Buick’s flagship SUV is back with a new look for the upcoming model year and it’s picking up on some of the key design cues first seen on the Wildcat concept vehicle. The 2025 Buick Enclave also gets an assortment of new comfort features as well as new technology that includes the “premium” brand’s first use of the hands-free GM Super Cruise.
One written off for dead, the Buick brand has shown new life in recent years as it has shifted focus from its classic sedans to more sporty crossovers and SUVs. The makeover moves ahead with the debut of the 2025 Buick Enclave.
The biggest and most luxurious model in the Buick brand’s U.S. portfolio will be offered in three different trim packages going forward, including the fully loaded Avenir. But even the “base” Preferred model gets a new look and plenty of new features for the upcoming model year.
“With the launch of our Buick Enclave flagship SUV, our ICE portfolio is now complete with a full lineup of completely refreshed or all-new vehicles,” Duncan Aldred, global vice president of Buick and GMC, said during a background briefing on the brand’s latest updates.
A new look
Enclave sits at the other end of the Buick brand ladder from the little Envista which got its own makeover last year. Beyond wearing the all-new “tri-shield” logo, both pick up key design cues from the well-received Buick Wildcat concept vehicle first shown in June 2022.
That starts with the new “shark nose” grille which, on the Enclave, sits more upright reflecting the sheer mass of the new utility vehicle. For 2025 the 3-row Enclave grows longer, wider and taller, taking on a more sculpted look with more muscular shoulders than the outgoing model. The makeover also gets larger wheels: 20-inch on the Preferred and ST trims, 22s on the Avenir.
The 2025 Enclave gets new wing-like LED lighting, front and back, including what the automaker describes as “checkmark” lamps up front. The top-line Avenir adds animated walk-up lighting, as well.
Depending on the trim package, the new Enclave also features a new power liftgate for Avenir triggered when a motorist comes close to the rear of the vehicle. There’s no need to waggle one’s foot under the bumper anymore. If a key is detected, the AutoSense liftgate will open automatically – though it first offers a series of beeps so the driver can step away if they don’t want it to open.
New interior
Buick is positioned as a “premium,” rather than luxury brand, giving it space between the mainstream Chevrolet and the GM flagship Cadillac brands. Those checking out the 2025 Enclave may question that marketing language. It adopts a much more luxurious interior than the outgoing model, with upgraded materials, more stylish color options and subtle details like double-stitching and detailed seat patterns. That’s especially true in the well-equipped Avenir package.
A new “floating” center console adds to the sense of roominess, and it adds more storage space for such things as a purse.
The most notable update comes in the form of Enclave’s new 30-inch widescreen display. Both the gauge cluster and touchscreen infotainment system flow together under a single piece of glass and dominate the instrument panel. It’s the largest display in the segment – for now, at least, with Lincoln adding a 30-inch display on the 2025 Nautilus.
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New technology
While Enclave’s new digital display system – standard on all trims — will be the first new tech feature to catch the eye, there’s plenty more new technology on the 2025 model. To start with, it gets wireless smartphone charging, as well as standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are now seven standard camera views, including front, rear and surround, with two more optional views.
And the OnStar One Essentials package is free for eight years and includes Automatic Crash Response, navigation and other features such as a voice assistant triggered simply by saying, “Hey, Buick.” A touch of a button on the steering wheel can be used to access the Amazon Alexa system, as well. Preferred and ST packages get a 12-speaker Bose audio system, Avenir upgrading to a Bose 16-speaker system.
An array of new safety features come standard for 2025, including Blind Zone Steering Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Departure Warning.
The big news for 2025 is Buick’s first offering of Super Cruise which now can be used hands-free on more than 700,000 miles of roadways across the U.S. and Canada. The system also adds the ability to automatically pass slower vehicles where safe. And the base hands-free function operates even while towing.
Powertrain
On the subject of towing, the 2025 Enclave can handle up to 5,000 pounds with the optional tow package that, among other things, adds more cooling capabilities. Otherwise, the SUV is rated at 1,500 lbs.
Power comes from a standard 2.5-liter turbo package making 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. There are no upgrades available. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic and buyers can choose other front- or all-wheel-drive.
Preferred and ST models feature a standard, passive suspension system. The Avenir gets a magnetically operated continuously variable damping system.
Pricing and availability
The 2025 Buick Enclave will be reduced at a GM assembly plant in Michigan and it’s expected to reach U.S. showrooms by late summer. It also will be produced and sold in the Chinese market.
The automaker has yet to reveal pricing. The outgoing Enclave starts at $45,295 before factoring in delivery fees. The 2025 SUV is expected to increase in price.
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