The 2025 Buick Enclave ST AWD: A Premium Promise Undermined by Practicality
From my decade navigating the ever-evolving landscape of automotive reviews and market analysis, I’ve witnessed Buick’s strategic pivot with keen interest. The brand has been diligently working to redefine its image, shedding the staid perceptions of yesteryear to embrace a more contemporary, near-luxury appeal, particularly for a younger, affluent demographic. The 2025 Enclave, unveiled with a fresh design language echoing the striking Wildcat concept, certainly embodies this ambition. It promises a harmonious blend of style, space, and modern technology, aiming squarely at the highly competitive three-row SUV segment. However, as with any vehicle, the true measure of its success lies in the execution across its various trims. Our recent extensive evaluation of the mid-tier Enclave ST AWD left me with a profound sense of a missed opportunity, a vehicle that, stripped of its top-line embellishments, struggles to command its premium asking price and ultimately falls short of Buick’s own aspirational goals.
It’s tempting to dismiss the ST as merely a stepping stone to the more opulent Avenir trim, but in a market where every dollar counts and competition is fierce, a vehicle at the $61,475 mark needs to stand on its own merits. The challenge for the Enclave ST AWD isn’t that it’s a bad SUV; it’s that it’s a largely forgettable one. In 2025, buyers in this segment aren’t just looking for transportation; they’re seeking an experience, a statement, and undeniable value. The Enclave ST, unfortunately, often delivers more questions than compelling answers.
Design & Aesthetics: The Wildcat’s Whisper, Not Its Roar
Let’s begin with the Enclave’s undeniable exterior appeal. Buick’s design team truly hit a high note with the 2025 refresh, drawing inspiration from the gorgeous Wildcat EV concept. The new face, characterized by slender lighting elements, a bolder grille, and cleaner lines, projects a sophisticated and undeniably handsome presence on the road. The increased overall dimensions are handled gracefully, preventing the Enclave from feeling unwieldy, a testament to thoughtful proportioning. It fits comfortably in a suburban driveway yet offers the interior volume families demand. This elegant exterior hints at a promise of luxury and refinement that, sadly, the ST trim’s interior struggles to fully deliver upon.
Step inside the Enclave ST, and the narrative shifts. While the overall cabin architecture is modern, dominated by a large, curved display, the ST’s “Sport Touring” designation, ironically, manifests primarily as a monochrome black interior. From my perspective, honed over years of observing automotive design trends, this is a glaring misstep in a segment where tactile quality and visual warmth are paramount. The absence of contrasting colors, interesting textures, or unique trim accents makes the cabin feel stark and, dare I say, somewhat sterile. Our eyes are naturally drawn to what’s available, and in the ST, that means the pervasive hard plastics on the lower dash, door panels, and center console become uncomfortably apparent. These aren’t minor quibbles; in a vehicle cresting $60,000, perceived quality – the “fit and finish” as we often call it – is a non-negotiable expectation. The rough edges and inconsistent panel gaps found in various areas, especially aft of the primary dashboard, are simply not up to the standard set by direct rivals or even higher trims within GM’s own portfolio. Buick positions itself as a premium brand, and the Enclave ST’s interior materials and execution, unfortunately, undermine that perception.
Powertrain & Performance: A Pragmatic Pull, Not a Posh Punch
Under the hood, Buick has made a significant change for 2025, replacing the outgoing V-6 engine with a new turbocharged four-cylinder unit. From an efficiency standpoint, this is a welcome move. The EPA fuel economy figures show a noticeable improvement, a crucial consideration for today’s fuel-conscious families. The engine itself provides adequate power for daily driving, delivering a responsive initial surge that feels sprightly around town. Highway merging and passing maneuvers are generally handled without drama, though one might notice a slight acceleration penalty when fully loaded compared to its V-6 predecessor.
However, “adequate” and “drama-free” are not typically adjectives associated with a premium driving experience. From an expert’s standpoint, the turbocharged four-cylinder, while competent, lacks the characteristic refinement and effortless power delivery that a V-6 or a more potent hybrid system offers in this segment. There’s a noticeable hum under acceleration that, while not intrusive, lacks the sonorous quality one expects from a supposedly premium offering. The nine-speed automatic transmission is smooth for the most part, but at times can feel a step behind, particularly when demanding quick downshifts.
This powertrain contributes directly to what I’ve termed the Enclave ST’s “snoozetastic” driving experience. The ride quality, in the absence of the Avenir’s upgraded active shocks, is competent but never truly plush. Road imperfections are absorbed, but not isolated, and there’s a general lack of composure over more significant bumps. Switching the drive mode to “Sport” merely amplifies the steering’s heft to an almost unbearable degree without adding any genuine engagement or improved road feel. It feels artificially heavy, rather than precisely weighted, undermining any pretense of dynamic athleticism suggested by the “Sport Touring” badge. In 2025, with so many SUVs delivering genuinely engaging driving dynamics without sacrificing comfort, the Enclave ST feels distinctly behind the curve.
Technology & Connectivity: Smart Screen, Questionable Execution
One area where the 2025 Enclave truly shines is its commitment to integrated technology. The centerpiece of the cabin is undoubtedly the expansive, curved screen that dominates the dashboard. Its sheer size and crisp graphics are impressive, and for those of us who appreciate cutting-edge displays, it’s a significant step forward. Intriguingly, it bears a striking resemblance to the display found in Cadillac’s new Vistiq EV, albeit rotated, suggesting a strategic sharing of advanced components within the GM family.
The integrated Google Assistant, a core component of Buick’s new infotainment strategy, works exceptionally well. Voice commands are accurately interpreted, and the system provides seamless access to navigation, media, and vehicle functions. The concept of installing common phone apps directly onto the car’s operating system (like Spotify or Waze) rather than relying solely on phone mirroring is forward-thinking and offers a smoother, more integrated user experience. However, this vision does come with a caveat: those who prefer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will find their familiar interfaces restricted to a smaller window on the expansive screen, a subtle nudge towards Buick’s preferred native system. This kind of platform-specific prioritization is a trend we’re seeing more of, and while beneficial for those fully embracing Google’s ecosystem, it can be a point of contention for others.
Despite the impressive screen and Google integration, Buick’s designers appear to have concentrated their efforts heavily on the electronics at the expense of other crucial interior elements. The center console, for instance, comes across as an afterthought. Its design lacks the thoughtful storage solutions, ergonomic precision, and material sophistication that define true luxury. There are pockets and cupholders, yes, but they feel generic, without the clever engineering or premium finishes seen in rivals. It’s a stark contrast to the beautiful display, creating a disconnect in the cabin’s overall aesthetic and functional appeal. This imbalance is particularly noticeable when assessing the tactile quality of the switchgear and surrounding plastics, which again, fall short of the premium aspirations.
Driver Assistance: Super Cruise Brilliance, Basic Blind Spots
A significant and commendable development for the 2025 Enclave is the availability of Super Cruise, GM’s acclaimed hands-off-the-wheel driver assistance system. Having evaluated countless ADAS systems, I can confidently say that Super Cruise remains one of the industry’s gold standards. Its cautious, precise operation on selected mapped roads earned it a well-deserved 2025 MotorTrend Best Tech award. The system’s ability to seamlessly hand control back to the driver when uncertainties arise, coupled with its reliable performance, instills a level of confidence few others can match. For long highway stretches on compatible roads, Super Cruise transforms the driving experience, reducing fatigue and enhancing comfort. This is a true luxury feature that genuinely works as advertised.
However, the flip side of this brilliance reveals a glaring competitive weakness in the Enclave ST. If you’re not on a Super Cruise-mapped road, the Enclave provides no form of lane centering whatsoever. This isn’t just a minor omission; it’s a critical deficiency for a vehicle in this price bracket in 2025. Many similarly sized and priced SUVs, from mainstream brands to luxury competitors, offer basic lane-keeping assist systems that actively center the vehicle within its lane, even if they require hands-on engagement. Cadillac models, for instance, often offer a “hands-on” lane centering mode as part of their comprehensive driver-assist suites. The Enclave’s complete lack of such a fundamental feature when Super Cruise is unavailable is, frankly, a perplexing marketing decision. It places the Enclave significantly behind its peers in terms of everyday driver assistance functionality, forcing owners to either enjoy the full hands-free experience or revert to a completely manual steering mode. This dichotomy is a significant drawback for anyone expecting a full complement of modern driver-assist technologies.
Interior Functionality & Ergonomics: Practicality Meets Plastic
From a purely functional, family-oriented perspective, the Enclave does a respectable job. The vehicle’s increased dimensions translate into a genuinely useful cabin. The second row of seats offers ample legroom and comfort, accommodating adults without complaint, if not quite providing a limousine-like experience. The third row, while not cavernous, is perfectly usable for smaller children and even non-confrontational adults on shorter trips, striking a good balance that many three-row SUVs struggle to achieve.
Cargo space is also commendable. With all seats deployed, there’s a reasonable amount of luggage room for groceries or weekend bags. The ease with which the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button is a huge convenience, transforming the Enclave into a cavernous moving van for larger loads. This practical versatility is a genuine strength of the vehicle, making it a highly capable family hauler.
Yet, even in these practical aspects, the ST trim’s material choices occasionally detract from the experience. The seat upholstery, while durable, lacks the luxurious feel or intricate detailing found in more premium competitors. The aforementioned hard plastics in visible areas serve as constant reminders that you’re not in the top-tier Avenir. While functionality is key, the blend of functionality with an inviting, premium aesthetic is what truly defines luxury in 2025. The Enclave ST often prioritizes the former at the expense of the latter.
The Buick Brand Dilemma: Where Does the ST Fit?
This brings us to a fundamental question: Isn’t Buick supposed to be a luxury brand? In 2025, with a growing array of sophisticated offerings from both traditional luxury marques and upwardly mobile mainstream brands, the definition of “luxury” is more nuanced than ever. It’s not just about a badge; it’s about the entire experience, from materials and technology to refinement and service. The Enclave ST, at its price point, finds itself in a challenging no-man’s-land.
Consider the competition. A well-equipped Chevrolet Traverse High Country, part of GM’s own stable, offers comparable space and functionality, often with a similar or even superior interior aesthetic for several thousand dollars less. On the other hand, for a similar financial investment, or just a few thousand more, buyers can step into entry-level luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX, Genesis GV80, or even the higher trims of the Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride, all of which offer a far more cohesive and undeniably premium experience. The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, for instance, boasts an interior that, to my expert eye, often feels more upscale and meticulously crafted than the Enclave ST, and often comes with a more comprehensive suite of standard features.
The Avenir model, with its panoramic roof, active suspension, and more attractive interior appointments, undoubtedly does a better job of justifying its higher price tag, pushing it closer to genuine luxury territory. But even the top-of-the-line Enclave can look a little “tatty” when pitted directly against the industry’s best. The ST, without these enhancements, simply struggles to compete in a segment overflowing with high-quality options. It’s a good, decent servant of a vehicle, performing its duties reliably, but it lacks the spark, the panache, and the undeniable sense of premium quality that makes an SUV truly stand out in 2025.
Value Proposition in 2025: A Hard Sell
Ultimately, the 2025 Buick Enclave ST AWD represents a complex value proposition. It delivers handsome exterior styling, commendable interior space, and a cutting-edge Super Cruise system (when applicable). However, its indifferent driving dynamics, a cabin that often falls short of premium expectations, the puzzling omission of basic lane centering, and a price tag that positions it against genuinely luxurious alternatives, make it a hard sell. For over $60,000, buyers in today’s market expect more than just practicality and a few standout features. They demand a holistic, refined, and consistently premium experience. The Enclave ST, in its current form, struggles to meet that elevated bar.
Embark on Your Journey with Confidence
In the dynamic and competitive world of premium three-row SUVs, making an informed decision is paramount. The 2025 Buick Enclave ST AWD offers some compelling features, but its overall execution in this mid-tier trim presents a unique set of compromises that demand careful consideration. If you’re actively exploring your next family vehicle, we strongly encourage you to move beyond spec sheets and brand loyalty. Take the time to conduct thorough test drives of not only the Enclave ST but also its Avenir sibling and a diverse array of competitors across various price points. Feel the materials, experience the technology, and assess the driving dynamics firsthand. Your investment deserves nothing less than a vehicle that truly aligns with your expectations of comfort, quality, and undeniable value in 2025. Make an appointment with your local dealer today to experience these differences yourself and decide if the Enclave ST aligns with your family’s vision for the road ahead.
