2008 Buick Enclave I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Buick Enclave I weighs between 2168 kg to 2261 kg (4778 to 4983 lbs) when curb weight is considered, which is the weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo but with all necessary operating consumables. Its maximum gross weight ranges from 2908 kg to 2930 kg (6412 to 6459 lbs), which represents the total allowable weight including passengers and cargo. This relatively heavy weight contributes to the SUV's stable and solid driving dynamics but may impact fuel efficiency. The robust construction supports comfort and safety features, making it suitable for family and long-distance driving.

The Buick Enclave I provides practical luggage capacity catering to different needs. With all seats in use, the luggage space ranges from 535 liters to 657 liters (approximately 18.9 to 23.2 cubic feet), offering ample room for everyday use or family trips. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity dramatically increases to between 3265 liters and 3290 liters (115.3 to 116.2 cubic feet), allowing for transportation of larger items or extensive cargo loads. This flexibility in storage is ideal for users needing utility alongside passenger accommodation.

The Buick Enclave I features a ride height (ground clearance) of 182 mm (7.17 inches). This ground clearance allows the SUV to navigate typical urban obstacles like speed bumps and rough roads with ease and performs reasonably well on mild off-road terrains such as dirt roads or gravel paths. However, since it is primarily a family-oriented SUV built for comfort and road use, it is not designed for intensive off-road driving like dedicated off-road vehicles with higher clearance and specialized suspension.

The Buick Enclave I is equipped with rim sizes of 18, 18, and 19 inches (7.5J x 18, 7.5J x 18, and 7.5J x 19), complemented by tire sizes 255/65 R18 and 255/60 R19. These rim and tire configurations ensure a balance between aesthetic appeal, ride comfort, and road handling. The larger 19-inch rims may offer slightly sharper handling characteristics, but potentially less cushioning over bumps compared to the 18-inch variants. Tires with this sizing provide solid traction and stability, suitable for diverse driving conditions experienced by SUV owners.

The Buick Enclave I, with its length of 5118 mm (201.5 inches), width of 2006 mm (79 inches including mirrors), and height of 1842 mm (72.5 inches), generally fits well into a standard garage, but clearance might be tight depending on the garage size. Most residential garages accommodate vehicles up to about 6 meters in length and roughly 2.4 meters in width, so the Enclave’s size fits within typical limits. Drivers should consider the extra space needed to open doors comfortably and maneuver inside the garage. Additionally, garages with lower ceiling heights need to accommodate the SUV's height.

The Buick Enclave I launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year marked the introduction of this model for Buick, so there is no direct predecessor in the Enclave lineup to compare it against. However, when put in the context of Buick’s previous SUVs, the Enclave was positioned as a larger and more luxurious vehicle, designed to fill the gap between smaller crossovers and full-size SUVs. Its size and spaciousness elevated Buick’s SUV offerings and made the Enclave a flagship in terms of dimensions and comfort for the brand during its production period.

In comparison to other mid-size to full-size SUVs from the same era, the Buick Enclave I tends to be on the larger side in terms of dimensions. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Ford Explorer are comparable peers. The Enclave's length of 5118 mm and width of 2006 mm put it among the roomier SUVs, offering more passenger comfort and cargo space in most cases. It stands out with its luxury-oriented design and spacious third-row seating, appealing to families needing room without stepping up to full-size SUV categories that are considerably bigger and bulkier.

The Buick Enclave I was designed with spaciousness and comfort in mind, featuring a roomy interior that accommodates up to seven passengers across three rows with relative ease. The ample interior dimensions translate into generous legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, particularly for front and middle-row passengers. Third-row seats are often more comfortable than comparable SUVs due to the overall size of the vehicle, making it suitable for families and longer trips. The interior design emphasizes luxury, with quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics enhancing passenger comfort.

The Buick Enclave I is highly practical when it comes to cargo versatility, making it a family-friendly SUV choice. With rear seats upright, the cargo space ranges from 535 to 657 liters (18.9 to 23.2 cubic feet), ample for groceries, sports equipment, or strollers. When the rear seats fold down flat, cargo capacity expands substantially to between 3265 and 3290 liters (115.3 to 116.2 cubic feet), accommodating larger items such as furniture or bicycles. This adaptability, combined with the SUV’s spacious interior and comfortable seating, makes the Enclave well-suited for both daily activities and road trips.