2025 Buick Enclave ST Quick Drive Review: A New Road Trip Standard
I recently had the opportunity to test drive the all-new 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring (ST) model, equipped with all-wheel drive and GM's Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system. The experience taught me two things: I wish GM wasn't replacing V6s with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, and Super Cruise is a game-changer for long car rides. With new styling, a new engine, and new technology for 2025, the Enclave remains a compelling choice in the crowded SUV segment.
Everything New On The 2025 Buick Enclave
The third-generation 2025 Buick Enclave gets a roof-to-wheel overhaul that enhances its looks and utility. The new Enclave offers Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims. On the outside, all Enclaves get a new grille, front fascia, and rear fascia. The grille is bolder and flanked by new winged lighting and check-mark style LED headlamps. The rear liftgate gets wraparound, cross-car LED taillamps. Stepping inside, the Enclave receives a new steering wheel design, column-mounted gear selector, premium materials, a floating center console, and new interior colors. The interior looks fresh and youthful while remaining grounded in the upscale factor.
A 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine replaces the former generation's 3.6-liter V6. The new turbo-four produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, a modest increase in power over the outgoing V6. The new powerplant is paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in front- or all-wheel drive options.
The 2025 Enclave becomes the first Buick to offer Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver assistance system, now available across all trim levels. Buick says the Super Cruise driving network is expanding to about 750,000 miles of US and Canadian roadways through 2025. The Super Cruise package on all trims includes driver attention assist and enhanced automatic parking assist. Buick says the Avenir trim with Super Cruise also gets a rear camera mirror.
Driving the 2025 Buick Enclave ST
At the media rally, I drove this 2025 Enclave, surrounded by journalists and creators eager to get behind the wheel of the numerous brand-new vehicles at our fingertips to experience. I set my sights on getting into the Enclave because it was all-new, and I wanted to test out Super Cruise. When we broke for an hour lunch, I decided to eat quickly and head back out to the parking lot to claim dibs on the Enclave. As soon as I hopped in and got settled, I heard a "why I outta" from a fellow creator who had the same idea as me, but I prevailed.
The Moonstone Gray Metallic paint and 20-inch high gloss black-and-machine-finished alloy wheels glistened in the sun and are well-complimented by the Ebony perforated leatherette seats with Sky Cool Gray accents and Ebony interior accents. The inside materials looked good and mostly felt premium, noting strategically placed areas, harder touch surfaces, and plastics. The seats felt comfortable and supported my back and legs well during my drive.
Firing up the Enclave, you are welcomed with a quiet hum from the 2.5 turbo. As I got going, I pressed on the throttle more than I expected to get the approximately 4,500-pound SUV to speed. I never felt like the Enclave would be unable to get out of its way in passing situations. Shifts from the eight-speed automatic were smooth and never hesitated, balked, or jerked under various throttle demands.
The turbocharged four-cylinder can get a little buzzy in the mid-RPM band despite all Enclaves being equipped with active noise cancellation, acoustic laminated glass, and Buick's QuietTuning technology. It made me miss the calmer and quieter experience of a well-powered, naturally aspirated V6. The noise intrusion distracts the premium intentions of the Enclave, but it's not something anyone would get used to rather quickly.
Aside from the noise pollution, the overall drive experience was quite comfortable. There are plenty of amenities and convenience features, including a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and heated seats. However, ventilated seats at this price point would be nice.
Super Cruise Is Delightful
I navigated over to the local, interstate system to test out Super Cruise for a bit. Once I got on a compatible highway with clearly visible lane markings, the system prompted that it was available for use. With adaptive cruise control, I set the speed and awaited the Super Cruise steering wheel symbol to illuminate the driver information center. Once lit, I pressed the Super Cruise button on the steering wheel, the light bar on top turned green, and I removed my hands.
The highway I was traveling on was quite busy for the middle of the day during a typical work week. It was a good test of how Super Cruise would handle heavy traffic with cars and trucks. The system never disabled unexpectedly on me, and it managed both on-demand and automatic lane changes with ease.
A driver's attention camera monitors your head and eye position. It ensures you are prepared to take back over at any given moment. The system will not function if you do not remain appropriately positioned. Use of the system must be taken as seriously as unassisted driving, but I can't help but revel in the experience. I felt giddy, like I was on a ride at an amusement park. We are living in an era where cars are driving us. It's hard to wrap my head around. However, quite frankly, I am ready to welcome this technology with open arms.
I have been completing long road trips since college to visit my family and friends, and that time on the road has only increased as people have moved away and I've gotten more settled into my adult life. Super Cruise and similar systems help ward off driver fatigue and make long hauls much more manageable.
How Much Does the 2025 Buick Enclave Cost?
Pricing for the entry-level 2025 Enclave Preferred starts at $46,395, and the mid-trim ST model starts at $48,795. The Enclave ST I drove as-tested, with AWD and Super Cruise, adds at least $5,255 to that price tag. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim starts at $59,395 and can reach the $70,000 threshold with all added packages and options.
Any Quirks Of The 2025 Enclave Are Worth Overlooking For Its Utility and Super Cruise Capability
There is a line where the Enclave sits in the premium and luxury spaces, but Buick has seemingly blurred that line more than ever with the launch of the 2025 model year. Reflecting on my time in the 2025 Enclave ST, if the engine noise is my biggest gripe with this new Enclave, Buick has done very well with just about everything else to make this SUV a well-appointed and attractive upscale people-mover. Not only was the Enclave pleasant to drive, but getting to experience Super Cruise in real-world driving confirms my affinity for hands-free driver assistance systems. As much as I love being behind the wheel, I don't mind letting something else take over as long as it's safe and appropriate.