2025 Buick Enclave ST Review: Pros, Cons & Must-Know Facts

Is the 2025 Buick Enclave ST worth your hard-earned money? The answer is: it depends on what you're looking for in a three-row SUV. After putting this $61,475 luxury contender through its paces, we found it delivers a good balance of second- and third-row room and handsome exterior styling, but falls short in some surprising areas. The Google Assistant integration works beautifully - seriously, it's one of the best we've tested - but why doesn't lane centering work when you're not using Super Cruise? That's like having a smart home that only responds when you're wearing slippers. We'll break down everything you need to know about this love-it-or-leave-it luxury SUV, from its snoozetastic driving experience to those questionable interior materials. Buckle up - this review might save you some serious cash.

E.g. ：Volvo EX30 Review: Fast, Fun, But Flawed Electric SUV

• 1、The Buick Enclave ST AWD: A Closer Look at What Works (and What Doesn't)
• 2、Beyond the Basics: What Else You Should Know About the Enclave
• 3、FAQs

The Buick Enclave ST AWD: A Closer Look at What Works (and What Doesn't)

First Impressions: Beauty Without the Brains?

When the Buick Enclave ST AWD arrived at our test center, we'll admit - we were visually impressed. The 2025 redesign, inspired by the Wildcat concept, gives this SUV some serious curb appeal. But here's the thing about first dates and new cars - looks only get you so far.

The exterior styling might be handsome, but step inside and you'll notice something's missing. Where's the personality? The ST model comes only in monochrome black, which does the interior no favors. It's like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard barbecue - technically correct but completely missing the vibe.

Tech Talk: Super Cruise and Google Assistant

Now let's chat about the tech, because this is where things get interesting. The Google Assistant integration works surprisingly well, responding to natural voice commands without making you feel like you're talking to a stubborn toddler. Want to find the nearest gas station or play your favorite podcast? Just ask like you would a human assistant.

But here's a question that kept popping up during our testing: Why doesn't lane centering work when you're not using Super Cruise? That's like having a smart fridge that only keeps things cold on Tuesdays. Most competitors offer basic lane centering all the time, making Buick's approach feel unnecessarily restrictive.

The Super Cruise system itself is impressive when it works, having rightfully earned its 2025 MotorTrend Best Tech award. But its limited availability on pre-mapped roads means you'll spend more time driving than being driven. We can't help but wish Buick had included the hands-on mode available in Cadillac models - it would make the system much more useful in everyday driving.

Photos provided by pixabay

Space and Practicality: Family First

If you're shopping for a three-row SUV, space matters. Here's how the Enclave stacks up against two popular competitors:

The numbers tell an interesting story. While the Enclave offers good balance of second- and third-row room, it's not dramatically better than cheaper alternatives. That said, the one-touch folding rear seats are genuinely convenient when you need to haul larger items.

The Driving Experience: Comfort Over Excitement

Here's another question we found ourselves asking: When did "luxury" become synonymous with "boring"? The Enclave drives exactly how you'd expect a large family SUV to drive - which is to say, not particularly exciting. The new turbocharged four-cylinder engine improves fuel economy without sacrificing too much power, but let's be honest - nobody buys an Enclave for the thrill of acceleration.

Switch to Sport mode and the steering becomes heavier, but not in a good, performance-oriented way. It's more like the power steering pump decided to take a coffee break. The Avenir model's upgraded suspension might help, but our ST tester left us wanting more refinement.

Materials and Build Quality: Room for Improvement

This is where the Enclave ST really stumbles. For a vehicle approaching $62,000, the indifferent fit and finish is hard to ignore. Hard plastics and rough edges abound, especially in areas your hands touch frequently. It's not that the materials are bad - they're just not what we'd expect at this price point.

The center console looks like an afterthought, as if the designers remembered they needed storage space five minutes before the deadline. Compare this to the Hyundai Palisade's thoughtful interior, and the difference in attention to detail becomes painfully obvious.

Photos provided by pixabay

Space and Practicality: Family First

At $61,475, our test vehicle wasn't cheap. Yet it lacked many features we've come to expect in this price range. The snoozetastic driving experience wouldn't be so disappointing if the interior felt more special. As it stands, you're paying Buick prices for what feels like a slightly fancier Chevy.

The Avenir model starts to justify its higher price with better materials and additional features, but even then it struggles to compete with offerings from Hyundai and Kia. If you're set on a Buick, we'd strongly recommend stepping up to the Avenir - the ST just doesn't deliver enough to warrant its premium.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy This?

The Enclave ST AWD isn't a bad SUV - it's just not particularly memorable. If you prioritize:

• Brand loyalty (you really want a Buick)
• Google integration over Apple CarPlay
• Slightly more cargo space than competitors

...then it might work for you. But most buyers will find better value elsewhere. The Enclave feels like it's stuck between identities - not quite luxurious enough to compete with true premium brands, yet too expensive to compete on value alone.

As part of our 2026 SUV of the Year testing, we evaluated the Enclave across six key criteria. While it scores well on efficiency (thanks to that new turbo engine) and performs its intended family-hauling function adequately, it falls short in delivering the premium experience Buick promises.

Beyond the Basics: What Else You Should Know About the Enclave

The Hidden Costs of Ownership

You know what's worse than sticker shock? Maintenance shock. While the Enclave's turbocharged engine promises better fuel economy, those savings might disappear when you see the repair bills. Turbocharged engines typically require more frequent oil changes and premium fuel - have you factored that into your budget?

Let me share something interesting from my neighbor's experience. His 2023 Enclave needed new brake pads at just 25,000 miles - way earlier than his previous Honda Pilot. The dealership explained that the Enclave's heavier weight and AWD system put more strain on the braking system. Small details like this can add hundreds to your annual maintenance costs.

Photos provided by pixabay

Space and Practicality: Family First

Everyone talks about third-row space, but what about the people stuck in the middle? The Enclave's second-row seats lack the sliding adjustment many competitors offer. That means when you've got long-legged teenagers behind you, you can't just scoot your seat forward a bit to give them more room.

Here's a funny story - during our test week, my 6'2" brother-in-law kept complaining his knees were touching the back of my seat. I told him to stop whining, but then I realized... I couldn't move my seat forward either. It's these little frustrations that make you appreciate thoughtful design in other SUVs.

Tech That Could Be Smarter

The Google integration is great, but why does the Enclave still use last-gen Bluetooth technology? Pairing phones feels like we're back in 2015 - multiple steps, confusing menus, and the occasional need to restart the whole system. My niece asked if she could play her music, and 10 minutes later we were still trying to get her phone connected.

Compare this to the new Kia Telluride where you just tap your phone on the dashboard to connect. Now that's what I call progress! The Enclave's tech features feel like they were designed by different teams who never talked to each other.

Safety Features That Miss the Mark

The Enclave comes with all the standard safety tech, but some of it needs refinement. The lane departure warning is so sensitive it feels like a backseat driver constantly nagging you. During one highway drive, the system kept beeping at me when I was clearly staying within my lane.

And get this - the automatic emergency braking once activated when a plastic bag blew across the road. My heart skipped a beat, and not in a good way. These systems should protect you, not startle you unnecessarily. Other manufacturers have figured out how to make these features more intuitive - why hasn't Buick?

The Color Conundrum

Black on black might sound cool, but in practice? Not so much. The ST model's monochrome interior shows every fingerprint, every coffee splash, every crumb from your kid's snack. After just two days, our test vehicle looked like it needed a deep clean.

Here's a pro tip from my detailing friend: lighter interiors actually hide dirt better than black ones. They also stay cooler in summer - ever sat on black leather seats wearing shorts in July? Ouch! Buick offers nicer color options in the Avenir trim, but they should really make them available across the lineup.

Real-World Fuel Economy

The EPA estimates look good on paper, but how does the Enclave perform when you're actually driving it? We tracked our fuel consumption over a week of mixed driving and found some interesting results:

That's a significant drop from the official numbers. While some variance is normal, nearly 3 mpg difference means you'll be visiting the gas station more often than you planned. The turbo engine might be efficient in lab tests, but real-world conditions tell a different story.

The Missing Luxury Touches

For a vehicle at this price point, you'd expect certain premium features as standard. Where's the:

• Heated steering wheel (only available in higher trims)
• Ventilated seats (same story)
• Premium sound system upgrade option

These aren't extravagant requests - they're features you can get in much cheaper vehicles. My cousin's $35,000 Subaru has a heated steering wheel, for crying out loud! Buick seems to be holding back features to push you toward more expensive trims, which feels like nickel-and-diming at this price level.

The Resale Reality Check

Here's something most buyers don't think about until it's too late: Buicks depreciate faster than many competitors. After three years, an Enclave typically loses about 45% of its value, compared to about 35% for a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander.

That means if you pay $61,000 today, in three years it might only be worth around $33,500. Ouch! Unless you plan to keep the vehicle for a very long time, this steep depreciation should factor into your buying decision. Luxury brands hold their value better - another reason to consider the Avenir if you're set on a Buick.

The Weather Tech Challenge

We tested the Enclave during an unexpected spring snowstorm, and let me tell you - the AWD system works well, but the wiper design needs improvement. The driver's side wiper leaves an annoying unwiped patch right in your line of sight. Not ideal when you're trying to navigate slippery roads.

And the heated mirrors? They're too small to be truly effective. My friend's Hyundai Palisade has larger mirrors with better heating elements that clear frost faster. It's these small but important details that separate good vehicles from great ones.

E.g. ：Thinking of purchasing a 2025 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD - Reddit

FAQs

Q: How does the Buick Enclave ST's third row compare to competitors?

A: The Enclave ST offers 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, which is slightly less than the Chevy Traverse (33.7 inches) but more generous than the Hyundai Palisade (31.7 inches). While it's usable for small children and average-sized adults, don't expect limousine-like comfort back there. What we really appreciate is the one-touch folding mechanism for the rear seats - super convenient when you need to convert from passenger to cargo mode. Compared to rivals, the Enclave provides 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which is decent but not class-leading. If third-row comfort is your top priority, you might want to check out the Traverse or even the Kia Telluride before committing to the Enclave.

Q: What's the real-world fuel economy like with the new turbo engine?

A: Buick's switch from a V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine pays off at the pump. We observed 22 mpg combined in mixed driving, which is about 2-3 mpg better than the outgoing model. On highway trips, we consistently hit 26-27 mpg - not bad for a vehicle this size. The trade-off? You'll notice slightly slower acceleration, especially when passing or merging onto highways. The engine does its job without complaint, but don't expect any thrilling performance. If fuel efficiency is your top concern, the Enclave now makes more sense than before, though hybrid options from competitors might still be more economical.

Q: How good is the Super Cruise system really?

A: When it works, Super Cruise is one of the best hands-free systems available. It earned its 2025 MotorTrend Best Tech award by being cautious and reliable on pre-mapped highways. But here's the catch: it only works on about 400,000 miles of roads in North America. When you're not on a mapped road, the Enclave doesn't offer any lane centering - a surprising omission in this price range. We also wish Buick had included the hands-on mode available in Cadillacs, which provides lane centering without going full hands-free. The system works well when conditions are right, but its limitations might frustrate drivers used to more comprehensive systems from competitors.

Q: Is the interior quality as bad as some reviews suggest?

A: The ST's all-black interior does it no favors, highlighting the hard plastics and indifferent fit and finish throughout the cabin. At this price point, we expect better materials - the center console looks particularly cheap. That said, the front seats are comfortable for long drives, and the curved infotainment screen (borrowed from Cadillac) is a bright spot. If interior quality is important to you, we'd recommend stepping up to the Avenir trim or looking at alternatives like the Hyundai Palisade, which offers more premium materials at a lower price point.

Q: Who should actually buy the 2025 Buick Enclave ST?

A: The Enclave ST makes the most sense for Buick loyalists who prioritize brand over features, or buyers who really want deep Google integration in their vehicle. It's also a decent choice if you need slightly more cargo space than competitors offer. However, most shoppers will find better value elsewhere - the Chevy Traverse High Country costs nearly $1,000 less with similar features, while the Hyundai Palisade offers a more premium feel for less money. Unless you're getting a significant discount or have specific needs the Enclave meets, we'd suggest test-driving alternatives before making your decision.