LARGE FAMILIES WILL DIG REDESIGNED 2025 BUICK ENCLAVE

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

The third-gen Buick Enclave is here, and it is stunning, more powerful and notable, all attributed to a total redesign of the flagship. Based on a body-on-frame structure, the extra power in the overhauled 2025 Enclave is plentiful to propel the 4,713-pound plus vehicle. The ride in the luxury crossover SUV is solidly built for rapid acceleration from any speed, generous passing ability and precise balance/handling. And who can forget Buick’s legendary QuietTuning, which insulates occupants from road and wind noise?

Out goes the previous 3.6-liter V-6-cylinder engine to be replaced by a smaller but stronger 2.5-liter inline-4-cylinder turbocharged engine that now cranks out 328 horsepower (increase of 60 hp from its predecessor) @ 5500 rpm and 326 pounds-feet (up by 60) of torque @ 3500 rpm. Power is routed through an immensely impressive 8-speed auto gearbox (previous was 8 speed). Available as a front-wheel or all-wheel drive in our ST trim, suspension is driven by an able MacPherson strut front and five-link independent rear. The electric power rack-and-pinion steering is quick, accurate and direct.

With a boost in wheelbase up by over 3 inches while taller and wider too, this Buick flagship SUV shows off a body-mounted and centered tri-shield emblem surrounded by slim and checkmark-style LED headlights. Gloss-black surround and inserts deck up the larger grille hosting the ST insignia. This being a Buick, you are assured of a luxurious and generous cabin. The former 8-inch infotainment display is history, replaced by a mammoth 30-inch widescreen display for both driver information center and infotainment controls/readings. While the second-row Captain’s chairs slide fore and aft, the third-row power seat folds flat effortlessly. With both rear seats folded, you get a noteworthy 97.6 cubic feet of space. A floating center console opens up space for a wireless phone charger and two cup holders. There is also a colossal hidden under-floor cargo hold and well-placed bins and cubbies. Other standard goodies include eight-way power front heated seats, tri-zone auto a/c, hands-free power lift gate, flat-bottomed power tilt/telescopic steering column, wireless phone charger, ambient lights and a dual moon roof.

Included in the price are dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, stability and traction controls, auto emergency and four-wheel antilock brakes, rearview camera, forward-collision, rear-cross traffic/pedestrian and blind-zone alerts, lane keep assist/departure warning, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and tire pressure monitoring system. For $3,255, get the Super Cruise package, a hands-free driving system, along with auto park/driver attention assists.

There is ample room for passengers (large families, this ride is for you!) and cargo as well as commendable tow capacity at 5,000 pounds. What’s there not to like? Despite tough competition in the premium crossover SUV segment from Acura, Lexus and BMW among others, the Enclave should serve the needs of large households quite nicely.

ENCLAVE (ST)

Tires: P255/55R20

Wheelbase: 120.9 inches

Length: 207.6 inches

Height: 70.9 inches
Width: 79.6 inches

Fuel capacity: 21.7 gallons

City:19 mpg

Highway: 24 mpg

Base price: $47,400

Price as tested: $54,695

Web site: www.buick.com