2014 Buick Enclave Overview
The 2014 Buick Enclave is a refined and spacious three-row crossover SUV designed for families and those seeking comfortable, versatile transportation. It offers a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and ample passenger and cargo space, making it a strong contender in the mid-size luxury crossover segment.
Highlights
- Engine: The Enclave is powered by a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 288 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive power delivery for confident acceleration and highway cruising. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available for enhanced traction in various weather conditions.
- Safety Features: Buick equipped the 2014 Enclave with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies designed to protect occupants:
- Standard Airbags: Including front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, and a front-center airbag to help prevent occupants from colliding with each other in side impacts.
- StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control System: This system automatically helps the driver maintain control by detecting and reducing skids.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Helps prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Available Side Blind Zone Alert: Uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in the Enclave's blind spots and alerts the driver with visual cues in the side mirrors.
- Available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver to approaching vehicles when backing up, further enhancing safety during parking maneuvers.
- Available Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning: These advanced driver-assistance systems provide audible and visual warnings for potential front-end collisions and unintentional lane drifts, promoting safer driving habits.
- Trim Summary:
- Convenience: The base trim offers a well-appointed interior with tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and a rearview camera, providing a solid foundation of comfort and utility.
- Leather: Elevating the experience, this trim adds premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power liftgate, further enhancing the sense of luxury.
- Premium: This top-tier trim includes perforated leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Bose® audio system, delivering the ultimate Enclave experience.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious Interior: The Enclave boasts a genuinely roomy interior with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The second and third rows offer ample legroom and headroom, making it suitable for adults and children alike.
- Generous Cargo Space: With the third-row seats folded, the Enclave provides a substantial 68.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to an impressive 115.2 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. This makes it highly practical for hauling groceries, luggage, or larger items.
- Quiet Cabin: Buick has a reputation for creating quiet interiors, and the 2014 Enclave lives up to it. Extensive sound-deadening measures create a serene environment, minimizing road, wind, and engine noise, which contributes significantly to a refined driving experience.
- Comfortable Ride: The Enclave's suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a smooth, composed ride that makes long journeys less fatiguing.
What to Expect
Ownership of a 2014 Buick Enclave typically involves a comfortable and refined driving experience. The V6 engine provides adequate power for most situations, and the smooth transmission contributes to the overall pleasant ride. The spacious cabin and comfortable seating are well-suited for family road trips or daily commuting.
Maintenance: Routine maintenance will include oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, which are standard for most vehicles. Given its luxury positioning, expect maintenance costs to be slightly higher than non-luxury brands, particularly if opting for dealership service. Regular checks of fluids, brakes, and the cooling system will be essential. The 3.6L V6 is generally considered a reliable engine, but like any vehicle, keeping up with scheduled maintenance is key to longevity.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2014 Buick Enclave will vary based on factors such as your driving record, location, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim. As a mid-size luxury SUV with a V6 engine and advanced safety features, it may command slightly higher insurance rates compared to smaller, less powerful vehicles. Obtaining quotes from multiple insurance providers is recommended to find the best coverage at a competitive price.
Potential Considerations
- Fuel Economy: While not terrible for its class, the 2014 Enclave's fuel economy is not its strongest suit. Expect EPA estimates around 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, with all-wheel-drive models being slightly lower. This can result in higher fuel costs for frequent drivers.
- Third-Row Access: While the third row is spacious for its class, accessing it requires folding and sliding the second-row seats. This can be a bit cumbersome, especially with child seats installed in the second row.
- Infotainment System: While functional, the IntelliLink infotainment system in the 2014 model might feel a bit dated compared to the more advanced systems found in newer vehicles. Touchscreen responsiveness and interface design may not be as intuitive as contemporary systems.
- Handling: The Enclave prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. While its ride is smooth, the steering can feel a bit numb, and body roll is noticeable during spirited driving. It's more of a cruiser than a performance-oriented SUV.
Overall Summary
The 2014 Buick Enclave stands out as a practical and comfortable choice for families and individuals who value a refined driving experience, a spacious interior, and ample cargo capacity. Its quiet cabin, smooth ride, and strong safety features make it an attractive option for long journeys and everyday use. While its fuel economy and handling are not its primary strengths, the Enclave offers a compelling package of comfort, versatility, and understated luxury, making it a solid contender in the three-row crossover segment.
