Consumer Reports
The Highlander scores high for its refinement, quiet interior, ride comfort, and flexible and roomy second-row seat. Its 3.5-liter V6 delivers solid performance and 18 mpg overall. The hybrid model gets 24 mpg and drives similarly, and can propel itself on electric power alone at low speeds. Handling is sound and secure, but not particularly agile and the steering feels vague. The third-row seat is tight and does not fold in a 50/50 split. The easy-to-use controls and good fit and finish make the interior pleasant. Cabin access is easy. A new 2.7-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic is available on FWD models. Rated "Better than average" on Reliability
The Buick Enclave is a large, car-based SUV with three rows of seats. It shares a new platform with the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. All use GM's contemporary 3.6-liter V6 engine, which makes 288 hp for 2009. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sometimes hesitates to downshift. We found the ride comfortable and quiet, and the powertrain smooth. Handling is agile and secure. The third-row seat is roomy enough for adults. Fit and finish is excellent. Fuel economy was slightly worse for the heavier Enclave than for our tested Traverse. Reliability of the AWD version improved to average.
CR's overall mileage, mpg
CR's overall milage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city simulation, highway cruising, and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving.
CR's overall mileage, mpg 15
CR's city/highway, mpg
Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city simulation and highway cruising.
CR's city/highway, mpg 10 / 24
CR's 150-mile trip, mpg
Measured fuel usage on CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving.
CR's 150-mile trip, mpg 19
The redesigned 2010 Equinox is light years better than its predecessor. The ride is taut yet supple and controlled, the interior is well finished, access is easy, and handling is responsive and secure. The V6 model has good steering. The Equinox has a larger footprint than most competitors, and GM used that length for a roomy rear seat. Overall, though, it still falls a little short of the class leaders from Toyota and Subaru. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder averaged a respectable 21 mpg but is not particularly brisk and a bit raspy. The optional 3.0-liter V6 is more civilized but thirstier, getting 18 mpg. The transmission is a little pokey, especially with the four-cylinder engine. (no prediction on reliability since this vehicle is new)
The Escape has a roomy interior, spacious rear seat, and good cargo space. Fit and finish is unimpressive and the car is noisy. The V6 provides strong acceleration and 19 mpg overall. The four-cylinder provides adequate acceleration and 21 mpg overall. Both engines are loud. Braking performance is improved. The hybrid drivetrain works well but the ride is unsettled and handling is imprecise. It gets 26 mpg overall, the best fuel economy of any SUV we've tested. ESC is standard. These improvements allow the Escape to now score high enough to be recommended. Rated "Average on Reliability.
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For whatever it's worth, I've had 2 Highlanders. The first was hit by an eighteen-wheeler that crossed over the grassy median of an interstate highway during a thunderstorm hitting the front side of the car with its trailer. Tore the door clean off and blew out the windshield. Myself, two passengers and the dogs were uninjured. I bought another one!