The Enclave is available in two trims: CX and CXL, and in seven-seater and eight-seater configurations. It blends smooth ride and agile handling of a car with high, comfortable seating position, and cargo-handling capability of a traditional, truck-like SUV.

Both models of the Enclave are available with a 5-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance and 4-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

With all this and more, the Enclave competes with the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Lexus RX 350, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (AT) and a part-time AWD system, controlled by a computer. When equipped properly, the Enclave can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

The Enclave comes standard with bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) xenon projector headlamps, front fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, and a power rear lift-gate.

The headlamps and tail lamps in both the models are surrounded by Buick’s trademark portholes and strips of chrome which brighten the bumpers, door handles, and roof rails. The Enclave’s roof tapers down toward its rear. Protruding front and rear fenders further add to its chic looks.

The CX rolls on P255/65R18 tires and painted aluminum wheels while the CXL glides on P255/60R19 tires and machined aluminum wheels. The CX is available with optional machined aluminum wheels while the CXL is available with optional chromed aluminum wheels.

The CX comes standard with cloth upholstery and power-adjustable driver’s seat while the CXL offers more comfort with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and additional power seat adjustments with memory settings for the driver.

Both trims come standard with power door locks and tri-zone automatic climate control with individual climate settings for the driver, right front passenger and rear seat occupants. Also standard is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and cruise controls. The Enclave has a maximum cargo capacity of 116 cubic feet.

All trims of the Enclave feature rich-looking wood-grain trims. The instrument panel includes a tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, battery, gear selector display, outside air temperature, engine oil life monitor, and driver information center. The bottoms of the instruments run right into their surrounding panels while the center console stretches to the third row seat.

To save you from boredom on your drives, the Enclave comes standard with AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, speed-compensated volume, Radio Data System (RDS), theft-lock, auxiliary audio jack which enables plug/play connection of all auxiliary audio players, and six speakers.

The Buick Enclave is available with various option packages. Four different entertainment packages allow you to select features such as a back-up camera, a navigation system, a 10-speaker Bose audio system with an in-dash CD changer and a rear DVD entertainment system with surround sound.

The Driver Confidence Package includes remote start, rear parking sensors, and heated windshield washer fluid. The Luxury Package, limited to the CXL, comprises power-folding outside mirrors, adaptive headlights, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a 110-volt outlet.

The CX as well as the CXL rides on 4-wheel independent suspension. Disc brakes provide amazing stopping power to the front as well as rear wheels. Both the trims also feature standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes.

The Enclave offers a quiet, smooth ride and responsive handling. But some people may find the CXL a bit too firm to drive because of its 19-inch wheels.

With a turning radius of 20.2 feet, the Enclave is a little difficult to be turned or parked into/out of tight spots, but scores high on overall drivability.