2025 Buick Enclave Review: Mainstream Appeal

For 2025, the Buick Enclave debuts as an all-new third-generation model. It's always been a more premium option than its Chevrolet Traverse or GMC Acadia stablemates, and for this year, that’s no exception.

Depending on who you ask, it plays in the larger end of the midsize three-row crossover sandbox but can also stand in with full-size SUVs. On top of getting a visual redesign all around, there are major updates to powertrain and autonomous safety technology. Thanks to General Motors Canada, we got a chance to take an ST (Sport Touring) trim for a week-long road test that included a 750-mile road trip.

What’s New for 2025:

This year's Buick Enclave is all-new. The naturally aspirated 3.6 L V6 has given way to a 2.5 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the transmission goes from a nine-speed automatic to an eight-speed. Although it has the same wheelbase, the overall length and width have grown slightly. A new interior features a 30-inch combined gauge cluster and infotainment screen with updated designs throughout. General Motors’ Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system debuts for the first time in the Enclave.

Exterior Style:

The Enclave features an aggressive front end that comes in like a lion and yet, when paired with it's more conservative side and rear styling, it goes out like a lamb. The front end evokes a little bit of Hyundai’s design language, with low-mounted headlights flanked by daytime-running light eyebrows above it – it’s a bit of a polarizing love-it or hate-it look. 20-inch wheels make a strong statement and are standard on base Preferred and middle Sport Touring (ST, as-tested) trims. A number of optional 22-inch wheel designs are available, with the bigger wheel size coming standard on the top-shelf Avenir trim.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy:

With the move to turbo four-cylinder power, the 2.5 L unit in the Enclave puts out 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. While an 18 horsepower and 60 lb-ft improvement may seem healthy, the real-world feel doesn't feel as nice. We're used to today's modern turbocharged engines that deliver boatloads of torque just off idle, and the Enclave doesn't really do that, either. The engine needs to be revved out fairly hard for everyday merging and passing, making a buzzy groan whenever it does so. Even though it would most likely win a drag race against last year's 3.6 L V6, the four feels more labored. With a lower torque peak, the eight-speed automatic transmission performs about as well as the previous nine-speed unit.

The Enclave’s fuel economy comes in at 19 mpg city and 24 highway (US EPA), or 12.3 L/100km city and 9.9 highway (Natural Resources Canada). In practice, the observed economy on our road trip was 26.4 mpg (8.9 L/100km) in cool weather with plenty of Super Cruise. Regular octane fuel is acceptable, and tank capacity is 22 gallons (82 litres). These results were with the switchable all-wheel drive turned off – your mileage may vary if you wish to live only in all-wheel drive mode.

Handling and Drivability:

Unsurprisingly, the Buick's handling is geared towards comfort rather than performance. This tuning is noticeable on curvy backroads or tighter highway ramps on bumpier surfaces. With a 4,733-pound curb weight, the boaty suspension needs a few moments to gain its composure and does its best when the pace is slightly more sedate.

The good news is that the Enclave has a decently good turning circle that's only marginally worse than that of a midsize sedan. This makes parking easier than its 207.6-inch length suggests. Towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds.

Ride Quality and Comfort:

The soft suspension tuning pays dividends on the open road. While cruising on open highways, we noticed that the Enclave confidently absorbed expansion joints and potholes. An ample amount of noise insulation also made for a hushed cabin. At cruising altitude, the less refined four-cylinder engine is indistinguishable from the old V6.

With seating for seven, perforated leatherette adorns the seating surfaces and mostly looks and feels like the real thing. Long stints behind the wheel were comfortable and resulted in minimal soreness or numbness, although the ST model doesn’t get ventilated front seats. The second row gets captain’s chairs, and the ST’s tri-zone automatic climate control lets everybody set their temperature to just right. Third-row passengers get slightly more headroom than a Toyota Grand Highlander but have to make do with just over an inch less legroom.

Interior Style and Quality:

The Enclave’s interior is relatively simplistic, and all ST models get the same black color scheme. On the other hand, the base Preferred and flagship Avenir trims can be had with lighter-colored seats. Buick really tried to do more with less here, and while some may find it monotonous, others may find appeal in a cleaner look. Fit and finish is good, but the abundance of hard plastics means that material surface quality could be better.

With less going on, the interior design draws attention to the single 30-inch LCD screen that handles both gauge cluster and infotainment duty. It's a trapezoidal-shaped unit that integrates into the dashboard well and is bright enough to be legible in bright sunlight. The glossy surface tends to attract fingerprints, so keeping a microfiber towel in the car would be best.

Value Dollars and Sense:

The Enclave starts at $48,395 in the US and $59,825 in Canada. The Sport Touring trim tested here is $59,825 US / $69,704 Canadian. This makes it a few thousand dollars more than a comparable Toyota Grand Highlander across its trim levels. While the Buick has more horsepower and torque, it can't keep up on the refinement, and the interior feels less premium than the price delta over the Toyota.

In addition, the Enclave starts to creep into the territory of premium options like the Infiniti QX60, Acura MDX, and, to an extent, the Lexus TX. The Buick relies on its Super Cruise system's competitive advantage and increased size inside and out.

Final Thoughts:

The 2025 Buick Enclave is a bigger option in the mid to full-size SUV segment, which is useful for families who need to continuously haul a car full of people or cargo. It doesn't have the powertrain refinement of the last generation but makes up for it with improved fuel economy and excellent highway ride. Super Cruise is a delight to have on long road trips and is one of the better autonomous assist systems in the industry. Staying lighter on the options makes the Enclave a better value, and decking one out leaves it out of place amongst pure luxury options.

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