2013 Buick Enclave Total Car Score Analysis

The 2013 Buick Enclave earns an above average Total Car Score for the Large SUVs & Crossovers segment.  
 
Introduced five years ago, the Enclave has gone through a mid-cycle freshening for 2013. On the outside the Enclave receives new fascia and LED lamps at both ends, a new grille and hood, and monochromatic paint schemes.  
 
The more dramatic changes, though, are inside. The instrument panel has been redesigned, and the center stack is dominated by the 8-inch touch screen that controls Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment and connectivity system. The cabin’s materials have been upgraded, and ice-blue ambient lighting casts a cool glow over the new look.  
 
Mechanically the new Enclave is similar to last year’s model, as its powertrain consists of the familiar 3.6-liter V6 and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Buick's engineers did retune the suspension, adjusting the dampers for a smoother ride.  
 
On the passenger safety front, Buick introduces a new feature in the Enclave: a front center side airbag. This bag deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat, positioning itself between the driver and front passenger in the event of a far-side impact.  
 
The Enclave has been a hit for Buick as it straddles the line between crossover vehicle and minivan quite well. It offers lots of interior space for passengers and their cargo --even with the third row in place -- while its styling is a bit snazzier and a lot more upscale than most vans. There’s no reason to think the 2013 Buick Enclave won’t follow in those same successful footsteps.

2013 Buick Enclave Model Line-Up

The 2013 Buick Enclave is a fullsize crossover vehicle that can seat up to eight passengers and is available in a choice of three trim levels.  
 
Under the Enclave’s hood is a 3.6-liter V6 producing 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic drives the front wheels or all four, depending on which drivetrain is ordered.  
 
The Enclave is offered in Convenience, Leather and Premium trim levels. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and LED taillamps, leather upholstery, a tri-zone climate control system, and a 7-inch color touch screen to control the AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, rearview camera, Bluetooth and Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system.  
 
Optional equipment available for the Enclave runs the gamut from 19- and 20-inch wheel upgrades to a powered sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, and premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers.  
 
The EPA has not released fuel economy data for the 2013 Buick Enclave, but Buick expects the crossover to achieve 24 highway mpg in 2WD form, 22 highway mpg in AWD trim.  
 
Properly equipped, the 2013 Buick Enclave can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

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