Used 2017 Buick Enclave Premium

2017 Buick Enclave: A Detailed Overview

The 2017 Buick Enclave continued its reign as a comfortable, spacious, and family-friendly three-row SUV, offering a near-luxury experience without the premium price tag. This model year saw minor refinements, maintaining its position as a strong contender in a competitive segment.

Highlights

• Engine and Performance: Under the hood, the 2017 Enclave is powered by a robust 3.6L V6 engine that produces a healthy 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. While not geared towards sporty driving, the V6 provides ample power for confident acceleration, merging onto highways, and carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. 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 emphasized safety in the 2017 Enclave with a suite of advanced features designed to protect occupants. Key offerings include:

  • Forward Collision Alert: Uses sensors to detect potential frontal collisions and warns the driver, providing crucial reaction time.
  • Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling, promoting safer lane keeping.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Monitors traffic approaching from the sides when reversing, especially useful when backing out of parking spaces.
  • Side Blind Zone Alert: Detects vehicles in the vehicle's blind spots, displaying an indicator in the side mirror to prevent lane changes into occupied areas.
  • Rearview Camera: Standard on all trims, this provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle, assisting with parking and maneuvering.
  • Available Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
  • Available Front and Rear Parking Assist: Utilizes audible and visual cues to aid in parking maneuvers.

• Trim Summary: The 2017 Enclave was offered in three distinct trims, each building upon the previous with increasing levels of luxury and features:

  • Enclave Convenience: The well-equipped base trim, offering a comfortable and feature-rich experience for most families, including power-adjustable seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and key safety features.
  • Enclave Leather: Elevating the experience with premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and more advanced safety technologies.
  • Enclave Premium: The top-tier trim, synonymous with luxury, adding features like a panoramic sunroof, navigation, a Bose® premium audio system, and the most comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies.

• Other Notable Aspects:

  • Spacious Interior: The Enclave is renowned for its cavernous interior, offering generous legroom and headroom for all three rows of passengers. This makes it an excellent choice for families who frequently travel with multiple occupants.
  • Comfortable Ride: Buick tuned the Enclave's suspension for a smooth and compliant ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections. This contributes to a serene and relaxing cabin experience, even on longer journeys.
  • Ample Cargo Space: Beyond passenger comfort, the Enclave boasts impressive cargo capacity, especially with the third-row seats folded down, making it a practical choice for hauling groceries, sports equipment, or luggage.
  • Quiet Cabin: The Enclave's design incorporates significant sound-deadening measures, resulting in a remarkably quiet cabin that further enhances the premium feel and comfort.

What to Expect

Owning a 2017 Buick Enclave generally means a relaxed and comfortable ownership experience. Its focus on comfort and space makes it ideal for daily commutes, family road trips, and grocery runs. The V6 engine offers adequate performance without demanding aggressive driving.

Maintenance: Like most vehicles in its class, routine maintenance will involve oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements. The 3.6L V6 is generally considered reliable, but keeping up with scheduled maintenance will be crucial for its longevity. Expect typical maintenance costs associated with a mid-size luxury SUV, which may be slightly higher than non-premium brands due to the use of more sophisticated components.

Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2017 Enclave will vary based on your individual circumstances, location, driving record, and chosen coverage levels. However, as a larger SUV with advanced safety features and a generally higher purchase price at the time of its release, it may command slightly higher insurance rates compared to smaller, less feature-rich vehicles. It's always advisable to get personalized quotes from multiple insurance providers.

Potential Considerations

While the 2017 Buick Enclave excels in many areas, prospective buyers should be aware of a few potential drawbacks:

• Aging Infotainment System: While functional, the IntelliLink infotainment system, by 2017 standards, might feel a bit dated compared to newer, more responsive touchscreen interfaces found in more modern vehicles. It lacks some of the latest connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were beginning to gain traction.
• Fuel Economy: The 3.6L V6 engine, while providing ample power, is not particularly fuel-efficient. Drivers can expect mileage figures that are on the lower end for its class, especially in city driving.
• Third-Row Access: While the third row offers decent space, accessing it can be a bit cumbersome, particularly for adults, as it requires folding and sliding the second-row seats.
• Driving Dynamics: The Enclave prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. Drivers seeking a more engaging and connected driving experience might find its steering a bit light and its overall feel less athletic.

Overall Summary

The 2017 Buick Enclave stands out as an excellent choice for families prioritizing comfort, space, and a quiet, refined ride. Its strong V6 engine, extensive safety features, and luxurious amenities make it a compelling option for those seeking a near-luxury three-row SUV. While its infotainment system and fuel economy might be considered drawbacks by some, its overall strengths in passenger comfort and practicality solidify its reputation as a capable and enjoyable vehicle for everyday use and long-distance travel.