By most accounts, both the 2012 Buick Enclave and 2012 GMC Acadia are still handsome people haulers despite their age. The Enclave has been with us since the 2008 model year, while the Acadia first bowed in 2007. But while the sheet metal has aged somewhat gracefully, everything else is showing its age, namely the interior and powertrain. General Motors hopes to address those shortcomings with a significant refresh for the 2013 model year and these testers caught by our spy photographer are proof of better things to come.
From what we can see in the photos, the overall shape remains the same. The Enclave, however, seems to be sporting a much larger front grille, while the Acadia, which appears to be a Denali model, appears unchanged. Also heavily concealed was the interior, which no doubt will get a more dramatic refresh than the exterior. In our most recent tests of the Enclave and Acadia, we found the interiors to be dated, full of hard plastics, and absent of many amenities found in competitors such as power-folding third-row seats, voice-activated nav, and smart keyless entry.
We should also expect to see an update to the powertrain, which currently consists of one engine choice — a 3.6-liter, direct-injection V-6 that puts out 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed auto that sends power to the front or all four wheels. Power is decent, but fuel economy, though better than some competitors, could be improved. There are rumors that a smaller-displacement turbocharged engine will either replace or be available as an option to the 3.6-liter V-6.
As we reported last year, the Lambda platform that the Enclave and Acadia (and the Chevy Traverse) share isn’t due for an overhaul until the 2014 or 2015 model year. Will the upcoming refresh be enough to keep GM’s crossovers competitive in this crowded segment?
Thanks to: Motor Trend
0 comments:
Post a Comment