luxurious style or top-end versions of the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer if you want more power. Overall, though, the 2017 Buick Enclave is hard to beat when it comes to affordably transporting multiple passengers in both style and comfort.
The 2017 Buick Enclave is equipped with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. Also standard is a large airbag that deploys between the front seats; it's designed to protect occupants from colliding with one another 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.
The Leather and Premium models include rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot warning system. The Premium trim also gets forward collision alert and lane departure warning systems, both of which are available on the Leather trim level as extra-cost options.
In Edmunds brake testing, an Enclave with the standard 19-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet, which is a few feet better than average for this class. An Enclave with the optional 20-inch wheels halted in 126 feet.
In government crash tests, the Enclave earned a top five-star rating for overall crash protection, with five stars for total front-impact protection and five stars for total side-impact protection. The Enclave also did well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, earning the highest possible rating of Good in the moderate-overlap front-impact test as well as the side-impact, roof strength, and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.
Trim levels & features
The 2017 Buick Enclave is a three-row crossover available in three trim levels: Convenience, Leather and Premium.
Every Enclave comes standard with second-row captain's chairs and seven-passenger capacity. A second-row bench seat, which increases passenger capacity to eight, is optional on the Leather and Premium models.
Standard equipment for the Convenience trim level, which is only offered on front-wheel-drive versions, includes 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, heated side mirrors, rear privacy glass, a power liftgate, rear parking sensors, remote engine start, tri-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat (plus two-way lumbar adjustment), a two-way power front passenger seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The list of standard electronics includes OnStar telematics (with 4G LTE and onboard Wi-Fi hot spot), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Buick's IntelliLink interface (which includes voice control and smartphone radio app integration), dual USB charge ports, and a six-speaker sound system that includes a CD player, an auxiliary audio input jack, a USB audio interface and satellite radio.
Stepping up to the Leather trim level adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, driver memory settings and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert.
The top-of-the-line Premium model includes all of the above, plus 19-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, power-folding mirrors (with auto-dimming on the driver side), forward collision alert, lane departure warning, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a navigation system and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.
Options on the Leather and Premium models include 20-inch alloy wheels, a dual-panel sunroof, a rear-seat video entertainment system and a towing package. The available Tuscan Edition and Sport Touring Edition packages provide distinctive trim and wheels with bronze and satin black finishes, respectively.
All 2017 Buick Enclaves come with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on Leather and Premium models. Properly equipped with the optional towing package, the Enclave can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
In Edmunds performance testing, an all-wheel-drive Enclave went from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, which is slower than average for large crossovers, some of which are equipped with more powerful V8 engines.
The EPA estimates that a front-wheel-drive Enclave will return 18 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway). Adding all-wheel drive brings that number down slightly to 17 mpg combined (15 city /22 highway). These are below-average fuel economy numbers for a large, V6-powered crossover.
Driving
The Enclave's 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic powertrain is adequate in everyday driving, but it runs out of juice in situations where full-throttle acceleration is called for, such as passing a slower vehicle on a two-lane road. Some rivals, particularly those with turbocharged or V8 engines, are noticeably stronger.
Around town, the 2017 Buick Enclave generally feels like the big, substantial vehicle it is. Maneuvering in tight parking lots can be a challenge, especially because of the hampered rear visibility. On the highway, though, the Enclave excels thanks to its smooth ride and library-quiet cabin.
Interior
Inside the 2017 Buick Enclave, you'll find a space that's attractively designed. It's not as plush as some true luxury models, but there are few touches (such as the padded vinyl trim on the dash with its contrasting stitching) that help establish the upscale vibe.
From the driver's perspective, the dash is centered around the 6.5-inch touchscreen of Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system, which allows for smartphone and app integration. The screen is mounted a little lower than the pilot's natural sightline, making it necessary to take your eyes off the road for longer than we'd like. The system's built-in menus are intuitive, though the touchscreen can be slow to respond to some inputs and the inherent complexity means it can take awhile to get comfortable with finding what you're looking for. Climate controls use three easy-to-manipulate knobs, though some of the surrounding buttons are on the small side.
As for the rest of the occupants, those in the first and second rows have more than enough head- and legroom. That said, the bottom cushions on the second-row seats are a bit low, which can make taller adults a tad uncomfortable unless they slide their seats all the way back. Of course, doing so puts a serious dent in third-row legroom.
Speaking of that third row, it offers decent legroom for teens and small adults as long as those second-row occupants are willing to forgo sliding their seats back. One downside is that rear visibility is extremely limited when all seats are occupied.
The Enclave's spaciousness extends to its cargo hold. For starters, there's more space here behind the third-row seat than most rivals. Fold down the second and third rows of seats, and you have a cavernous space that's ideal for hauling bulky items such as furniture.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Buick Enclave.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2017 Buick Enclave video
BRYN MACKINNON: I'm Bryn MacKinnon from Edmunds, and this is an Edmunds expert rundown of the 2017 Buick Enclave. The first thing to know about the 2017 Enclave is that it's not an all new vehicle, unlike its corporate cousin the 2017 GMC Acadia. Instead, the Enclave soldiers on as essentially the same vehicle we had in for a long-term test way back in 2009. On the bright side, that means it's still a remarkably spacious crossover with much more cargo room than the new Acadia. If you want more space, a minivan is just about your only option. The Enclave also offers a smooth ride and seating for up to eight, although we're less impressed by the V6 powertrain's fuel economy and performance. Pop inside the Enclave, and you'll see there's ample passenger space in the second row. You'll also find a roomier third row than what the new Acadia gives you. This isn't the SUV for you if you're looking for the latest features and technology. Upfront, Buick's tried to keep this thing up to date, but there's just no hiding its age from the uninspired dashboard design to the outdated infotainment interface. The bottom line is that the 2017 Enclave's on its last legs. So we'd be remiss not to recommend its newer and more competitive rivals, including the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-9, as well as that Acadia we keep mentioning. But the Enclave does have the distinction of being a very roomy crossover. So it has a lot of utility if that's what your family needs. For more Edmunds expert rundowns, click the link to subscribe.
2017 Buick Enclave Expert Rundown
Do you need a big three-row crossover SUV that can shuttle lots of people and cargo? The 2017 Buick Enclave could be for you. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
Features & Specs
Safety
2017 Buick Enclave for Sale
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See your car's valueIf you're looking for an eight-seat family vehicle, your choices are limited — and if you want one with a posh interior, the list of eligible vehicles gets even shorter. However, one you'll want to consider is the 2017 Buick Enclave. Not only is it a crossover with an upscale and practical interior, but it costs less than its luxury-branded competitors.
The Enclave is closely related to the Chevrolet Traverse (but no longer to the GMC Acadia, which was redesigned for 2017 as a smaller vehicle). To see the differences, take a ride: The Enclave drives like a Buick should, smoothing out rough pavement and banishing wind and road noise. It's at its best on the open road, but you'll feel the Buick's size and heft on the curvy stretches, and maneuvering in tight spaces can be a challenge. The Enclave is powered by a 288-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 paired with either front- or all-wheel drive; the former EPA-rated at 18 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway) and the latter at 17 mpg combined. Those numbers are lower than we expect from a V6-powered crossover, and full-throttle acceleration isn't as strong as we'd like.
The interior is attractively designed, with nice touches like padded-vinyl trim on the dashboard. The Intellilink infotainment system is fairly intuitive and easy to use, though the screen is mounted lower than we'd like. The subscription-based 4G LTE service (which turns the Enclave into a mobile hotspot) is handy. From a practical standpoint, the Enclave can be configured as an eight-seater with a second-row bench; individual captain's chairs in the second row reduce seating capacity to seven.The second row offers plenty of space, though the seat-bottom cushions are set rather low to the floor, and the third-row seat offers enough room for teens and small adults, provided the second-row occupants are willing to scoot their seats forward and give up a little legroom. Unlike many three-row SUVs, the Enclave offers a usable amount of luggage space with all three rows in use, and folding down both rows of backseats turns the Enclave into a moving van.
The Enclave is available in Convenience, Leather and Premium models. The Enclave Convenience is nicely equipped, though it's the only trim level that doesn't offer an eight-seat configuration. You can probably figure out the primary feature of the Leather model, but it adds other luxury nice-to-haves as well. The Premium offers a suite of upgrades and driver aids. Buick also offers two special editions: the Tuscan Edition and Sport Touring Edition, which give the Enclave a distinctive look. Which to pick? Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2017 Buick Enclave for you.
2017 Buick Enclave Overview
The 2017 Buick Enclave is offered in the following submodels: Enclave SUV. Available styles include Leather Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A), Convenience Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A), Premium Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A), Leather Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A), and Premium Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2017 Buick Enclave?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Buick Enclave and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Enclave 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Enclave.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Buick Enclave and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Enclave featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2017 Buick Enclave?
2017 Buick Enclave Premium Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
The 2017 Buick Enclave Premium Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $56,030. The average price paid for a new 2017 Buick Enclave Premium Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is trending $8,770 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,770 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$47,260.
The average savings for the 2017 Buick Enclave Premium Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is15.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 7 2017 Buick Enclave Premium Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
The 2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $47,700. The average price paid for a new 2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is trending $8,543 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,543 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$39,157.
The average savings for the 2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is17.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 12 2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
The 2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $46,695. The average price paid for a new 2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is trending $7,149 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,149 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$39,546.
The average savings for the 2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is15.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2017 Buick Enclave Leather Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2017 Buick Enclave Convenience Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
The 2017 Buick Enclave Convenience Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $41,505. The average price paid for a new 2017 Buick Enclave Convenience Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is trending $9,261 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,261 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$32,244.
The average savings for the 2017 Buick Enclave Convenience Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is22.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2017 Buick Enclave Convenience Group 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2017 Buick Enclaves are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Buick Enclave for sale near. There are currently 29 new 2017 Enclaves listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $40,425 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Buick Enclave. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $11,437 on a used or CPO 2017 Enclave available from a dealership near you.
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2017 Buick Enclave?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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2017 Buick Enclave Information
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