The Buick Enclave has been GM’s premium family SUV for two generations. For 2025, a third generation is introduced as a fully redesigned model. Key changes are upgrades to technology, added quality and luxury, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to replace the outgoing V6.
The new look for the Enclave is well done. A wide grille is de-accentuated by a heavily sloped hood and strong bodywork. Emphasis on the Enclave’s SUV background is made with straight body panels and a tall greenhouse. Large wheels and big gaps between wheel and fender finish that design.
Inside, the Enclave is more luxurious and tech-savvy, with a large screen running left-to-right from the steering wheel to the center of the dash. Buttons still adorn the dashboard instead of being replaced by screens, but are set into beautiful faux leather and soft plastics. Quality materials are found throughout the interior, including in the back seats and third row areas.
Under the hood, the old V6 is replaced with a very competent 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. That’s about 20 percent more power than the outgoing V8 and it boosts both acceleration and fuel economy to boot. An eight-speed automatic transmission is attached. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is an option on all Enclave trim levels.
The three trim levels vary in price from about $46,000 and change to around $50,000. The 2025 Enclave comes pretty well-heeled at its base level, the Preferred model coming with 20-inch wheels, a power (and hands-free) liftgate, captain’s chairs in the second row, tri-zone climate, and that big instrument cluster and infotainment screen. Plus several other amenities.
Our test model was the top-most Avenir trim with 22-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, a panoramic sunroof, and premium leather. Most of these features can be added to any other trim via options and packaging. All trim levels have an optional towing package that raises towing capacity to 5,000 pounds by adding a transmission cooler. Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving system, is available on all trims as well.
As a daily driver and family hauler, the 2025 Buick Enclave is a great vehicle. The third row is usable by adults, the cargo space is plentiful (even with the third row deployed), and the center captain’s chairs are as good as the front seating.
The drive quality of the Enclave is smooth and comfortable. It’s neither a race car nor a monster truck, fitting in that goldilocks zone between those extremes. It has a predictable drive quality that makes it feel safe and easy. Just what is expected by buyers in this segment. We like it better than the Acura MDX, which is a little sportier and harsher of suspension. And we think the Enclave is a solid competitor against other well-done, premium three-rows like the Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-9.
The 2025 Buick Enclave is an excellent redesign.
