Yo, real talk. I've witnessed a miracle. Buick, the automotive equivalent of your sensible aunt's sensible shoes, has actually, gasp, become...stylish?
The Enclave, Buick's flagship three-row SUV, has undergone a dramatic metamorphosis. This isn't your grandfather's Buick. Gone are the days of bland styling and predictable performance. This new model, my dear, is a vision. Boxy? Yes. But in a rugged, "I-could-tow-your-entire-life" kind of way. And that face? Forget the droopy mug. This is a statement. Pointy LED eyes that could pierce the soul of a Kardashian, a gaping grille that screams "I am here, and I am not afraid to inhale small dogs." It's like Buick finally realized that subtlety is for the timid.
A Brief History of Buick's Boldness
Founded in 1903 by David Dunbar Buick, the brand has a rich history intertwined with American automotive innovation. From pioneering mass production to introducing cutting-edge technologies, Buick has consistently strived to push boundaries. While known for its refined comfort and quiet rides, the brand has always possessed a spirit of innovation, evident in the Enclave's recent transformation.
Cool Points
And let's talk about the names. Preferred? Standard issue. Sport Touring? Sounds like a package vacation for retirees. Avenir? French for "Future," but let's be real, it's mostly a fancy way to say "Expensive." But hey, at least they're trying. It worked on me.
This whole "tri-shield" logo thing? A bold move, Buick. Bold. Some might say overly bold. It's like they're trying to convince us they're edgy. Newsflash, Buick: You're still the brand that whispers "comfort" and "quiet rides." Embrace it! It was well needed.
First, the power liftgate. No more awkward foot-flailing under the bumper like some kind of prehistoric creature. This thing senses you, anticipates your needs, and practically opens itself with a flourish. "Behold, human! Your groceries await!" it seems to proclaim. Three beeps? Pure theater. Pure, glorious theater.
Driving Impressions
And then there's Super Cruise. Hands-free driving? In a Buick? Blasphemy! But hey, who are we to argue with progress? This isn't just any hands-free system, mind you. This is SAE Level 2, the kind that makes other cars jealous. It's like having a highly-trained chauffeur who occasionally whispers "Don't worry, I've got this" and then seamlessly merges onto the highway.
But here's the real kicker: Buick is actually brave enough to offer this tech. In a world obsessed with flash and fury, Buick is quietly revolutionizing the "sensible car" experience. It's like they're saying, "We may be the sensible choice, but we're not boring. We're just…smart."
All 2025 model-year Enclaves get a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on every trim level. Compared to the outgoing Enclave with its 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6, the new turbo-four has an additional 18 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque. Buick says this new powertrain is more efficient, so expect small gains over the previous front-wheel-drive Enclave's EPA estimates of 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway).
Buyers can also spec a tow package that upgrades engine cooling, raising the SUV's max trailering rating to 5,000 pounds. The standard tow rating is only 1,500 pounds, so for anyone doing regular hauling, the tow package is a must-have.
On the Road
After driving the new Chevy Traverse a few months ago, we noted that the four-cylinder underhood was a little intrusive for our liking, and we were hoping that Buick remedied that issue in the Enclave. While the Buick's cabin is generally quieter than the Traverse's, its engine is just as noisy.
There's plenty of power from the four-cylinder, but the harder you accelerate the noisier it becomes. We were more willing to forgive this in the less expensive Chevy, but for an SUV like the Enclave trying to position itself as luxurious, the engine is anything but. After hours on the road, we came away thinking that it would benefit greatly from a quieter, and therefore more Buick-like, powertrain.
Engine manners aside, we found a lot to like about the Enclave on the road. The suspension is well damped and very comfortable. Interestingly, we found the ride quality of the less expensive ST trim level even better than that of the top-trim Avenir, which has a fancy adaptive suspension. The steering is light and easy to operate, just like a luxury product should be. With a more sophisticated powertrain, the Enclave would be a total home run. Come to think of it, Buick's ideal customer for the Enclave would probably love a hybrid powertrain option. Not only would it solve some of the noise issues but it'd return better fuel economy as well.
Inside the Enclave
More than ever before, the Enclave has a level of fit and finish that better compares with its luxury-brand rivals. We especially love the two-tone blue-and-cream cabin offered on the Enclave Avenir, which gives it a distinct personality all its own. The seats could use a bit more side bolstering to hold you in place when you drive around corners, but apart from that, this is a very comfortable, well-designed interior.
The Enclave has seating for up to seven passengers, and plush second-row captain's chairs are available. Buick doesn't offer ventilated second-row seats or a heated third row, which are starting to become more common in the luxury world. Space in the back two rows feels above average for the segment — an average-size adult could fit in any of the seats and be just fine.
A large cargo area is accessed via a hands-free liftgate (no kick necessary; just approach with the key in your pocket and it opens), and the rear seats can be folded electronically. There is nearly 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and that number swells to 97 cubes with both rows folded.
That's one of the biggest cargo areas you'll find in a midsize three-row SUV.
Technology and Safety?
The Enclave gets a swanky new 30-inch curved display, housing both a digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. It looks great, and thankfully, unlike some other new GM vehicles, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration are still included — with wireless connectivity, to boot.
After using the system on the road for a few hours, we did notice that the screen's severe curvature means that the CarPlay projection is quite small, at least by modern standards. The same is true of the camera display, which shows up on a small section of the huge screen. That said, the native Google-based maps system is the best way to do it. Not only does it take up the whole screen, but it works just as seamlessly as using your phone.
The biggest upgrade for the 2025 Enclave is GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving tech. It's available as an option on all Enclave trim levels and offers genuine hands-free driving capabilities on hundreds of thousands of miles of premapped roads in the United States and Canada. GM says that, by the end of 2025, Super Cruise will work on more than 750,000 miles of roadways across North America.
This SUV is at its best coasting along the highway, preferably with Super Cruise activated. We've found Super Cruise is the most helpful hands-free system on sale today, and like so many other GM vehicles we've tested with the system, the Enclave was outstanding.
When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Enclave has 22.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability.
So, here's to Buick. May you continue to defy expectations and prove that even the most unexpected brands can have a touch of rebellious spirit.
I hope this refined version effectively conveys the essence of the Buick Enclave ST while maintaining a sophisticated and engaging tone.
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