2025 BUICK ENCLAVE

ENCLAVE MOVES INTO THIRD GENERATION WITH LAUNCH OF THE 2025 MODEL

The 2025 Buick Enclave opens the third generation of the company’s flagship SUV with a new, slightly more powerful and fuel efficient engine and a 30-inch touchscreen display that incorporates the instrument panel and infotainment functions into one wide display.

At 207.6 inches in length and 87.9 inches in width including mirrors, it is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor and offers more legroom (44.3 inches) up front than the 2024 Enclave (41.2 inches).

Cargo space behind the third row (22.9 cubic feet)  is slightly less than the outgoing Enclave (23.6 cubic feet), but the difference with either the third- or second-row seats folded is even less.

The choice of trims also has been modified. The Preferred now serves as the base model in replacing the Essence with the Avenir at the top of the portfolio. In between is a new Sport Touring trim that this review is based on.

All 2025 Buick Enclaves are now powered by a new 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It replaces last year’s V6 (310/266, respectively) and delivers fuel mileage ratings of 19 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 21 combined when equipped with all-wheel drive such as my test vehicle.

An 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the 9-speed from the previous generation.

Towing capacity is listed as 5,000 pounds. 

Standard equipment in the 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring model includes 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way power adjustable for the front passenger, tri-zone autoatic climate control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (though with not much range), heated steering wheel,  a Bose 12-speaker sound system, rear camera washer, 20-inch wheels, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Tech features include OnStar Services, a wi-fi hotspot, wireless charging, navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Safety features include forward collision alert, following distance indicator, rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, front pedestrian alert and cyclist braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, blind-spot steering assist, and HD surround vision.

Upgrades to the exterior like a new grille and front and rear fascias to align with Buick’s PURE philosophy (purity in design, unexpected details, refined finishes and exceptional executions) give the 2025 Buick Enclave a bold new appearance.

Among options, the 2025 Buick Enclave is the first Buick to offer the company’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system on all levels. The company is expanding its road network to about 750,000 miles through 2025. The Super Cruise package also includes Driver Attention Assist5 and Enhanced Automatic Park Assist5.

The 2025 Buick Enclave starts at under $50,000 for the FWD Essence trim wwith AWD adding $2,000. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim starts at  just under $60,000.

The final bottom line on my test 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring model with AWD was $54,695 including the Super Cruise package, Cerokee red color, and $1,395 destination and delivery fee. That kind of puts the 2025 Buick Enclave on the fringe of luxury 3-row SUVs.

What I liked about the 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring: The interior is spacious with good room for second- and third-row occupants. The cargo area has good capacity even when the third-row seats are in place. Infotainment features are easy enough to operate. It comes with Auto Hold, which when activated prevents creeping at intersections. The overall ride is smooth. The new turbo-4 engine has more power than the V6 it replaces.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring: The engine has an annoying tinny sound that penetrates the cabin under heavy acceleration. Some buttons on the touchscreen are slow to react when pressed.

Would I buy the 2024 Buick Sport Touring? Pricing is at the high end of the segment against many competitors that offer more in the way of interior plushness, so probably not.