For the past couple of decades, Buick’s quest to establish its own brand identity has been a challenging endeavor. When GMC entered the premium family hauler market in the early 2000s, Buick found itself losing its unique position as the bridge between Chevrolet and Cadillac. However, as we advance into 2025 with the all-new Enclave, Buick is boldly adopting a fresh design philosophy, moving closer to securing its distinctive niche in the premium market.  

Buick’s latest design is reportedly inspired by the 1960s Buick Wildcat. After a brief Google search, the resemblance might not be immediately clear, but the design certainly stands out. It features bold LED daytime running lights and a wide grille that gives it a distinctive look. The sleek lines flow seamlessly to the rear, where full-width LED taillights add to its appealing profile, and the new standard 20-inch wheels make a strong statement on the road.  

Inside, Buick embraces modernity with a striking, fully functional and customizable 30-inch digital infotainment screen. Adopting GM’s latest innovation of removing traditional controls for the headlights and dome lights by integrating them into the screen’s software may seem forward-thinking but requires a period of adjustment. However, in keeping with Buick’s premium style, the interior features leather seating and embroidered headrests, especially notable in our Sport Touring trim. While the seats are comfortable, they can feel firm during extended drives. 

Taking a significant leap forward, Buick now includes General Motors’ Super Cruise technology in the Enclave, which performs exceptionally well. My initial experience with Super Cruise in a Cadillac XT6 felt a bit like dealing with an overzealous babysitter, but GM has refined the software for a more driver-friendly experience. The automatic lane change feature can be a surprise as it will make lane changes without your input as it deems fitting, thankfully it can be deactivated.  

Switching things up, Buick has replaced the old 3.6-liter V6 with a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, offering superior performance. With 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, the Enclave impressively moves with agility. The 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth, and various drive modes are available—if you can locate the button—though Normal mode suits most driving conditions unless adventure beckons.  

Surprisingly, the Enclave is nimble with responsive steering. It handles its weight well, maintaining composure and managing body roll and manages to provide a copious smooth ride over rough roads. And when it came to fuel economy, I managed to pass the EPA rating by 1-mpg with an averaging rating of 22.2-combined mpg.  

The Buick Enclave occupies a unique position within the premium three-row SUV segment. With a starting price of $46,395, it sits above crossovers like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-90, and Kia Telluride, yet remains more affordable than models such as the Lexus TX350, Infiniti QX70, and Genesis GV80. Our mid-range Enclave Sport Touring, priced at $54,695, offers a solid feature set. However, it produces less-than-premium engine noise during acceleration and only includes auto up/down window controls for the driver’s side window.  

Overall, the 2025 Buick Enclave marks a significant step forward for the brand, blending innovative technology with distinctive design elements. As Buick continues to refine its identity, the Enclave stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to carving out its place in the competitive premium market striking a balance between cost and luxury, appealing to those who desire a premium experience without the top-tier price. 

2025 BUICK ENCLAVE SPORT TOURING, AWD

• STARTING PRICE: $46,395
• AS-TESTED: $54,695

PERFORMANCE: 

• ENGINE: 2.5-LITER TURBOCHARGED FOUR-CYLINDER  
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 328-HP / 326 LBS-FT
• TRANSMISSION: 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC
• DRIVETRAIN: ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
• EPA MPG: 19-city / 24-highway  / 21-combined 
• AS-TESTED MPG: 22.2-MPG Combined (374-mile test) 

FEATURED OPTIONS: 

• $645 – CHERRY RED TINTCOAT PAINT
• $2,000 – ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
• $3,255 – SUPER CRUISE PACKAGE _{(Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, Super Cruise, Driver Attention Assist)}