The new Buick Enclave is a luxury crossover SUV that easily could have worn the iconic Buick Roadmaster name - it's packed with comfort, features and road manners that beg for full seats and the open road. Blending style and grace with precision, Enclave delivers comfort for up to eight, plenty of space for cargo and at 24 mpg highway, the best fuel economy of any eight-passenger SUV.

The Enclave has above-average road presence and manners - with recognizable Buick looks to match the excellent driving dynamics. It's much bigger than it looks, with fluid lines and curved surfaces that create the illusion of a smaller vehicle. Even though it's large, outward visibility is great, and it's easy to drive and maneuver.

The Enclave is helping lower the average age of Buick owners, appealing to families. Pricing starts at $35,865., and a fully-loaded model with every option tops-out $48,675. With a nicely-equipped Enclave costing in the high $30's to low $40's, you don’t have to spend a lot to get Enclave's royal treatment. The pricing and incentives have helped the success of Enclave, sales are up more than 30% from last year.

The Enclave comes with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and it's powered by a 288-horsepower 3.6L direct injected V-6 VVT engine, and six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. It also has all-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and traction control. There is ample power to move a fully-loaded vehicle, and the steering and braking are crisp. The driving feel is smooth and controlled. Credit for Enclave’s car-like driving experience is attributed to its stiff structure, its purpose-built suspension and aerodynamic shape.

The unique styling and powerful engine are surpassed only by the interior - an amazing space that exceeded my expectations. It's a first-class cabin from front to back. It's a warm and inviting environment, with premium, soft-touch, low-gloss materials. The attention to detail is reflected in the precise fit and finish of all interior elements, including the instrument panel.

The interior was clearly the focal point of designers right from the beginning, its functional, thoughtful and well designed. Interior access is easy, the rear hatch opens electrically, and there's lots of content. With three rows of seats, it seats seven or eight people, and still provides 24.1 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third-row seat. The center and rear seats easily lay flat for more carrying ability. The premium sound system in enhanced by excellent interior noise dampening. The result is a library-quiet interior that enables easy conversation.

Overall, the Buick Enclave is a great package that is full of content and features that make it a true master of the road - yet another Roadmaster from Buick, even if now known by the Enclave name.

Enclave is covered by a four-year, 50,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty, plus five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The 2011 Buick Enclave is a Consumer's Digest Best Buy. Rivals include the Lexus RX350, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Acura MDX.

- by Vince Bodiford