Buick refreshed its full-size Enclave SUV for the 2013 model year. And for good reason, seeing as the large sport utility market began heating up around this time, with popular competitors like the Acura RDX taking most of the limelight. Buick retuned the suspension for 2013, and refreshed the styling including the interior which saw the industry’s first front centre side airbag. But is the 2013 Enclave worth buying today? Here’s a look at some of the key specs.
Inside the Enclave
The 2013 Enclave luxury full-size SUV is a true contender, with its stylish looks that set it apart from other models in the segment. It offered a decent list of standard features, including Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system, all with the ability to haul seven passengers (8-passenger seating optional) inside a cozy, premium cabin.
However, the interior was arguably dated for its time, lacking the luxury that full-size SUVs offered, including the minor yet helpful smart key option. Faux-leather seating was standard and genuine leather upholstery was optional. The light blue ambient lighting was a nice touch, as was the soft-touch materials and simulated wood grain trim at the front dash.
Buick’s big hauler also sported the industry’s first front centre side airbag to protect against far-side impacts, and the suspension was retuned in 2013, which provides this SUV a more comfortable interior environment when on the road.
Power & Drive Impressions
- Engine: 3.6-liter DOHC V6 (288 hp / 270 lb-ft)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD or optional AWD
- 0–100 km/h (0–60 mph): ~8 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 14.0 L/100 km city / 9.6 L/100 km highway
- Towing Capacity: 4,500 lb
Under the hood, the 2013 Buick Enclave Premium carried over GM’s familiar 3.6-liter V6 engine — good for 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s not a fire-breather, but for a three-row crossover tipping the scales around 4,900 pounds, the Enclave’s V6 feels composed and confident once it’s moving.
Off the line, power delivery is smooth rather than urgent — typical of Buick’s approach — with most of the muscle showing up in the mid-range where the Enclave settles comfortably into highway cruising. The transmission shifts cleanly, though a bit hesitantly when you push hard for passing power. In AWD form, it distributes power predictably, providing sure-footed traction when the weather turns rough.
The Enclave isn’t meant to be sporty, but its refined chassis and quiet cabin make it one of the more pleasant family haulers of its era. Steering is light yet accurate, and the suspension strikes that nice balance between comfort and composure. It’s more about serenity than speed — and that’s exactly where it shines.
2013 Buick Enclave Photos and Key Specs
The Enclave SUV you see here includes the following options not available as standard: 20-inch Ultra Bright aluminum wheels ($350); Audio/Nav/Infotainment (3250); HD Trailering Equipment (550); Dual Skyscape sunroof ($1,685)
Key specs are as follows:
- Engine: 3.6L V-6 VVT (Variable Valve Timing) with DI (Direct Injection)
- Transmission: 6-speed FWD/AWD automatic transmission
- Displacement (cc / cu. in.): 3564 / 21
- Bore & stroke (mm / in.): 94 x 85.6 / 3.70 x 3.37
- Block material: Cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners
- Cylinder head material: Cast aluminum
- Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts, 4-valves per cylinder, Continuosly Variable Valve Timing
- Ignition system: Coil-on-plug with extended-life dual platinum-tipped spark plugs
- Fuel delivery: High pressure Direct Injection
- Compression ratio: 11.3:1
- Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 288 / 215 @ 6300
- Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): 270 / 366 @ 3400
- Recommended fuel: Regular unleaded
- Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6700
- Wheels: 19″ x 7.5″ Chrome clad aluminum
- Fuel Rating (L/100 km (city / hwy / combined): FWD: 12.7 / 8.4 / 10.8 AWD: 13.0 / 8.6 / 11.0
