The 2017 Buick Enclave represents a significant moment in the brand's history, marking the transition to a new generation of its popular three-row crossover. Inside, the vehicle moves away from the sterile minimalism of the previous Sierra and Rainier, embracing a warmer, more tactile environment focused on comfort and family usability. This specific model year offers a compelling blend of refined performance, advanced safety technology, and sophisticated interior appointments designed to cater to the needs of modern families.
Redesigned Interior for 2017
For the 2017 model year, Buick undertook a substantial redesign of the Enclave's interior, directly impacting the driving and riding experience. The cabin is noticeably wider and more open, creating an atmosphere of spaciousness that immediately puts occupants at ease. Designers focused on improving visibility and accessibility, ensuring that the second and third rows are genuinely usable for adults on longer trips, a critical factor for this segment.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The materials used throughout the 2017 Enclave's cabin mark a clear upgrade over predecessors. Soft-touch plastics are reserved for higher, less-visible areas, while lower surfaces feature premium leather-appointed surfaces and wood-grained trim accents. The combination of quilted seating surfaces and metallic finishes on the climate control knobs contributes to a sense of quality and refinement that justifies its position in the mid-luxury market.
Seating and Comfort Features
Comfort is a cornerstone of the Enclave's appeal, and the 2017 model delivers through its available seating configurations. The second-row captain's chairs offer exceptional support and a commanding view, while the standard second-row bench provides versatile passenger capacity. Power-adjustable front seats with memory functions are standard on higher trims, allowing multiple drivers to find their ideal position with ease, significantly enhancing the daily driving experience.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2017 Enclave's interior is defined by its forward-thinking technology suite, which avoids the cluttered look of many competitors. The centerpiece is an available eight-inch-diagonal color touch-screen radio, which integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly. This system provides intuitive access to navigation, music, and messaging, allowing drivers to stay connected without taking their eyes off the road for long.
Advanced Safety Suite
Safety is deeply integrated into the Enclave's interior design, with Buick's suite of available driver-assistance technologies becoming more sophisticated in 2017. Available features include Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These systems work together to provide a layer of security that is particularly valuable in the busy suburban and urban environments where this vehicle operates.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
While the Enclave is first and foremost a comfortable cruiser, its 2017 update brought improvements to its driving dynamics. The available 3.6-liter V6 engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth power delivery for highway merging and passing. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections effectively, ensuring that the cabin remains a serene environment even when traversing less-than-perfect road surfaces.
