Second Generation Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave is regarded as a Chevrolet Traverse in fake jewelry swag that makes it look posh enough to get through fancy restaurants and for this second-generation model, the new Enclave tries to prove that this poshed-up Traverse has been one-upped to be more luxurious than the competition.

At first, the new Enclave by Buick is made for those who think today's Chevy Traverse has too much republican views when its seated at the grown-up table and while it runs on the same new platform as the Traverse, Buick's flagship crossover behaves differently than the Traverse because it was made to be as comfortable as the German crossovers, although it remains theoretical, of course.

The new design is like the best of both worlds because up front, it resembles like today's Opels even though Opel now belongs to the French. Looks like the General still hasn't forgot its German friends after all. On the back, it looks more like the one from the Made-in-China Envision, and on the side, it resembles of a Toyota crossover I can't mention it to you due to search query reasons, resulting to some kind of culture clash in the design department.

Inside, the new Enclave is now more luxurious than ever and if you gone for the more luxurious Avenir, which is Buick's equivalent of GMC's Denali line, not only you'll stand out with its blinged-up exterior but also the chestnut interior with ebony trim that makes it look interesting. From its seven-seater capacity, internet connectivity, adjustable seats, and numerous concessions of comfort, it's fair to say that the new Enclave is even more luxurious than the old model. In fact, it's almost an Escalade on the budget because you can get one for $39,995, less expensive than other luxury crossovers.

Unlike other luxury crossovers, the new Enclave is not welcomed to the turbo nonsense its European opposition had because it still runs on its 310hp 3.6L V6 engine mated to a brand new 9-speed AT that delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg highway, which is very convincing for a V6 crossover even though it comes with a fuel-saving feature that can shut its engine off when stopped at a set of lights and then restarts when it sets off.

Handling wise, the new Emclave's slightly improved thanks to its five-link rear suspension as well as its Intelligent AWD with Active Twin Clutch that makes it very adaptable on any conditions. While it maybe as nice to drive as a family saloon, it can't match the driving pleasure the Europeans had and it's not somewhat you may call exciting. It may not somewhat sporty by SUV standards but in partial terms of comfort, the ride is good and you can make the most out of it everyday at work or at play. And with a wide range of safety features available, it's easier to live with.

For those who think that the new Traverse has some republican views onto it, the new Enclave can be a liberal alternative to it. It may be heavily improved from the previous model but it struggles to keep up with the competition unless they want this crossover to fight fire with fire, but still, while it's not the most enjoyable crossover you can buy right now, it's a bargaining in the making because of its newly refined dynamics and a whole new level of luxury that makes it a class apart from the rest.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave Minor Change

2013 Chevrolet Traverse

2013 Chevrolet Traverse interior

This Chevrolet Traverse you see is no ordinary Traverse. What this is, is a 2013 minor change model for the Chevrolet Traverse. What bothers me about its latest minor change is the front because it's now has a new and controversial front face. Seems that the trademark Chevrolet grille that has been with other Chevys of today are gone and this new face could possibly be the new chapter of Chevrolet as I know it. Even though the interior's been heavily redesigned, it's still retains a family-friendly status, meaning that if you're a soccer mom, you can use it everyday when you want to take your kids from their school, soccer practice, dance class, any busy routine the kids been following at.

If you have kids in the back, one feature that really made it more family-oriented was its optional rear entertainment system. Load a DVD of their favorite cartoon and that really shut your kids up while watching their favorite cartoons, something spongy, something imaginary, something Einstein-y, something something something kid-friendly. That sounds fine but for me, this is somewhat cool if you're a posh mom who can't cope with something like economic eggs, hire cars, agency nannys or expired yogurts. AGA SAGA, I was referring to...Oops, sorry folks but still, it's a posh Chevy for the posh mums who can't cope with major disasters, not nature-related but social-related.

Under the front is a 3.6L V6 engine that promises about an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city/24 highway on FWD models, 288HP of power on the high-end LTZ model, and absolutely no sense of humor at all. The only thing you'll be hearing is the sound of your mum's sermon.

2013 GMC Acadia

2013 GMC Acadia interior

However, if you're not an AGA SAGA kind of posh mum or if you're some sort of a dad who spends the rest of his time cheering on his favorite NFL team, the 2013 GMC Acadia might be the best pick for that kind of person, sure it's a Chevy Traverse underneath it, has the same V6 engine from the Traverse and...wait a minute. Something's different with this latest Acadia. 

You see 7 years ago, the Acadia seem to look like an average American full-size crossover but for the 2013 model, something's different with this Acadia. Seems like this model has some bits and parts from the defunct Saturn Outlook, which was made in the same platform as the GMC Acadia's. Well, with Saturn already out in the picture in 2009, the same year that GM declares the death of Pontiac, seems that the components of the once dead Saturn Outlook was been recycled and put some GMC badges on it. Repurposing parts from the discontinued Saturn Outlook to refresh the GMC Acadia?! It's somewhat some kind of Six Million Dollar Man or Lady Cassandra or something something something uh...forget about it.

Pricing's a bit timey-wimey but somewhat wibbly-wobbly because the base model of the Traverse, the LS FWD, costs $30,870 while the base model of the GMC Acadia, the SLE-1 FWD model, cost you $35,440. Seriously, seems that if you're a soccer/posh mom who is always paying attention to the kids, the Traverse is a better bet but if you're a dad who loves watching too much NFL or NBA, or NCAA, or anything sports you've seen in stadiums or in TV sets, seems that the Acadia is a good choice for that typical kind of parent. Well, dads spend more cash than moms on everything only dads want to have fun rather than the whole family. Moms always use their money on grocery-related stuff. However, what if you're not fall into these kind of persons? What if you're a playboy? You're a diplomat? Or something of an upperclassman? A bachelor perhaps? Bachelorette? Hmmm...

2013 Buick Enclave

2013 Buick Enclave interior

This new Buick Enclave is more expensive than the Traverse and the Acadia, even though it also comes with the same V6 engine you get from these two. However, unlike the Traverse and the Acadia, the new Enclave is an upperclassman's favorite because some say, it looks like a preferable alternative to luxury SUVs made from the Germans and Japanese. Since it's a Buick, it's hard to explain if this new Enclave looks better than its rivals when placed on a comparative comparison.

With a well-crafted interior and a well-crafted face, this new model tries to change its course when it comes to its quirky brilliance. Guess I was wrong about the Traverse being targeted for posh moms, perhaps this is the good choice for posh mums who are a bit AGA SAGA for their lives but sadly, with the starting price of $38,445, this is more expensive than the Traverse so who will buy it? There's only one answer, seniors! Kinda awkward for me to say that but every time I see someone driving Buicks, I can only see people who are middle-aged or senior-aged driving this so, this new Enclave wasn't worth to be a decent candidate as a posh mom's car.

To sum up then, posh mums won't be picking one of these three because posh mums want something that is more family-friendly but more on features. These three though...they're not enough to be posh. Hmmm...what would posh people want and do not want?

Photo: General Motors