2012 Buick Enclave: A Detailed Overview
The 2012 Buick Enclave continues its legacy as a comfortable and capable three-row luxury crossover, offering a refined driving experience and ample space for families. It strikes a balance between premium appointments and practicality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle.
Highlights
- Engine: The 2012 Enclave is powered by a robust 3.6L V6 engine, producing 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering confident acceleration for everyday driving and highway cruising. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option for enhanced traction in various weather conditions.
- Safety Features: Buick prioritized safety in the 2012 Enclave, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies:
- StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control System: Helps prevent loss of traction and skid, assisting the driver in regaining control during challenging maneuvers.
- Four-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during heavy braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Driver and Front Passenger Airbags: Standard front airbags deploy in a frontal collision to protect occupants.
- Side-Impact Airbags: Mounted in the seats or doors, these airbags protect occupants in side-impact collisions.
- Curtain Side-Impact Airbags: These airbags deploy from the roofline to protect occupants in the side and rollover crashes for all three rows of seating.
- Rear Vision Camera: Provides a visual display of the area behind the vehicle on the infotainment screen, aiding in safe parking and reversing.
- Available Side Blind Zone Alert: Uses radar sensors to monitor blind spots and alerts the driver with a visual indicator if a vehicle is detected.
- Available Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Works in conjunction with the side blind zone alert, warning the driver of approaching traffic when reversing out of a parking space.
- Trim Summary: The 2012 Enclave was offered in three distinct trim levels, each building upon the previous one:
- CX: The entry-level trim, offering a well-equipped package with features like tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system.
- CXL: This mid-tier trim adds luxury and convenience with features such as leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, power liftgate, and a Bose® premium audio system.
- LaCrosse: The top-tier trim, representing the pinnacle of Enclave luxury. It further enhances the CXL with premium features like ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and upgraded interior materials, often including perforated leather and wood grain accents.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious and Luxurious Interior: The Enclave is renowned for its cavernous interior, comfortably seating up to seven passengers (or eight with the optional second-row bench seat). The cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, contributing to a serene and upscale atmosphere.
- Smooth and Quiet Ride: Buick's signature focus on ride comfort is evident in the Enclave. Its suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a quiet and isolated cabin experience, making it ideal for long journeys.
- Versatile Cargo Space: With its three rows of seating, the Enclave offers flexible cargo solutions. The second and third rows can be folded flat to create a substantial cargo area, capable of accommodating larger items.
What to Expect
Owning a 2012 Buick Enclave typically translates to a comfortable and refined ownership experience. The vehicle is generally well-built and designed for longevity.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, as recommended by Buick, will be crucial for keeping the Enclave in optimal condition. This includes routine oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid checks. Due to its V6 engine and advanced features, it's advisable to seek out qualified mechanics experienced with Buick or GM vehicles. While not overly expensive, parts for a luxury crossover can be more costly than for a standard sedan.
- Insurance: Insurance premiums for a 2012 Buick Enclave will vary based on factors such as your driving record, location, chosen coverage levels, and the specific insurance provider. As a larger crossover with safety features, it may fall into a moderate to higher insurance bracket compared to smaller vehicles. It's recommended to obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rate.
Potential Considerations
While the 2012 Enclave offers many desirable qualities, potential buyers should be aware of a few common considerations:
- Fuel Economy: The 3.6L V6 engine, while providing ample power, is not the most fuel-efficient in its class. Owners can expect mileage in the low to mid-teens in city driving and the low to mid-20s on the highway, especially with AWD.
- Infotainment System: While a step forward for Buick at the time, the IntelliLink infotainment system, particularly the touchscreen interface, may feel less intuitive or responsive compared to modern systems found in newer vehicles.
- Third-Row Access: While the third row offers seating for adults, accessing it can be somewhat tight, especially for those with mobility challenges, due to the design of the second-row seating and the overall vehicle height.
- Steering Feel: Some drivers might find the steering to be a bit on the lighter side, prioritizing comfort over a highly engaging road feel.
Overall Summary
The 2012 Buick Enclave stands out as a strong contender in the luxury three-row crossover segment for its blend of comfort, space, and sophisticated styling. It delivers a quiet and smooth ride, making it an excellent choice for families who prioritize a refined driving experience for daily commutes and longer road trips. While its fuel economy and infotainment system may not be class-leading by today's standards, its robust safety features, spacious interior, and overall build quality make it a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to own and drive.