Redefining Buick

The Enclave is the flagship leading the way in Buick's rebirth; style and luxury are the hallmarks defining this revival. Standing-out in such a non-Buick-like way is the Enclave's dramatic, chrome waterfall grille and its optional 19-inch chrome wheels. Paying respect to powerful Buicks of yesteryear are the, albeit fake, exhaust ports incorporated into both sides of the Enclave's sculpted hood.Traditional Buick buyers may find the curvaceous lines of the Enclave's body somewhat uncharacteristic of Buick. Stylistically, the Enclave is quite a departure from the more traditionally styled, and soon to be defunct, Buick Rainier. The Enclave's swooping belt line may impart "sportiness," but it also diminishes the vehicle's rear-quarter side glass, impeding rearward visibility. My tester was equipped with a navigation system that included a backup camera, useful for overcoming the restrictive sight lines.

Inside the Enclave is where occupants will be most impressed with Buck's awakening, a number of aspects of which stood-out for me. First on the affinity list is the architecture of the Enclave's welcoming cabin, which includes a very up-to-date instrument panel and dash design; second is the roominess found in third class. Ingress and egress to third row seating is made easy and straightforward by uniquely folding second row Captain chairs that also slide forward.With an unobstructed path to the wide third row, even adults have little to complain of when so subjugated. I sat in the third row and was impressed with the head and legroom therein. I can't think of a mid-size SUV that provides more space for the human form.