Used Buick Enclave Buying Guide

Which Used Enclave Is Right For You?

The Buick Enclave was introduced in 2008 as a minivan-shaming family hauler.

The seven- or eight-passenger Enclave (depending on seating configuration) was developed to replace the truck-based SUV Rainier, the Rendezvous crossover, and the Terraza minivan. That's a tall order.

Credit Buick for getting it right from the start. As soon as it was released, U.S. News & World Report praised the carlike handling, silent cabin, cozy seating, and impressive styling. The crossover did have its downsides, including a hefty 4,780-pound curb weight. With no optional V8 engine, its heavy body could make acceleration a challenge. Still, the positives outweighed the negatives.

All model years offer enough positives to make every choice a safe and reliable alternative in the crowded midsize SUV category.

The 2017 Enclave, including a new Sport Touring Edition, debuted at the 2016 New York Auto Show.

Those shopping for a midsize SUV may not want to wait for the newest model. There are a host of excellent Buick Enclaves in the thriving used car market. Here’s what you need to know to decide which Buick Enclave might suit your lifestyle.

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2008 Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave has always offered a lot of style, comfort, and quality for its sub-$15,000 price tag.

Right from the release of the 2008 model, reviewers praised its smooth ride, quiet interior, and sleek styling inside and out. But reviewers did find some downsides beyond the substantial curb weight and lack of an optional V8 engine. Although there were positives in the interior, including crisp graphics, wood trim, and buttery leather, missteps such as hard plastics on the steering wheel hub marred the posh atmosphere. Still, the 2008 model earned an 8.6 out of 10 score from U.S. News & World Report.

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2009 and 2010 Buick Enclave

The automaker responded to some of the complaints about the 2008 model in the 2009 Buick Enclave. An efficient and smooth V6 engine, standard Bluetooth connectivity, and other upgrades to the already luxurious cabin appeared. Heated and cooled front seats were also added as an option. Still the rating from U.S. News & World Report dipped slightly to 8.3 out of 10, due to oversights such as lack of towing and off-roading capabilities. The 2009 Buick Enclave still landed squarely at a respectable No. 13 in the 2009 list of affordable midsize SUVs.

A reprogrammed six-speed automatic transmission, an additional trim package, and other tweaks were the only changes for 2010.

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2011 Buick Enclave

The Enclave hit its stride in 2011 when U.S. News & World Report ranked it No. 1 among affordable midsize SUVs. It shared the title with the 2011 Mazda CX-9 and 2011 Nissan Murano. The Toyota Venza, Dodge Durango, and Toyota FJ Cruiser filled out the next three slots.

Although reviewers noted the 2011 Buick Enclave wasn’t a hoot to drive, it was a safe, comfortable, and smooth drive especially suitable for families. Pluses of the 2011 model include a roomy cabin (including spacious third-row seating) and plentiful standard features such as a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and tri-zone automatic climate control. 115 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded down allow you to haul just about anything. Add in the four- and five-star safety ratings and it’s easy to see why the SUV earned a blue ribbon in this ultra-competitive field.

Model years 2008-2011 each received plenty of reviewers’ praise for safety, styling, and high-end trim and touches. Each model year received critical accolades, but the 2011 Enclave was clearly the standout in those models years.

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2012 Buick Enclave

Buick let the Enclave take a victory lap in 2012, leaving much of it unchanged from the 2011 model. The Enclave is the lone model to hit the U.S. News & World Report top spot in the 2012 affordable midsize SUV rankings, followed by the Nissan Murano and the Chevrolet Traverse. It came in No. 2 for used midsize SUVs priced $20,000-$25,000 and was the 2012 Best 3-Row SUV for Families.

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2013 Buick Enclave

The automaker didn’t let the Enclave rest on its laurels though. It gave the SUV a significant refresh for the 2013 model year.

Improvements included a waterfall grille, xenon LED headlights and taillights, and a powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine that produced 288 horsepower. All of that, plus refined handling and a cabin some reviewers called “opulent,” kept the Enclave high on critics’ lists. Some even found it deserving of placement in the full-size “luxury” arena.

The 2013 models had extra safety equipment, including forward collision warning on some models, and touches like extra USB ports and some infotainment upgrades. In the crowded affordable midsize SUV field, the 2013 Buick Enclave ranked No. 3 on our affordable midsize SUVs rankings due to an 8.3 out of 10 score. The Nissan Murano and Toyota FJ Cruiser nudged it out of the top slots. In this increasingly competitive field, the Enclave’s less-than-stellar acceleration held it back.

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2014, 2015, and 2016 Buick Enclave

The automaker made few changes for the 2014 and 2015 model years. The first-generation Enclave had first-rate cabin materials, including chrome and wood-finish trim, a third row with plenty of head- and leg-room, and composed handling. The Enclave’s cargo space – 115.2 cubic feet behind the first row and a generous 23.3 cubic feet with all the seats in use – was clearly a stand out.

In fact, the 2014 model won the top slot for affordable midsize SUVs.

The 2015 and 2016 models slipped down in the ratings a bit – the 2016 ranked No. 6 in midsize SUVs – more because of its high-end competitors than any Enclave missteps.

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The Bottom Line

The Buick Enclave is a safe, solid, and smooth-riding SUV with plenty of extras. Credit the automaker for continually updating the car so that the latest model years have the best of both worlds – the easy, comfortable ride that first brought it acclaim with the latest technology today’s buyers seek.

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