The 2025 Buick Enclave: A Refined Powerhouse with a Touch of Luxury
The 2025 Buick Enclave continues to be a strong contender in the midsize SUV market, offering a blend of spaciousness, comfort, and a refined driving experience. While the Enclave’s exterior design remains largely unchanged from its previous iterations, it’s under the hood where Buick has made significant strides, introducing a new engine option that promises both power and efficiency.
A New Engine, A Familiar Feel
Buick has replaced the previous 3.6L V6 engine with a new 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This new powerplant, shared with other General Motors vehicles, delivers a surprising punch, generating 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a noticeable improvement in acceleration, particularly from a standstill, making the Enclave feel more responsive and engaging to drive.
The engine’s smooth and refined nature is a testament to Buick’s commitment to delivering a luxurious driving experience. The turbocharger provides ample low-end torque, eliminating the need for excessive engine revs, resulting in a quiet and comfortable cabin environment. This is particularly beneficial for city driving, where frequent acceleration and braking are common.
Fuel Efficiency: A Step in the Right Direction
While the 2.7L turbocharged engine delivers a noticeable power boost, it also achieves improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The EPA estimates that the 2025 Enclave achieves 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. This is a significant improvement over the previous model’s 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
The improved fuel economy is a result of several factors, including the smaller displacement engine, the use of direct injection, and the inclusion of a stop-start system. The stop-start system, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, helps conserve fuel during city driving, further boosting the Enclave’s efficiency.
Driving Dynamics: A Comfortable and Confident Ride
The 2025 Buick Enclave remains a comfortable and confident SUV to drive. The suspension, with its well-balanced blend of comfort and handling, absorbs bumps and potholes with ease, providing a smooth ride even on rough roads.
The steering is precise and responsive, allowing for confident maneuvering through tight corners. The Enclave’s size and weight are well-managed, resulting in a balanced and predictable driving experience.
Interior Comfort: A Haven of Luxury
The interior of the 2025 Buick Enclave is a haven of comfort and refinement. The spacious cabin offers ample room for passengers in all three rows, with generous legroom and headroom. The seats are plush and supportive, providing a comfortable ride even on long journeys.
The use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin adds to the sense of luxury. Soft-touch surfaces, real wood trim, and premium leather upholstery create a refined and inviting atmosphere.
Technology and Features: Staying Ahead of the Curve
The 2025 Buick Enclave is well-equipped with the latest technology and features. The standard infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a comprehensive suite of connectivity features.
A larger, 10-inch touchscreen display is available as an option, providing an even more immersive and user-friendly experience. The Enclave also offers a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.
Safety: A Focus on Protection
Buick prioritizes safety in the 2025 Enclave, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard safety features include airbags for the driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags, and a rearview camera.
Optional safety features include a driver attention monitor, a forward collision warning system, and a lane keep assist system. The Enclave also boasts a strong safety rating, earning top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Conclusion: A Refined and Powerful Option
The 2025 Buick Enclave continues to be a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment, offering a compelling combination of comfort, technology, and safety. The new 2.7L turbocharged engine provides a significant improvement in power and efficiency, while the spacious and luxurious interior ensures a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
The Enclave’s refined driving dynamics, coupled with its advanced technology and safety features, make it a practical and desirable choice for families and individuals alike.
Detailed Breakdown of Key Features and Strengths:
Engine and Performance:
- 2.7L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine: This new engine delivers a significant power boost, generating 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharger provides ample low-end torque, resulting in smooth and responsive acceleration.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: The new engine, combined with a stop-start system and other efficiency features, achieves a significant improvement in fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.
- Refined Driving Experience: The engine’s smooth and quiet operation contributes to a refined driving experience, minimizing cabin noise and vibration.
Interior Comfort and Design:
- Spacious Cabin: The Enclave offers ample room for passengers in all three rows, with generous legroom and headroom.
- High-Quality Materials: The use of premium materials throughout the cabin, including soft-touch surfaces, real wood trim, and leather upholstery, creates a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.
- Comfortable Seats: The seats are plush and supportive, providing a comfortable ride even on long journeys.
Technology and Features:
- Standard Infotainment System: The standard infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a comprehensive suite of connectivity features.
- Optional 10-Inch Touchscreen Display: A larger, 10-inch touchscreen display is available as an option, providing an even more immersive and user-friendly experience.
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Features: The Enclave offers a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.
Safety:
- Comprehensive Safety Features: The Enclave comes standard with airbags for the driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags, and a rearview camera.
- Optional Safety Features: Optional safety features include a driver attention monitor, a forward collision warning system, and a lane keep assist system.
- Strong Safety Ratings: The Enclave has earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.
Overall:
The 2025 Buick Enclave offers a compelling blend of comfort, technology, and safety. The new engine provides a significant improvement in power and efficiency, while the spacious and luxurious interior ensures a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The Enclave’s refined driving dynamics, coupled with its advanced technology and safety features, make it a practical and desirable choice for families and individuals alike.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Limited Cargo Space in Third Row: The Enclave’s third row of seats is best suited for occasional use, as cargo space is limited when the third row is in use.
- Higher Price Point: The Enclave is priced higher than some of its competitors, particularly when considering the optional features and packages.
- Limited Off-Road Capability: The Enclave is not designed for off-road driving, and its ground clearance is limited.
Target Audience:
The 2025 Buick Enclave is well-suited for families and individuals who prioritize comfort, luxury, and safety. It is also a good choice for those who value a refined driving experience and appreciate the benefits of advanced technology and features.
Comparison with Competitors:
- Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot is a strong competitor, offering a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a reliable powertrain. However, the Enclave’s new engine and more luxurious interior give it an edge in terms of performance and refinement.
- Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander is another popular choice, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The Enclave offers a more luxurious interior and a more powerful engine, making it a more compelling option for those who prioritize these features.
- Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer offers a more rugged and sporty driving experience, but the Enclave provides a more comfortable and refined ride.
Conclusion:
The 2025 Buick Enclave is a well-rounded midsize SUV that offers a compelling combination of comfort, technology, and safety. The new engine provides a significant improvement in power and efficiency, while the spacious and luxurious interior ensures a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The Enclave’s refined driving dynamics, coupled with its advanced technology and safety features, make it a practical and desirable choice for families and individuals alike.
