2012 Buick Enclave: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Buick Enclave is its reorganized four-trim lineup: Base, Convenience, Leather, and Premium replace the previous CX and CXL structure. Otherwise, this is a light update, with Hill Start Assist added across the lineup and no major mechanical, styling, or tech changes.
About the 2012 Buick Enclave
1st generation (2008-2017), final pre-refresh year before the 2013 facelift
Buick positioned the Enclave as a roomy three-row crossover for families who wanted minivan-like passenger and cargo space in a quieter, more upscale package. The brochure leans on first-class seating, QuietTuning, smooth ride quality, and Buick styling touches rather than sporty driving. In plain terms, the Enclave’s role is comfortable family transport with premium touches, a hushed cabin, and more visual polish than its Chevrolet and GMC platform mates.
For 2012, Buick organizes the Enclave around four clear comfort levels, all with three-row seating and a quiet cabin. Convenience has a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and remote start, while Leather adds heated leather seats and driver memory. Premium tops the range with heated and cooled front seats, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and headlights that turn with the steering.
What changed, by category
2012 Buick Enclave specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 288 hp | 288 hp | 288 hp | 288 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 115 cu-ft | 115 cu-ft | 115 cu-ft | 115 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| 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 2012 Buick Enclave?
The biggest change is a reorganized trim lineup. The 2012 range uses Base, Convenience, Leather, and Premium trims in place of the previous CX and CXL structure.
Did the 2012 Buick Enclave get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2012 Enclave keeps its 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission, so this is not a major mechanical update.
What safety feature was added to the 2012 Buick Enclave?
Hill Start Assist was added across the 2012 Enclave lineup. It briefly holds the brakes when the driver moves from the brake pedal to the accelerator on a hill, reducing backward roll.
Is the 2012 Buick Enclave the refreshed model?
No. The 2012 Enclave is the final model year before the more substantial 2013 refresh, and it retains the earlier first-generation styling.
Which 2012 Buick Enclave trim has heated and cooled front seats?
The 2012 Enclave Premium has heated and cooled front seats. It also has a 10-speaker Bose audio system, power-folding heated mirrors, and headlights that turn with the steering.