Blog

There was once a time when Buick was synonymous with stodginess—an aging automotive brand out of touch with contemporary luxury car buyers. Then came the Buick Enclave for 2008 model year, a premium mid-size crossover that gave birth to a more exciting, redesigned Buick, providing styling cues that today’s luxury customers demand. So has been the theme of recent Buick entries and revivals, including its latest premium compact entrant, the Buick Verano. And for 2013 model year, Buick has made notable improvements to both Verano and Enclave.

2013 Buick Verano Turbo

New for 2013 model year, Buick Verano received its Turbo variant, packing GM’s Ecotec 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-charged engine that delivers 250 hp, 70 more than the premium compact sedan’s standard 2.4L engine, as well as a dual exhaust, giving the car a more sporty and aggressive tone. The Verano Turbo reaches 60mph in just over 6 seconds from a complete stop, coupled with a respectable fuel economy rating of 21 city / 30 highway (automatic transmission).

On the inside, expected levels of comfort for the premium car segment are present: soft-touch surfaces combined with a fit and finish that speaks to Buick’s attention to detail. But what really stands out for the Verano is how quiet the ride really is, courtesy of Buick’s QuietTuning technology, which muffles road and engine noise through use of laminated glass and sound absorbing materials. This truly provides for a sanctuary-like feel to the ride.

Verano’s exterior remains unchanged from 2012, with the exception of a rear spoiler added to the truck lid for a sportier appearance. Overall, the Buick Verano Turbo is a fun and peppy premium compact car, retaining its sense of luxury inside and out. Buick Verano Turbo is priced at $29,990 and is scheduled to hit dealerships by mid-October.

2013 Buick Enclave

Buick paid close attention to craftsmanship and detail when redesigning the 2013 Enclave, which is evident upon first entering the mid-size 3-row luxury crossover. Premium-stitched soft leather accents much of the interior, including door panels, dash and even shift knob. Gentle curves are present throughout, providing an enveloped and soothing feel for both driver and passenger. Ice blue ambient lighting lines accents the dash and instrument cluster while cascading down the door panels, adding a technologically advanced feel to Enclave’s plush interior.

Engineers gave Enclave brand-new front and rear fascia, hood and fenders, updating the crossover’s dated appearance. Enclave now sports an edgier grille, ditching its old oval-shaped mouth, adding to Enclaves overall more sculpted and aggressive appearance, compared to previous model year. LED daytime running lamps and headlamps were also added for 2013 model year.

Buick carried over its direct-injected 3.6L V-6 engine for Enclave, delivering 288 horsepower with a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg on the highway for the FWD variant. Buick made software updates to Enclave’s 6-speed automatic transmission, which enhances downshifting, thus improving overall powertrain smoothness.

Enclave received suspension upgrades for 2013 model year as well, including new dual-flow dampers and rebound springs that reduce the feel of bumps while providing a quieter and smoother ride. Driving Enclave did prove effortless, handling tight corners with exceptional control.

Pricing for the 2013 Buick Enclave starts at $39,270, and the premium mid-size crossover also hits dealerships in mid-October.