The Buick Enclave, a popular SUV model, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure occupant safety. This report delves into the side impact crash test results for the Buick Enclave, specifically examining models from 2008 to 2017. These findings are crucial for understanding the vehicle’s safety performance and how it protects occupants in a side collision scenario. It’s important to note that the rating applies to models manufactured between 2008 and 2017, which also includes similar models like the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse from those years.
The vehicle tested for this evaluation was a 2008 GMC Acadia SLE 4-door 4wd, equipped with standard head curtain airbags for all three rows and front seat-mounted torso airbags. It’s relevant to mention that the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook were the first models introduced in 2007, followed by the Buick Enclave in 2008 and the Chevrolet Traverse in 2009. The Saturn Outlook was discontinued after 2009. For clarity, the 2017 Acadia large SUV was rebranded as Acadia Limited, sold exclusively to fleets, and importantly, it does not share safety ratings with the redesigned 2017-18 GMC Acadia, the 2018 Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse, all of which became midsize SUVs.
The side impact test evaluated several key criteria to determine the overall safety rating. The Buick Enclave achieved a “Good” overall evaluation, the highest rating possible. This “Good” rating extends to critical aspects of the vehicle’s structural integrity and occupant protection. Specifically, the structure and safety cage of the Buick Enclave also received a “Good” rating, indicating a robust design capable of withstanding side impact forces.
Looking at driver injury measures, the Buick Enclave demonstrated excellent protection. Ratings for head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg injuries were all “Good“. Furthermore, driver head protection was also rated as “Good“, signifying effective airbag deployment and coverage. Similarly, rear passenger injury measures mirrored the driver’s side, with “Good” ratings across head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg injury measures. Rear passenger head protection also received a “Good” rating, ensuring safety for all occupants.
Technical measurements from the crash test provide further insights. Occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side was measured at -17.5 cm (B-pillar to longitudinal centerline), indicating minimal intrusion into the occupant space. Driver injury measures showed a Head HIC-15 of 55, neck tension at 0.7 kN, and torso maximum deflection at 42 mm. Rear passenger injury measures included a Head HIC-15 of 101 and torso maximum deflection of 27 mm. These measurements, along with others detailed in the technical data, are within acceptable limits for a “Good” rating, demonstrating the Buick Enclave’s ability to mitigate injury risks in side impact collisions.
In conclusion, the Buick Enclave (2008-2017 models) performed admirably in the side impact crash test, earning an overall “Good” rating. This rating reflects the vehicle’s strong structure and effective safety systems in protecting both front and rear occupants. The detailed measurements and “Good” ratings across all injury metrics underscore the Buick Enclave as a safe choice within its class for side impact protection during the evaluated model years.
