2009 Buick Enclave: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2009 Buick Enclave is a stronger direct-injection 3.6-liter V6. This is a light update rather than a redesign, with the three-row layout and core comfort features largely carrying over.
About the 2009 Buick Enclave
1st generation (2008-2017), second model year
Buick positions the Enclave as a premium three-row crossover built around quiet travel, graceful styling, and family usefulness. The brochure leans heavily on its hushed cabin, upscale materials, flowing exterior design, and room for up to eight people, while early Buick press materials stress that it is roomy inside without feeling oversized from the driver’s seat. In plain terms, the Enclave is the Buick choice for shoppers who want minivan-like space and everyday practicality wrapped in a softer, more upscale SUV shape.
The 2009 Enclave is a quiet, comfort-focused three-row crossover offered in CX and more upscale CXL forms. CX has xenon headlights, a power liftgate, tri-zone climate control, and Bluetooth, while CXL adds heated front seats, driver memory, and 19-inch wheels.
What changed, by category
2009 Buick Enclave specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 288 hp | 288 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4500 lb | 4500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 115 cu-ft | 115 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Cooled Seats | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Third Row Seat | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Buick Enclave?
The biggest change is a stronger direct-injection 3.6-liter V6. It makes 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, up from 275 horsepower and 251 lb-ft in 2008.
Is the 2009 Buick Enclave a redesign?
No. The 2009 Enclave remains part of the first generation and keeps the same basic body, three-row layout, and CX/CXL format. Its main update is the stronger V6.
Is the 2009 Buick Enclave more powerful than the 2008 model?
Yes. The 2009 model has 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, increases of 13 horsepower and 19 lb-ft over the 2008 Enclave.
What is the difference between the 2009 Enclave CX and CXL?
The CXL is the more richly equipped version. It adds heated front seats, driver memory, more front-seat adjustment, and 19-inch wheels, while the CX still has xenon headlights, a power liftgate, tri-zone climate control, and Bluetooth.
Is the 2009 Buick Enclave worth considering over the 2008 model?
The 2009 Enclave is the more appealing year if stronger acceleration matters, because its V6 has more horsepower and torque. Otherwise, the body, three-row cabin, and main comfort features are largely similar.