Is the 2025 Buick Enclave Worth the Hype? An In-Depth Car and Driver Review of Buick’s Flagship SUV

The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, with manufacturers pushing boundaries in design, performance, and technology. Buick, amidst this innovation, consistently carves a unique niche, bridging mainstream practicality and premium luxury. For 2025, the brand’s flagship three-row SUV, the Enclave, undergoes a transformative redesign, signaling a clear intent to redefine its presence in a highly competitive segment.

In an era where family haulers demand more than utility, the 2025 Buick Enclave is poised to make a compelling statement. Buick’s commitment to elevating the Enclave is evident in its striking new exterior and a cabin brimming with advanced features and refined materials. The crucial question for buyers remains: does this comprehensive overhaul truly make the 2025 Enclave worth a second, closer look?

Our deep dive dissects the myriad changes and advancements of the new Enclave, offering an authoritative perspective on its standing in the premium three-row SUV market. We’ll explore if Buick successfully imbued its flagship with the distinct character and competitive edge required to challenge established rivals and genuinely step out from the long shadow of its corporate cousins.

“2025 Buick Enclave rear view” by Deathpallie325 is licensed under CC BY 4.0

1. **The Redesigned Third-Generation Enclave’s Bold Debut**

The 2025 Buick Enclave marks the arrival of its third generation, a pivotal moment for Buick’s flagship SUV. This redesign represents a concerted effort to differentiate the Enclave from its corporate stablemates, particularly the Chevrolet Traverse. While both vehicles target distinct customer bases, past iterations often blurred lines. Buick’s ambition with this new Enclave is clear: to establish its own distinct mark in the segment.

This isn’t merely a cosmetic refresh; it’s a ground-up transformation aimed at elevating the Enclave’s status and appeal. By focusing on specific design language, material quality, and exclusive technological offerings, Buick endeavors to create an SUV that stands proudly on its own merits. This comprehensive approach offers a compelling alternative in the upscale three-row SUV category, setting it apart from both mainstream and traditional luxury options.

The redesigned Enclave enters a fiercely contested arena, facing formidable rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ford Explorer, and Mazda CX-90. Each competitor brings strengths from off-road prowess to dynamic driving. For the Enclave to succeed, it must not only improve upon its heritage but also offer a distinct value proposition. This third generation is Buick’s answer, a declaration of intent to compete at a higher level.

Car Model Information: 2008 Buick Enclave CXL
Name: Buick Enclave
Manufacturer: Buick
Production: April 2007–present
ModelYears: 2008–present
Class: Full-size crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Buick Rainier,Buick Rendezvous,Buick Terraza
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with dead external links
Summary: The Buick Enclave is a three-row full-size crossover SUV produced by General Motors since 2007. It was previewed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, officially as a concept car, making it the first Lambda vehicle to be displayed. The Enclave is partially based on the Buick Centieme concept shown at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. The first-generation Enclave, the Saturn Outlook, the original GMC Acadia, and the first-generation Chevrolet Traverse all shared the GM Lambda platform. The Enclave replaced both of Buick’s SUVs, the minivan-based Rendezvous and the truck-based Rainier, as well as the Terraza minivan. The second-generation Enclave was officially revealed at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.

Get more information about: Buick Enclave

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“2025 Buick Enclave ST front view” by Deathpallie325 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

2. **What’s Truly New for 2025**

The 2025 Enclave signifies the inauguration of the SUV’s third generation, packed with significant updates across nearly every aspect of the vehicle. These “what’s new” elements form the backbone of its revised identity and key to its competitive posture. From a completely refreshed aesthetic to a fundamentally altered mechanical heart, Buick has left no stone unturned in redefining the Enclave.

Among the most striking changes is the updated interior, promising a more modern and luxurious cabin. Complementing this is the Wildcat-inspired exterior styling, drawn from Buick’s EV concept, imbuing the Enclave with an assertive, contemporary presence. This projects sophistication and capability, aligning with Buick’s premium aspirations, moving beyond mere aesthetics.

Under the hood, a new powertrain replaces the outgoing model’s configuration, promising enhanced performance and efficiency, a topic we will delve into further. Beyond mechanical upgrades, the Enclave also gains fresh technology, including a large dash screen for information and entertainment. Crucially, it marks Buick’s inaugural implementation of GM’s highly acclaimed Super Cruise hands-free driving system, significantly raising its technological sophistication and convenience.

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“2025 Buick Enclave interior” by Deathpallie325 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

3. **First Impressions: A Leap Towards Luxury**

Our early impressions of the redesigned Enclave indicate a clear and appealing trajectory of improvement over the outgoing model. The immediate sensation upon encountering the new Enclave is one of increased luxury and refinement, a tangible step up that solidifies its premium aspirations. The vehicle generally looks and feels more sophisticated, suggesting meticulous attention to detail in its presentation.

The exterior styling, now more assertive and less reserved, contributes significantly to this elevated perception. Gone are some softer lines, replaced by a bolder, contemporary aesthetic leveraging Wildcat EV concept inspiration. This confident stance ensures the Enclave commands attention without overt ostentation, striking a fine balance for discerning buyers seeking understated elegance with modern dynamism.

Inside, the cabin integrates upscale materials throughout, creating a decidedly premium environment. This commitment to quality is further underscored by features like automatic temperature-sensing seat warmers, enhancing the overall ownership experience. While the huge infotainment touchscreen looks impressive and acts as a focal point, its integration of built-in Google features ensures significant practical utility.

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A classic car drives through a lush green field. — Photo by Václav Pechar on Unsplash

4. **Behind the Wheel: Comfort Meets Engine Character**

The driving experience in the new Enclave is characterized by supreme comfort, a hallmark Buick consistently aims for. The ride quality is notably smooth, effectively isolating occupants from road imperfections, contributing to a serene journey. This plush ride is complemented by relaxed handling dynamics, prioritizing stability and ease of control over aggressive sportiness, fitting its role as a comfortable family hauler.

Further contributing to cabin tranquility is the effective blocking of external sounds, thanks to Buick’s QuietTuning noise-canceling technology. This sophisticated acoustic engineering minimizes road and wind noise, creating a quiet sanctuary for passengers. However, this impressive quietness highlights one characteristic under certain conditions: the turbocharged engine makes a noticeable “racket” under acceleration.

While the engine noise under load is a point of consideration, it doesn’t detract from the vehicle’s overall composure at speed. “The Enclave is very quiet at highway speeds, which may be why the engine noise in the cabin is so noticeable,” one reviewer noted. Despite this, newly available Super Cruise technology promises to make hands-free highway driving a breeze, adding another layer of comfort and reduced driver fatigue.

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a car parked in a lot next to a fence — Photo by Israel Scott on Unsplash

5. **The Heart of the Beast: New Powertrain and Performance Metrics**

A significant shift for the 2025 Enclave lies beneath the hood, where a new powertrain configuration debuts. Every new Enclave now features a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup replaces the last model’s non-turbo V-6 and nine-speed automatic, marking a decisive move towards forced induction for improved power density.

This new engine delivers a substantial bump in output, producing 328 horsepower, an increase of 18 hp over the previous V-6. More remarkably, torque sees a significant surge, gaining 60 lb-ft for a total of 326 lb-ft. This considerable increase, available lower in the rev range, is expected to fundamentally improve drivability and responsiveness. The Enclave continues to be offered in FWD and AWD configurations.

Buick states the 2025 Enclave will boast a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, competitive for its class. In acceleration, it presents a mixed bag. FWD models achieved 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds; AWD required 7.9 seconds. This is slightly slower than the previous-gen model (7.0 seconds for a 2018 AWD Avenir), attributed to the 2025 Avenir’s increased curb weight (4,912 lbs vs. 4,699 lbs).

A parking garage with two cars parked in it — Photo by JB U on Unsplash

6. **Efficiency and Range: A Closer Look at MPGs**

Fuel economy and range are critical considerations for family vehicles. The 2025 Buick Enclave’s EPA ratings reflect its new turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain. FWD models achieve an estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (23 mpg combined). AWD variants see 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (21 mpg combined). These numbers represent a modest improvement over the 2024 Enclave’s V-6 (18/26 FWD, 17/25 AWD).

While an improvement for Buick, these figures place the Enclave competitively but not at the absolute top of its class. For instance, the 2025 Infiniti QX60, also with a turbocharged four-cylinder, returns more impressive figures: 22/28 mpg with FWD and 22/27 mpg with AWD. This comparative analysis highlights that efficiency gains are somewhat tempered by the vehicle’s substantial weight. “Perhaps because that four-cylinder has to power more than 4,500 pounds of SUV,” one evaluation noted.

In terms of driving range, the 2025 Buick Enclave shows improvements over its direct predecessor in most configurations. The FWD model is rated for 446 miles of range; the AWD achieves 407 miles. This is better than the previous generation’s 399 miles for FWD, though the previous AWD offered 440 miles. However, the Infiniti QX60 sets a higher bar, delivering 468 miles of range regardless of drivetrain.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Buick Model: Enclave
Price: $8,830 Mileage: 102,525 mi.

7. **Enhanced Safety: Standard Features and Advanced Systems**

Safety is paramount for any family vehicle, and the 2025 Buick Enclave significantly elevates its game. Buick has made a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) newly standard for 2025, ensuring high protection across the lineup. This includes automatic emergency braking with intersection detection, which actively monitors for potential frontal collisions and can apply brakes.

Further enhancing driver confidence are newly standard lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition. A particularly innovative addition is Blind Zone Steering Assist. This system momentarily controls steering if it senses a potential collision during a lane change, offering an extra layer of preventative safety for added peace of mind on busy roads.

For those seeking the pinnacle of safety and convenience, the available Super Cruise package introduces additional sophisticated features. This includes Driver Attention Assist and Enhanced Automatic Park Assist. Furthermore, buyers opting for this package on the top-tier Enclave Avenir will benefit from a rear camera mirror, providing an unobstructed wide view. The NHTSA has awarded the 2025 Buick Enclave a five-star overall safety rating, confirming its robust protective measures.

The 2025 Buick Enclave’s comprehensive transformation extends beyond its assertive exterior and powerful new engine, delving deep into a cabin designed for unparalleled comfort, cutting-edge connectivity, and remarkable versatility. As we transition from the foundational mechanics and safety measures, our focus now shifts to the experience awaiting occupants inside this refined three-row SUV. Buick has meticulously crafted an interior environment that not only meets but often exceeds expectations for its segment, delivering a blend of luxury and functionality that truly demands a second look. This second part of our in-depth review will unpack the Enclave’s interior advancements, from its sophisticated digital interfaces to its hands-free driving capabilities, ensuring every facet of its premium appeal is thoroughly examined.

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a white car parked on the side of the road — Photo by TYLER4K on Unsplash

8. **Interior Luxury and Design: Crafting a Premium Sanctuary**

Stepping inside the 2025 Enclave immediately reveals Buick’s concerted effort to elevate its luxury credentials. The cabin presents an attractive and spacious environment that genuinely punches above its weight in both comfort and materials quality. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in every touchpoint, creating an atmosphere that feels decidedly more premium than its positioning might suggest, yet remains welcoming and functional for everyday family use. The overall aesthetic is a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and understated elegance, reflecting Buick’s refined design philosophy.

Drawing inspiration from the Wildcat EV concept, the interior design complements the exterior’s assertive lines, presenting a cohesive and forward-thinking visual language. Materials such as Cool Gray perforated leather seats paired with subtle Slate Blue interior accents create an unusual yet highly attractive combination, adding a layer of bespoke elegance often found in higher-priced luxury vehicles. This thoughtful selection of textures and colors ensures a visually stimulating yet calming environment, making every journey a more pleasant experience for all occupants.

Occupant comfort is paramount, particularly for the driver. The Enclave’s driver’s seat comes with an eight-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, built-in lumbar support, and even a massage function, making it effortlessly easy to find and maintain an ideal driving position, even on extended trips. The front-seat passenger enjoys nearly identical amenities, with six-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and lumbar support, underscoring Buick’s commitment to consistent comfort across the front row. These features, typically associated with traditional luxury marques, firmly establish the Enclave’s premium aspirations.

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“2013 Buick Enclave” by Automotive Rhythms is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

9. **Cutting-Edge Technology: The 30.0-inch Panoramic Display**

At the heart of the 2025 Enclave’s technological leap is its commanding 30.0-inch panoramic dashboard display. This singular, expansive screen seamlessly integrates both the driver’s digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment interface, presenting information with stunning clarity and accessibility. While it doesn’t quite match the ultrawide 33.0-inch display found in some Cadillac models, Buick has certainly gotten remarkably close, delivering a visual and functional centerpiece that immediately impresses and modernizes the cabin.

This impressive display runs on a Google-based operating system, a robust platform that underpins its intuitive functionality and expansive capabilities. This integration means drivers have immediate access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store directly from the vehicle’s interface. Such a system ensures familiarity for many users and provides a powerful suite of native applications that enhance navigation, communication, and entertainment, reducing reliance on external devices.

Despite its imposing size, which some might consider a significant focal point both stylistically and functionally, the display’s thoughtful design and built-in Google features ensure significant practical utility. The learning curve, though present for those accustomed to traditional interfaces, is quickly overcome by the system’s responsiveness and comprehensive offerings. As one reviewer noted, while some settings might require a brief exploration, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive once familiarized.

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“2010 Buick Enclave” by The Toad is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

10. **Seamless Connectivity: Google Built-in, Wireless Integration, and Camera Views**

The Enclave’s Google-based operating system goes beyond mere app access, deeply integrating services that streamline the driving experience. Google Assistant provides robust voice command capabilities, accurately responding to basic commands, from adjusting climate to initiating navigation. When specific music requests are made, the system intelligently offers playback options across various apps, including Spotify, requiring only a simple account sign-in for seamless audio streaming.

Complementing the built-in Google ecosystem is the standard provision of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This crucial feature ensures that smartphone users can effortlessly integrate their devices, accessing preferred navigation apps, music libraries, and communication tools without the need for cumbersome cables. The wireless convenience enhances cabin aesthetics and user freedom, reinforcing the Enclave’s commitment to modern connectivity standards.

Further enhancing convenience and safety, the 2025 Enclave comes standard with a wireless phone charger, ensuring devices remain powered throughout journeys. Additionally, a comprehensive array of camera views is standard, offering seven different perspectives to aid in parking and maneuvering. For those desiring even greater visual assistance, up to nine camera views are available, providing an unmatched sense of situational awareness in tight spaces or complex environments.

For an immersive audio experience, a 12-speaker Bose audio system comes standard, delivering crisp and rich sound throughout the cabin. For audiophiles or those seeking the ultimate soundstage, the top-tier Avenir model elevates this with an even more premium 16-speaker Bose audio system. This thoughtful tiered approach ensures that every Enclave owner can enjoy high-fidelity sound tailored to their preferences.

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“2018 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD (white), front left” by Mr.choppers is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

11. **Passenger Comfort and Seating Versatility**

Beyond the front seats, the 2025 Enclave’s spacious cabin is engineered to accommodate all passengers with exceptional comfort, a hallmark of Buick’s design philosophy. Generous head, leg, hip, and shoulder room are provided in all three rows, making it genuinely comfortable for up to seven adults. This is a significant distinction in the three-row SUV segment, where third-row accommodations often feel restrictive or are best suited for smaller occupants. The Enclave confidently challenges this norm, offering practical space for a full complement of passengers.

Second-row passengers are treated to a host of premium amenities designed to enhance their journey. The outboard second-row seats are heated, a welcome feature for cooler climates, ensuring comfort for the entire family. Furthermore, the innovative car seat tilt feature for the second-row seats is a standout, allowing easy access to the third row without removing an installed car seat. This thoughtful design element, as one family reviewer enthusiastically noted, becomes an indispensable feature for families with young children, significantly simplifying daily routines.

Even the third row is designed with adult comfort in mind. While many three-row vehicles have cramped third-row spaces, the Enclave ensures that most adults will fit comfortably, especially on shorter drives. This flexibility makes the Enclave an ideal family car, capable of accommodating occasional grandparents or extra family members without compromise. The focus on versatile and inclusive seating ensures that no passenger feels like an afterthought, cementing its position as a truly family-friendly SUV.

“2019 Buick Enclave 3.6L, rear 8.25.19” by Kevauto is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

12. **Cargo Space: Class-Leading Utility**

The 2025 Enclave truly distinguishes itself in the arena of cargo capacity, offering class-leading utility that stands out even among its competitive set. With all three rows of seats in use, the Enclave still provides an ample 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This generous volume significantly surpasses rivals like the Acura MDX (16.3 cu-ft), Infiniti QX60 (14.5 cu-ft), Lincoln Aviator (19.2 cu-ft), and Mazda CX-90 (14.9 cu-ft), proving its capability as a family hauler without sacrificing passenger accommodation.

For those moments requiring maximum hauling capability, the Enclave truly shines. Folding down the second and third rows of seats unlocks a colossal 97.5 cubic feet of space, easily besting all its aforementioned competitors. This cavernous cargo area transforms the Enclave into an incredibly versatile vehicle, capable of swallowing large items, luggage for extended trips, or equipment for hobbies and activities. This exceptional volume was a significant selling point for one family reviewer, highlighting its practical appeal for varied lifestyles.

Further enhancing this utility, the Avenir trim offers a power package that includes one-touch folding second-row seats and power-folding third-row seats. These convenient features simplify the process of reconfiguring the cabin for passengers or cargo, eliminating manual effort and making transitions smoother and quicker. The combination of vast cargo space and intelligent folding mechanisms ensures the Enclave is always ready for whatever life throws its way.

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“Buick Enclave” by JLaw45 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

13. **Super Cruise: The Future of Hands-Free Driving**

One of the most anticipated technological advancements in the 2025 Enclave is the inaugural implementation of GM’s highly acclaimed Super Cruise hands-free driving system for Buick. Available on any version of the Enclave, Super Cruise represents a significant leap in driver convenience and fatigue reduction, allowing for true hands-free operation on compatible roads across Canada and the United States. This system redefines long-distance highway driving by automating many aspects of vehicle control.

Experiencing Super Cruise is often described as remarkable. Drivers can engage the system, set their desired speed, and the Enclave will maintain its lane, adapt to traffic, and even execute automatic lane changes, provided the driver remains attentive with eyes on the road. A thin green light bar at the top of the steering wheel provides clear visual confirmation that the system is active, turning red if driver intervention is required. This intuitive feedback loop ensures safety while offering a serene driving experience.

While Super Cruise delivers an impressive level of autonomy, it’s important to acknowledge its limits. During testing, the system occasionally disengaged due to “No road information,” even on well-traveled sections of Interstate highways. Despite these minor intermittent issues, the overwhelming consensus points to Super Cruise providing more good than bad experiences, drastically reducing driver fatigue on long highway stretches and making journeys feel more relaxed and effortless. It is a feature that truly needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated for its impact on driver comfort.

This innovative technology effectively turns monotonous highway stretches into opportunities for reduced mental load, allowing drivers to remain alert without the constant physical demands of steering and pedal input. It positions the Enclave as a forward-thinking vehicle, embracing advanced driver assistance to enhance both safety and the overall enjoyment of the driving experience, solidifying its premium tech offerings.

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“25 Buick Enclave Preferred” by HJUdall is licensed under CC CC0 1.0

14. **Trim Level Deep Dive: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir**

The 2025 Enclave offers three distinct trim levels—Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir—each designed to cater to varying preferences and budgets while maintaining Buick’s signature blend of premium features and value. This structured lineup allows buyers to select an Enclave that perfectly aligns with their desired level of luxury, performance-inspired styling, and advanced amenities, ensuring a tailored ownership experience.

The **Preferred** trim serves as the well-appointed entry point, offering a robust foundation of premium features. It includes selectable multicolor ambient lighting, adding a personalized touch to the cabin, and a hands-free power liftgate for convenient cargo access. Buick’s QuietTuning noise-canceling technology is standard, ensuring a serene interior environment. Comfort is further enhanced by first-row power-heated seats with four-way lumbar support, complemented by model-specific 20-inch alloy wheels and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, setting a high bar for a base model.

Stepping up to the **Sport Touring (ST)** trim introduces a more dynamic and distinctive aesthetic. This trim features unique interior accents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, signaling its sportier intent. Exterior enhancements include ST badges, a model-specific grille, and distinctive 20-inch wheels, differentiating it visually from the Preferred model. The Sport Touring package appeals to those who appreciate a more athletic appearance and a subtly enhanced driving feel without compromising on luxury.

At the pinnacle of the lineup is the **Avenir** trim, representing the ultimate expression of Enclave luxury and sophistication. The Avenir distinguishes itself with larger, trim-specific 22-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof that bathes the cabin in natural light, and rain-sensing wipers for added convenience. Adaptive dampers are also exclusive to the Avenir, providing a more refined and controlled ride by continuously adjusting to road conditions, further enhancing driving comfort and dynamics.

Adding to its elite status, the Avenir offers an exclusive Power package. This includes a head-up display, projecting vital information directly into the driver’s line of sight, along with one-touch folding second-row seats and power-folding third-row seats. These features underscore the Avenir’s commitment to cutting-edge convenience and luxury, ensuring effortless control and unparalleled comfort for both driver and passengers.

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Brand: Buick Model: Enclave
Price: $8,830 Mileage: 102,525 mi.

The 2025 Buick Enclave’s transformation is, without question, a triumphant revitalization for the brand’s flagship SUV. It’s a vehicle that skillfully navigates the complex automotive landscape, offering a compelling blend of assertive styling, a potent new powertrain, advanced safety, and a luxurious, technology-rich interior. From its spacious, adaptable cabin to the groundbreaking Super Cruise hands-free driving system, the Enclave redefines what buyers can expect from a premium three-row SUV. Buick has not only stepped out from the shadow of its corporate cousins but has firmly established the Enclave as a distinct and highly desirable option. For families and individuals seeking sophisticated comfort, leading-edge technology, and practical utility, the 2025 Enclave truly is worth a second, and undoubtedly a closer, look.