Buick is in Wildcat mode as its new design language attempts to kickstart the once-overlooked brand. The 2024 Buick Envista, a plus-sized subcompact SUV, impressed with its sharp styling inspired by the striking Wildcat concept. It is much sleeker than the lumpish Encore it replaced, not to mention pleasantly affordable. Buick is showcasing some sketches of the upcoming, redesigned-for-2025 Enclave, which hopes that fresh styling might inject renewed appeal into the large near-luxury three-row SUV.
What We Think About the 2024 Buick Enclave
The current Enclave, the second generation of the nameplate, enters 2024 with a minor refresh. While it was successfully restyled in 2022, it suffers from an old General Motors issue: it lacks differentiation from its badge-engineered cousin, the Chevrolet Traverse. The interior materials feel too pedestrian for its station, and there are better luxury alternatives that offer more for less—like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade—as well as more luxurious options like the Lincoln Aviator for just a bit more.
The 2025 Enclave has some ground to cover, and its styling is just the first (and a very important) hurdle. It will require interior refinement and a distinctive character to separate it from its Chevy variant and attract buyers in this competitive segment, particularly against compelling options from Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, and Lincoln. Buick has already provided the Enclave with unique positioning away from its mechanical sibling, the GMC Acadia, which recently underwent a redesign to be more off-road-oriented.
2025 Buick Enclave: Styling
Details about the 2025 Enclave remain limited, but the sketches released by Buick demonstrate a vehicle with even more angular lines than the subcompact Envista. While the proportions may be exaggerated, spy shots on the internet confirm the broad strokes of the design you see here.
A strong character line will sweep back from above the rear wheel well to just above the taillights, creating a three-dimensional feature that adds visual flair and breaks up the tall rear profile. The current Enclave appears bulbous, particularly from the rear three-quarter view; hence, the new wedgier look is expected to attract more attention than the current model.
2025 Buick Enclave: Powertrain
The 2024 Enclave is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6, a naturally aspirated engine that delivers power but falls short on fuel efficiency. The next Enclave will likely share its platform with the current model, but it is doubtful that the same engine will return.
Industry insights suggest the 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, which replaced the 3.6 in the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, will make an appearance under the hood of the new Enclave. This powerful engine delivers 315 hp and promises improved fuel economy. A hybrid model is possible but not guaranteed.
2025 Buick Enclave: What Else to Expect
Buick should consider a significant refresh of the Enclave’s interior. If the new Traverse and Acadia are any indication, the interior styling and overall quality should experience a substantial upgrade. The screens in those models have increased in size (at least in higher trims) and exhibit a more distinct interior character. It is anticipated that some version of the Envista’s rhomboid screen surround will feature in the Enclave, giving it a unique Buick flair.
2025 Buick Enclave: When and How Much?
The Enclave is expected to debut later this year, and further details regarding pricing and availability will be released closer to the on-sale date.
