Though still troubled, Buick keeps on truckin’ (sort of) with offerings like its 2012 Enclave. Sharing the same Lamda platform as its Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia stablemates, this luxury-oriented crossover ute seats seven passengers in three rows with the option of seating eight if a bench second-row seat is selected to replace the standard rear captain’s chairs. Cargo capacity in this road-friendly ute, meantime, is some 115 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In a slight change from 2011, the Enclave is now available in four self-descriptive trims, the Base, the Convenience, the Leather, and the top-shelf Premium. All trims are delivered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), but each is also available with traction-heavy full-time all-wheel drive (AWD). Just a heads-up: The Enclave’s AWD system is great on wintry highways, but not so good for off-road voyages.

In any case, rumors are afoot that the naturally aspirated V6 engine, currently standard in the 2012 Enclave lineup, will be replaced with a turbocharged V6. At the moment, however, Buick’s holding that one close to the vest. Guess tire-kickers will have to wait until later in the summer when the 2012s go on sale to find out. Notwithstanding the mystery, competition for the Enclave in the luxury crossover market remains essentially the Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX and the Lexus RX 350. Reviewers opine that Buick took a turn in the right direction when it introduced the Enclave for the 2008 model year, with more than a few noting that a downsized version of this touted ute may be in the works for the 2013 model year.

Unless the aforementioned rumors pan out, expect all 2012 Enclave trims to once more pack the standard 3.6-liter V6 powerplant and its accompanying 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Putting out 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, this high-end mini-ute can tow a maximum of 4,500 pounds when properly equipped. Additionally, variable valve timing keeps mileage at an almost reasonable 17 mpg city/24 highway in FWD versions and 16/22 in AWD configurations. Finally, the available full-time AWD system is governed by a mechanical, limited-slip center differential.

Luxury is the aim of the 2012 Enclave lineup, and even the Base trim ought to get more than its fair share of appearance and cabin amenities. Starting with 19-inch polished aluminum wheels and a power rear liftgate, expected exterior features of the Base trim also include a roof rack and heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors. Inside, the Base should return such standard amenities as cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, second-row captain’s chairs and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Comfort and convenience gizmos should again include telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, remote power door locks, power windows, a universal remote garage door opener and tri-zone automatic climate control. Entertainment and techno-features, meanwhile, are once again likely to include an MP3-capable single-CD player with six speakers, satellite radio and OnStar Directions and Connections navigation and communications service featuring Bluetooth technology.

The Convenience trim should add three rows of floormats to the mix, as well as standard remote engine start and a Driver Information Center, while the Leather chips in with leather upholstery, heated front seats and memory for driver's settings. Finally, the flagship Enclave Premier ought to again flaunt standard ventilated front seats and rear climate controls.

Options on all trims include roof-rack cross-rails, a trailer-towing package, rear-seat DVD entertainment, eight-passenger seating, Bose premium audio components with ten speakers and a USB connection. The Leather and Premier trims are additionally eligible for optional voice-activated DVD navigation and a power-tilt sunroof.

The 2012 Enclave’s heft combines with a load of standard safety features, which will doubtless re-cement it’s position as one of the safest crossover utes out there. Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) and StabiliTrak stability control complement traction control, front side-mounted airbags and three-row head airbags. Daytime running lights and a post-collision safety system, as well as OnStar airbag deployment notification and stolen vehicle tracking, additionally come standard across the lineup. The Convenience and higher trims, meantime, sport standard turn-signal-integrated mirrors, while the Leather and Premium boast standard HID headlights, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera that are optional with the Base and Convenience trims. Finally, the Premium features a standard remote antitheft alarm that’s also optional for the other trims, as well as standard articulating headlights that are unique to this trim.

Owners of 2011 Enclave trims cite tepid gas mileage and some difficulties with blind spots to the sides and rear as pet peeves. Additionally many owners find illogically placed controls with barely readable and often confusing symbols to be a minor problem. Otherwise, owners are impressed with Buick’s sharp crossover, noting its looks, safety ratings, roomy cabin and quiet, smooth ride as especially praiseworthy. The plethora of standard luxury features also impresses many owners, while others are more than satisfied with the Enclave’s standard V6 power.