William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 23, 2012

GM's Lambda Trio; the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia are still selling very well (sales were up 5% in 2011), but there is no hiding the face that these three models are growing long in the tooth. Outside, the three are still very handsome. But, jump inside or drive one and you realize how old the three are. That will soon change as GM is readying updated models of the Enclave and Acadia, as shown here via some new spy shots.

From what the pictures show, the overall shape remains the same. The Enclave gets a new, larger front end and headlights. The Acadia receives similar updates, but judging from the pictures, the grill outline shows designers are attempting to visually tie it to the smaller Terrain.

Expect bigger changes under the skin for the two vehicles. The interior of both vehicles were heavily camouflaged, suggesting big changes are in store.

GM's 3.6L DI V6 is expected to stay on, but rumors point to turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.

We'll likely see both vehicles make their appearance sometime this year, with GMC Acadia appearing at next month's Chicago Auto Show.

Source: Motor Trend

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On the Enclave, you can really see a bigger toothier grill... I think it will look really handsome. The Acadia looks like it will open its mouth more to look more like its big brothers.

The tail lights of the Acadia remind me of the Saturn Outlook's design (which I liked better than the Acadia's anyway). I'm getting a Sierra-vibe from the headlight design, though it is hard to tell at this point (it would be a shame that the Acadia would have more Sierra styling in the headlights than the Yukon variants). I'm liking where the Acadia is going with this MCE so far, though it's too early to make any major calls.

The Enclave is still classy looking now, and this MCE should make it only better!

I'm getting a Sierra-vibe from the headlight design

Both have those temporary, fake headlight clusters.

The tails are real though.

Okay, so wait, these are the refreshes? The replacements are due when? Honestly, redo the center stack, tweak the exterior and update the powertrain with the latest 3.6L and you're golden for another 2 model years at least.

Okay, so wait, these are the refreshes? The replacements are due when? Honestly, redo the center stack, tweak the exterior and update the powertrain with the latest 3.6L and you're golden for another 2 model years at least.

From the article, it sounds like the NG is due in 2014-2015..I would assume an MCE would last at least 2 model years or more, so an MCE in 2013, then new models in MY 2015 or 2016...and what about the Traverse?

From the article, it sounds like the NG is due in 2014-2015..I would assume an MCE would last at least 2 model years or more, so an MCE in 2013, then new models in MY 2015 or 2016...and what about the Traverse?

Don't know about the Traverse at the moment.. My guess it will also get refreshed around the same time.

Nice shots, Mr. Doane. It seems like there is a lot of black vinyl for a super-mild refresh. The only thing left uncovered is the front 3/4 of the roof and windshield. Wouldn't a person think they'd cover all of the changed parts?

These are pretty heavy refreshes, not the next-gen Lambda. Next gen is probably....2015-ish.

A heavy refresh is fine. They still have life in them.

Really, interior redesign, exterior updating, suspension upgrades and powertrain tweaks are all that is needed to keep these big CUVs fresh for another two model years. However, it would have been nice if this was done for 2010 or 2011, but I know - the bankruptcy postponed a lot of plans.

Also, looks like the Buick & GMC are keeping separate body shells still. The Enclave looks to continue with its rounded roof shape, and the Acadia appears to keep its more straight-lined shape (my fear was that with the demise of the Outlook, which the Acadia shared its shell with, that the Enclave/Traverse shell would be used by the Acadia in this MCE). I am wondering with the shape of the rear tail lamps if GMC took over the Outlook shell and is applying GMC infused styling to that?

Excitement!!!

I love the tie in with the little brother Terrain

I always liked the Traverse's taillights.

I mean, they look tiny on that big, smooth tailgate, but they remind me a bit, if I squint, of the '59 Chevy, and the way the liftgate glass is cut across the bottom calls back the '59 fins. If these taillights were used on a sedan, they'd be even cooler, sort of angry cat eyes. A li'l bit.

Edited January 24, 201214 yr by ocnblu

I always liked the Traverse's taillights.

I mean, they look tiny on that big, smooth tailgate, but they remind me a bit, if I squint, of the '59 Chevy, and the way the liftgate glass is cut across the bottom calls back the '59 fins. If these taillights were used on a sedan, they'd be even cooler, sort of angry cat eyes. A li'l bit.

This is where we differ... I hate the rear styling of the Chevy Traverse, with those too tiny tail lights on that huge, bulbous rear end. My wife really likes the Traverse but the rear of the vehicle kills the deal for me.

Now I can agree with your assessment of the '59 Chevy-inspired bits