2025 Buick Enclave vs. 2024 Enclave: What’s New in the Redesign?
Cruising down a quiet stretch of highway, it’s the moment the cabin stays whisper-quiet over a rough patch of road that you truly appreciate the Buick Enclave’s commitment to calm, confident comfort.
For years, the Buick Enclave has been a favorite for families needing three rows of space without a truck-like feel. For 2025, it gets its most significant transformation yet, making the choice between a 2024 and a 2025 model more than just a model-year decision. It’s a choice between a proven classic and a thoroughly modern redesign.
TL;DR: The 2025 Buick Enclave is a complete redesign, featuring a new turbocharged engine, a massive 30-inch dashboard screen, and updated safety tech like available Super Cruise. The 2024 model, while offering a smooth V6 and familiar comforts, represents the end of a generation. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize the latest tech and style or the proven value of a pre-redesign vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Enclave is an all-new generation with a fresh interior and exterior, while the 2024 is the final version of the previous design.
- A major change is under the hood: the 2025 model uses a new 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (328 hp), replacing the 2024’s 3.6L V6 (310 hp).
- Tech takes a huge leap forward in the 2025 model, which features a class-leading 30-inch ultrawide infotainment display and, for the first time, available hands-free Super Cruise driver assistance.
- The 2025 model introduces a new trim structure: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir, with the Avenir offering quilted leather and massaging seats.
- While more efficient on paper, real-world fuel economy gains with the 2025’s turbo engine are modest, and some drivers may miss the smoother sound of the old V6.
The 2025 Buick Enclave Redesign: A New Chapter in Comfort and Tech
The 2025 redesign isn’t just a facelift; it’s a comprehensive rethink of Buick’s flagship SUV. The goal was to blend even more comfort with the technology today’s drivers expect, all while maintaining the spacious, serene character the Enclave is known for.
A Sharper Suit and a Smarter, Serene Cabin
From the outside, the 2025 Enclave adopts a bolder, more upright stance. It trades the softer curves of the 2024 model for sharper lines, a more prominent grille, and distinctive lighting that gives it a modern, confident presence on the road.
Step inside, and the difference is even more dramatic. The cabin has been completely re-engineered for a more open, airy feel. The centerpiece is a stunning, curved 30-inch diagonal ultrawide display that seamlessly blends the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen into a single, high-resolution unit. This screen is the largest in its class and fundamentally changes how you interact with the vehicle. The dashboard is cleaner, with a floating center console that provides clever storage space underneath.
Buick’s focus on a quiet ride is legendary, and the 2025 model doubles down with extensive sound-deadening materials, acoustic laminated glass, and triple-sealed doors to create an exceptionally hushed environment. This commitment to tranquility is a key part of the brand’s identity.
Powertrain Shift: Turbocharged Efficiency Meets Proven V6 Smoothness
This is the most significant mechanical change. For 2025, Buick replaced the familiar 3.6-liter V6 engine with a new, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
| Powertrain Specification | 2024 Buick Enclave | 2025 Buick Enclave |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L V6 | 2.5L Turbocharged I4 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 328 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 326 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
The new turbo engine provides more torque, which you feel as stronger acceleration in everyday driving. The EPA-estimated fuel economy also sees a slight improvement. However, it’s important to know that some automotive reviewers note the four-cylinder can sound coarser under hard acceleration compared to the smoother, quieter character of the old V6. The driving experience shifts from classic, smooth power to modern, turbocharged urgency.
Side-by-Side: Choosing Between Two Generations
The best way to decide is to see how the key aspects of daily ownership compare directly.
Technology and Safety: A Generational Leap
The technology gap between the two model years is vast. The 2025 Enclave’s 30-inch screen is a huge upgrade over the 2024’s smaller, traditional setup. More importantly, the 2025 model marks the first time Super Cruise, GM’s acclaimed hands-free driving assistance system, is available on a Buick. This system allows for hands-free driving on over 400,000 miles of compatible highways in the U.S. and Canada.
Both models come with a strong suite of standard driver aids like Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist. However, the 2025 model benefits from newer sensor hardware and software, offering potentially more refined performance.
Comfort, Space, and Family Practicality
Both SUVs are champions of space, offering comfortable seating for up to seven people across three rows. The 2025 model slightly rearranges its dimensions, being a bit longer and wider, which can translate to slightly more shoulder room.
For families, the 2025 model offers thoughtful touches like a standard “AutoSense” hands-free power liftgate—you just stand near the rear bumper with the key to open it—which is incredibly handy when your arms are full. One noted drawback for some families is that the 2025 model’s third row only has tether anchors for car seats, not the easier-to-use lower LATCH anchors.
Value and Ownership Considerations
This is where your personal priorities really come into play. The 2024 Enclave represents a known quantity. Its V6 engine is proven and smooth, its interior is familiar and comfortable, and as an outgoing model, you may find attractive dealership incentives.
The 2025 Enclave asks for a higher investment but delivers a completely contemporary experience. You’re paying for cutting-edge tech, a modern design, and improved performance. It’s also worth noting that Buick has been recognized by J.D. Power as a leading mainstream brand for dependability, a reputation that bodes well for long-term ownership of either model.
How Do Other Buick SUVs Compare?
If you love the Buick style but need something different in size or price, the brand’s SUV lineup has options. Here’s a quick look at how they stack up.
| Model | Vehicle Type | Powertrain | Key Features | Starting Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Buick Enclave | 3-Row Midsize SUV | 2.5L Turbo I4 (328 hp) | 30-inch Screen, Available Super Cruise, Quilted Leather (Avenir) | $45,100 |
| Buick Envision | 2-Row Compact SUV | 2.0L Turbo I4 (228 hp) | Premium Interior, Compact Luxury Size, Standard AWD | Approx. $37,000 (est.) |
| Buick Encore GX | Subcompact Crossover | 1.2L Turbo I3 / 1.3L Turbo I3 | Great Fuel Efficiency, Urban Maneuverability, Affordable Entry Point | Approx. $26,000 (est.) |
The chart below visualizes the starting price and key differentiator for these three core Buick SUVs to help you see where the Enclave fits in the family.
Note: Prices for Envision and Encore GX are estimates for comparison; Enclave price is for the 2025 Preferred trim.
Your Buick Enclave Questions, Answered
1. Is the 2025 Enclave’s four-cylinder engine as good as the old V6?
It’s more powerful and efficient on paper, but some drivers and reviewers find it less smooth and noticeably louder under hard acceleration than the previous V6.
2. What is Super Cruise, and is it worth it?
Super Cruise is a hands-free driving aid for compatible highways, and it’s a major tech differentiator for the 2025 model. It’s worth considering if you frequently take long highway trips and want a true next-level assistance feature.
3. Which model is better for a family on a budget?
The 2024 Enclave will likely offer better upfront value, as dealerships may discount it to clear inventory, and it still offers fantastic space and comfort.
4. Is the 2025 Enclave good for car seats?
The second row is excellent for car seats, even featuring a handy tilt function to access the third row. However, the third row only has top tether anchors, limiting car seat installation options back there.
5. Are Buick Enclaves expensive to maintain?
Buick has a strong reputation for dependability as a mainstream brand, which typically translates to reasonable long-term ownership costs compared to luxury rivals.
6. Can the Enclave tow a small camper or boat?
Yes, both the 2024 and 2025 Enclave have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, enough for a small trailer or boat.
7. What’s the biggest reason to choose the 2025 model?
Choose the 2025 if having the latest infotainment technology, advanced driver aids like Super Cruise, and a thoroughly modern interior design are your top priorities.
Which Buick model best fits your driving needs—the tech-forward 2025 Enclave, the value-focused 2024, or another member of the Buick family? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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