Redesigned 2025 Buick Enclave is a family-friendly luxury midsize SUV

Published 7:29 am Monday, December 16, 2024

I was disappointed when Buick decided to stop selling cars in favor of SUVs several years ago. Although I know that was (and is) the market trend, I was impressed with the 2019 Regal GS sedan, which came with a punchy V6, a sport tuned suspension, and all-wheel-drive for around $40,000. Even though I also liked the luxury subcompact Encore SUV that Buick had recently introduced, I wasn’t sure the longtime General Motors division could survive by only selling crossovers.

Fast forward five years and I am a Buick believer. Its current lineup of small- and medium-sized crossovers competes well against other upscale SUVs on the market. They have also created one of the most consistent corporate looks anywhere, with the subcompact Envista being clearly related to the compact Encore GX and Envision, all the way up to the midsize three-row Enclave, the subject of this review.

As part of the corporate marketing strategy, all are offered as very well-equipped base Preferred models, more upscale middle trim Sport Touring versions, and top-of-the-line Avenir models that compete well against genuine luxury SUVs.

Buick also keeps the selection simple by offering only one engine for each vehicle. There are no hybrids or plug-in hybrids. All-wheel-drive is available on all trim levels, but there is no version pretending to be more off-road capable because Buicks have always been designed for cities and suburbs.

Another thing all four SUVs have in common is how quiet and comfortable they are. Their rides are very smooth, with suspension that absorbs road imperfections to avoid disturbing the drivers and passengers. As a result, they all feel very refined.

The midsize, three-row Enclave is the largest of the Buick SUVs. It was completely redesigned for 2025 in accordance with the company’s PURE philosophy: purity in design, unexpected details, refined finishes and exceptional executions. It features a bolder exterior, an even more sophisticated interior, and a new standard engine.

The fresh-for-2005 turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four produces 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. Although smaller than the previous standard 3.6-liter V6, that’s an increase of 18 horsepower and 60 pound feet of torque. Mileage is roughly the same at 19 city and 24 highway, which is respectable for its class. Properly equipped, the new Enclave can tow a respectable 5,000 pounds.

Aside from that, the most obvious charge in the 2025 model is the replacement of the separate gauge and infotainment displays with a standard 30-inch diagonal premium screen across the top of the dash. It is the widest in its class and definitely eye-catching, even when it’s not turned on. Driving data and infotainment options are easy to find and use, and the premium stereo still retains a physical volume knob on the center console.

The 2025 Enclave starts at $46,395 for a well-equipped Preferred version with front-wheel-drive. The next step up is the Sport Touring that starts at $48,795. The top-of-the-line Avenir begins at $59,395. All-wheel-drive is a $2,000 option against all trim levels, and a good choice for the wet Pacific Northwest. Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology is also available across all trims, a Buick first.

All Avenir models feature Continuous Damping Control with enhanced dampers for an even more refined ride. According to Buick, this technology noticeably increases driving safety, comfort and dynamics by adjusting the damping forces optimally for each wheel. The new eight-speed automatic transmission comes with four drive modes, ranging from the default Normal to Sport/Touring, Off-Road and Snow/Ice.

My test Avenir features several options, including AWD and Super Cruise with Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist. Together they pushed the price to $65,125, which is getting up there but still below equivalent midsize, three-row SUVs produced by legacy luxury manufacturers. But it is very competitive with the upper trim levels of equivalent models of Korean and Japanese luxury brands.

In a week of test driving, my 2025 Buick Enclave Aviner AWD was always a pleasure to drive. It was roomy and comfortable, with a soft ride that recalled the large Buick luxury cars of the 1960s and 1970s. I was surprised at the number of second looks it got on daily drives, which suggests Buick’s PURE design philosophy is achieving its purpose. At the very least, the response was more than I’ve got from any other recent GM crossover SUV.

The new turbocharged 2.5-liter engine provides more than adequate power in most driving conditions. It is a little noisy when pushed hard, more so in the Sport/Touring mode that did not seem significantly faster. But no one should buy any of the Buick SUVs expecting to find performance SUVs. Likewise, although I appreciate the option of the Off-Road drive mode, I wouldn’t expect to be taking the Enclave deep into the woods, if only to avoid damaging the paint and nice wheels. The Snow/Ice mode is likely to be handy in winter months, however.

Many buyers might not yet associate Buick with luxury SUVs. But the 2025 Enclave is proof they should, especially in the Avenir AWD trim. But even if they don’t need a luxury midsize, three-row crossover, the smaller three Buick SUVs are well worth checking out. None of them are your grandfather’s Buicks.

2025 Buick Enclave

Base price: $46,395 (Preferred FWD)

Price as tested: $65,125 (Avenir AWD)

Type: Mid-size three-row SUV

Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4 (328 hp, 326 lb-ft)

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Modes: Normal, Sport/Tour, Off-Road, Snow/Ice

EPA estimated mileage: 19/24

Overall length: 207.6 inches

Curb weight: 4,517 pounds (FWD)

Final assembly: Lansing, Michigan