In 2011, there have been many exciting new SUVs to hit the market. However, amongst all of the SUVs to come out this year, the 2011 best SUV on the market is definitely the Buick Enclave.
The Buick Enclave, starting at around $35,000, making it right in the middle of affordable and luxury SUVs. However, the upscale interior and stylish look make it seem as though you put much more into this car. Even the exterior has a smooth, rounded and classic look to it that is sure to keep buyers impressed for years to come.
The smooth ride will not only make it seem like you’re in a luxury SUV, but will also make it seem like you’re in a car. The jerky, loud and bumpy ride of many typical SUVs is no more with the Buick Enclave. Even though the Enclave’s smooth ride says car, it doesn’t handle like a car, it handles like an SUV. However, for such a heavy SUV, especially in the front-wheel drive model, the steering is very smooth, it is not the same as a car, although it is very close for a vehicle of its type.
It also has seating for up to seven, making it a practical family car for many buyers. In fact, the second-row seat features GM’s Smart Slide system, this allows for easy entry to the third row of seating with the simple pull of a handle. WIth this the second-row seat cushion flips up and the seat back slides forward, and when adjusted the second-row provides extra legroom for taller adult passengers in the second or third row. The third row on this vehicle is not your typical cramped third row for kids, it is a 60/40-split bench seat that can comfortably fit three adult passengers, something that is rarely seen in cars with the optional third row.
The fuel economy is average on this SUC with 17 city and 24 highway miles per gallon on the for wheel drive, which can be a downside. The mileage is not great, especially with so many fuel efficient and hybrid models on the market. However, there are many cars in its class with far worse mileage at much higher prices. When looking at this SUV you must remember its seating capabilities, as it can seat up to seven, placing this car in the eight person SUV category when it comes to mileage. All-wheel drive models will find their highway mpg lower a little to 22, but in comparison with eight passenger SUVs with all-wheel drive, those numbers are quite impressive.
The 2011 best SUV wouldn’t be awarded to a car that didn’t have impressive safety features. This car includes four-wheel anti-lock break and the StabiliTrak stability control system, as well as traction control. The Enclave is also equipped with six standard air bags, two frontal air bags, two side impact bags in the first row and two roof rail air bags to cover all three seating rows.
When it comes to style, luxury and drivability, there are very few SUVs that come with this many features at such a low price. While $35,000 isn’t necessarily cheap, when compared to other models such as the Acura MDX, the Lexus RX and the Mercedes Benz M-Class, which offer very similar features to the Buick, this car is almost a steal.