Tag Archives: Buick Enclave
Overview of 2014 Buick Enclave Sports Utility Crossover
Buick has not gifted the market with a minivan or a true station wagon but it compensates for it by delivering its mainstay vehicle, the Buick Enclave. Offering something between the flexibility of a minivan and the long-roofed goodness of a real wagon, without the stigma of wither, Buick Enclave a perfect substitute for those good old family shuttles. The Enclave is part of a trio of GM crossovers and to most of the SUV lovers it is the most appealing of them all. The hints of coke-bottle curve on its sides, the waterfall grille give this full sized star a personality far enough from the rugged looking GMC Acadia or the insipid Chevrolet Traverse, while all three of them share the same innards. What haven’t changed much are the new grille and the LED lighting. On the inside the Buick Enclave seems to have undergone rejuvenation with the new soft-touch dash and a big touchscreen.
Nothing has changed under that sheet metal for the 2014 Buick Enclave. Still spinning on the same 288 horsepower as before from its standard 3.6 liter V6 engine and the same six speed automatic transmission, the beast reins with an option of channeling it to either the front wheels or to all four wheels. The indecisive transmission from the last year has been lost for the new Buick Enclave features much less hunting through upper gears and the powertrain never really struggles to tap cruising speed despite a heavy curb weight. The gas mileage is 24 mpg mat max.
On the inside, the Enclave brings its customers the IntelliLink as the big news. Bringing up the interior of the ruling monster to the leading edge in connectivity, with a relatively easy interface, well integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming functionality and apps for Pandora and Switcher audio, the IntelliLink transforms the driving experience into a high tech and amazingly entertaining one. The standard equipment this year includes a rear view camera system, a USB port, HD Radio, satellite radio and voice recognition, while navigation is optional as is a ten speaker Bose sound upgrade.
While it shares the platform with the Chevy Traverse and the GMC Acadia, the Buick Enclave boasts fancier styling and richer interior furnishings than its cousins. This niche of the crossovers, however, doesn’t lack choice. The aforementioned Chevy and GMC relatives are still a good idea on the basis of styling and lower price tags. The Ford Flex offering its wagon like styling and a turbocharged V6 grunt is funkier at the same time and stands as tough completion to the 2014 Buick enclave. So does the Mazda CX-9 with its more athletic handling and equally spacious interiors.
If dropping down in size is not a big issue for you, higher-end rivals like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60 boast even nicer interiors, advanced features, and in the case of Infiniti – a hybrid powertrain. The MDX, however, offers the best overall characteristics of any three-row SUV in this price range. But in front of all these worthy vehicles stands proud with the handsome styling, enormous cabin and competitive pricing, the 2014 Buick Enclave!
The 2014 Lincoln MKT
Lincoln MKT, the three row luxury crossover recently received a mid-cycle refresh. Not styled very conventionally to please each and everyone, the 2014 MKT still offers a long list of standard luxury features in addition to a comfortable and spacious interior. Lincoln MKT was developed under a codename D472 and shares its genes with the highly regarded Ford Flex hence offering much of that large wagon’s attributes some of which include an impressive and eminent all round performance, comfortable seating and a well built cabin with a satisfying array of high-tech features. However, the appearance is considerably different.
But, looks aren’t the only thing that has changed for the new Lincoln MKT as the refreshed SUV also upped its game for the standard 3.7 liter V6 that now generates 303 horsepower to the front wheels, up from 268. Producing a twist of 278 pound feet, the fuel economy of this unique SUV is rated as 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Another available option is the Eco-Boost model which is opted by a staggering nine out ten MKT buyers. The 3.5 liter Eco-Boost engine produces a good 355 horsepower and 350 pound feet of torque and is mated to all wheel drive standard. Interestingly, a computer can automatically disengage the rear wheels when not in use to enhance the efficiency and improve fuel economy. The switchover takes just 16 milliseconds which is surely fast. The Eco-Boosted MKT returns 16/23 mpg. Both the engines are mated to a six speed SelectShift automatic transmission. However, the Eco-Boosted models use a bit fortified versions. Enabling the driver with full gear selection control, the SelectShift results in no engine override and can be controlled by paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.
Along with the “fortified” version of the transmission, the Eco-Boosted Lincoln MKT mill makes use of a classy Continuously Controlled Damping system. Utilizing 46 different inputs to send over 23,000 different packets of data to a computer each second, the advanced CCD system in the MKT helps make decisions and adjustments to several aspects of the suspension based on immediate road conditions.
All luxury cars are defined by their style, sophistication, power and refinement. However, interior technology has become the hallmark of the modern luxury vehicle, famous to be unconventionally styled, the 2014 Lincoln MKT is in no way behind when it comes to luxury. Equipped with the SYNC, a Bluetooth based connectivity system, the latest MKT allows smartphone users to place calls, stream music and listen to their texts while driving making the drive a fun and safe one.
The 2014 Lincoln MKT competes in a segment with some highly desirable models like the amazingly fuel efficient Audi Q7 and the Infiniti QX30, the all rounder Acura MDX and the impressively roomy Buick Enclave. As a matter of fact, the 2014 MKT faces competition with Flex itself which essentially is the same vehicle just costing thousands less. However, for those who are drawn towards the unusual, the 2014 Lincoln MKT is worth a test drive.