Of all the new vehicles GM is rolling out these days, few are more impressive that the Buick Enclave. Elegant and refined, with a beautifully appointed interior and somewhat cushy yet comfortably sporty ride, the Enclave makes you feel that you have arrived--even before you reach your destination.

There's a lot to like about this mid-size crossover. The look is muscular as a sporty "off-roader" should be (not that this luxury package will ever set a wheel off the pavement). And despite its instantly familiar oval grille, the Enclave manages to overcome the fusty, old-guy image the Buick marque has come to define.

Inside, everything you see and touch is upscale and well proportioned. The GM engineers are getting better at choosing materials and coordinating colors, then ensuring that everything fits properly after final assembly. Craftsmanship is noticeably present in the Enclave. Beyond fit and finish, key standard features include six airbags (front, side and head curtain), plus traction and stability control with "rollover mitigation"--the vehicle not only senses and corrects for skids, but also acts independently when a too-fast maneuver threatens to overturn it. You also get a very nifty power liftgate with the standard package.

This all comes at a reasonably stickered $36,255, although the vehicle I tested (the all-wheel-drive CXL version; there is also a front-wheel-drive CX) topped $46K with extras like a backup camera in the navigation system, seatback DVD screens and twin sunroofs.

As good as the Enclave is, it has a few faults. While GM contends this is a quieter vehicle than its competitors (Acura MDX, Lexus RX350, Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz R-class wagon), I found the ratchety 3.6 liter V6 distracting while powering through serene but hilly countrysides. The 6-speed transmission helps boost fuel mpg to 16 city, 22 highway, but it is overly busy on challenging roads, and there is a noticeable lag between the gas pedal and acceleration --something the optional auto shifter addresses, although the placement of this feature (a small side-button on the shifter handle) is awkward and less convenient than the slap-shifters and steering-wheel paddles found on other shiftable automatics. 

The Enclave, like its competitors, offers third-row seating (just don't ask me to sit back there), and a "segment best" cargo area behind that. Although this cargo space isn't big enough to lay even one golf bag horizontally, it can hold a couple of roll-on travel bags and lots of groceries, and you can always fold down one or both of the third row seats for more room.

Would I buy it?  I like the Enclave, a lot. Leave out some of the more expensive options and it comes within price range of my Jeep Grand Cherokee, which I would trade for it in a heartbeat. I also think the Enclave beats its competition--it feels more solidly built than the MDX, handles better than the RX350, is roomier than the XC90 and seems more luxurious and capable than the R-class (and the upkeep is bound to be less costly). All in all, it's one impressive vehicle.

--Michael Morris

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