Since 2008, the Enclave has been Buick’s contribution to the full-size luxury crossover market. The 2011 Buick Enclave will stay the course, changing little from the 2010 model. In fact, early reports indicate that, other than three new color choices and newly designed wheels for the high-end CXL2 trims, the Enclave will continue to offer all of its previous advantages, while not addressing previous critiques.

The 2011 Enclave will again roll out six trims: the base CX, a mid-range CXL1, and a high-end CXL2, each of which will be available with either front-wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive. All will use the same 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 VVT engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The engine uses regular unleaded gasoline – a cost-saving advantage over some of its competitors that require premium. The direct fuel injection system improves fuel efficiency, with FWD Enclave mileage estimates of 17 mpg city and 24 highway and AWD mileage estimates slightly lower at 16 mpg city and 22 highway. The Enclave reaches 288 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm, and reportedly accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds, despite its criticized heavy curb weight of 4,980 pounds.

The Enclave’s ride has been commended for its smooth, quiet and controlled feel, which it gets from a four-wheel premium-ride independent suspension with front and rear coil springs. Features such as standard StabiliTrak traction control (which provides increased vehicle control) and the QuietTuning system (which incorporates acoustic laminated windshield and front door glass, triple door seals and acoustic material on the floor to reduce noise) have earned the Enclave praise in the past, and this comfortable ride should continue with the 2011 model.

Reviewers have admired the styling and build of the 2010 Enclave. Unchanged for 2011, the exterior of the 2011 Enclave will continue to be recognizable by its chrome waterfall grille and side portholes – signature elements, according to Buick. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlamps with blue-tint lenses and chrome bezels are standard for all trims, with standard articulating headlamps (turning with the steering wheel to better illuminate the road on a curve) for the CXL2s. Nineteen-inch fifteen-spoke aluminum wheels will continue to be standard for CX and CXL1 trims, but new 19-inch chrome-clad wheels will now be standard for the CXL2 trims (with even larger 20-inch chrome-clad wheels also available for the CXL2s). Other standard exterior features will include heated side mirrors, front and back intermittent wipers, halogen foglights, and roof rails. Anticipated options for all six trims consist of a roof rack and running boards, while CXL1s and 2s can opt for a sunroof as well. In spite of these benefits, however, the 2010 Enclave was criticized for poor rear visibility. Since the body has not changed for 2011, this may remain a concern for drivers.

In the past, the Enclave has earned praise for its luxurious and roomy interior, offering high-quality fit and finish, materials and styling. This trend should continue with the 2011 model. The crossover will still seat seven, with front bucket seats, second-row standard captain’s chairs and a third-row bench with a 60/40 split for additional cargo space. An optional second-row bench (also 60/40 split) can increase seating to eight. The CX trims will offer standard cloth seats, while CXL1s and CXL2s will come standard with leather. Both CXL trims also heat the front-row seats, and the CXL2s additionally cool the front driver and passenger seats. CXL trims provide 8-way power-adjustable seats with memory presets for two drivers. Cargo space is another plus for the Enclave, with 23.3 cubic feet of storage behind the third row and a maximum of 115 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded – more cargo space than competitors such as the Lexus RX350, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7.

Other standard interior features anticipated in all six 2011 Enclave trims include tilt and telescopic steering (power in CXL2s) with mounted cruise and audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors and tri-zone climate control, with individual controls for the driver, front passenger and rear seat passengers. CXL1 and 2 trims will offer additional standard features such as a remote vehicle start system, rear parking assist and rear-view camera system - all of which should be available options for the base trim.

Entertainment features for the 2011 Enclave will remain the same as those for last year’s model as well. CX and CXL1 trims provide six-speaker AM/FM/XM Satellite radio with an in-dash CD player and MP3 and Bluetooth compatibility. CXL2s reflect their higher-end status with a 10-speaker Bose sound system (available for the other trims) and standard USB port. CXL1s and 2s also offer available overhead DVD entertainment screens for the rear and voice-activated DVD navigation system, although the outdated navigation graphics have received some criticism.

The 2010 Buick Enclave received five-star ratings for front and side crash tests from the NHTSA, and the 2011 model should continue to earn high safety marks. Previously standard safety features for all trims have included four-wheel antilock disc brakes, six standard airbags (two dual-stage front airbags, two seat-mounted side-impact airbags in the front row and two roof rail airbags that protect all three seats). Tire pressure monitoring and six months of OnStar’s “Directions and Connections” plan round out the standard safety features expected to continue for the 2011 Buick Enclave.