The 2025 Buick Enclave ST AWD: Is “Premium” Just a Badge Without the Bling?
In the relentlessly competitive landscape of 2025, where the luxury SUV market trends are increasingly defined by innovation, opulent interiors, and sophisticated technology, Buick stands at a fascinating crossroads. For decades, the brand has navigated a unique space, offering what many perceive as “affordable luxury” or a step up from mainstream without quite reaching the lofty echelons of European or high-end Japanese marques. The redesigned 2025 Enclave, particularly the ST (Sport Touring) AWD trim, arrives with a fresh face and ambitious promises, aiming squarely for the hearts of families seeking a premium family SUV review that balances practicality with panache.
Having spent over a decade evaluating countless models in this segment, I approached the Enclave ST AWD with a seasoned eye, curious to see if Buick could truly elevate its game. On paper, the ST is positioned as a sporty, capable variant, but my experience suggests that sometimes, peeling back the top-tier “bling” of an Avenir trim can reveal the true substance—or lack thereof—of a vehicle’s underlying architecture and design philosophy. Does the Enclave ST AWD, priced at a not-insignificant $61,475 (as tested), genuinely justify its asking price, or does it leave us wanting for more than just a slick exterior? Let’s dive in.
A Refined Exterior Presence: Design Philosophy That Works
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, the 2025 Enclave makes a compelling first impression. The design language, clearly inspired by Buick’s striking Wildcat concept car, translates beautifully into a production SUV. The new styling is handsome, modern, and distinctive without being overly polarizing—a difficult balance to strike in a segment often plagued by generic anonymity or excessively aggressive cues. The sleek lines, pronounced grille, and refined lighting elements project an air of understated elegance that certainly enhances its three-row SUV exterior design evolution.
Buick has also wisely opted for a slight increase in overall dimensions for 2025, which pays dividends in interior space, yet the vehicle never feels unwieldy. Maneuvering through city streets or navigating tight parking lots doesn’t feel like docking a transatlantic liner, a common complaint with some larger SUVs. This blend of substantial presence and surprising maneuverability is a testament to thoughtful engineering, allowing the Enclave to slot neatly into the daily lives of busy American families. It visually signals a step up, making a positive initial statement that could easily draw buyers into the showroom.
Powertrain Evolution: Pragmatism Over Passion
Under the hood, the 2025 Enclave bids farewell to the venerable V6, ushering in a new 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This shift is clearly geared towards improved fuel efficiency luxury SUV ratings, and indeed, the EPA numbers see a welcome uptick. From an industry perspective, this aligns with broader trends of smaller, forced-induction powertrains delivering comparable power with better economy. The question, however, is how this translates to the driving experience, especially in a vehicle that carries the “Sport Touring” moniker.
The new turbocharged SUV performance is, to put it politely, adequate. It delivers sufficient power for merging onto freeways and confidently passing slower traffic, but it’s not going to set your pulse racing. The acceleration penalty compared to the outgoing V6 is slight, almost imperceptible for most daily commuters, but the character of the engine feels more pragmatic than passionate. It’s a workhorse, not a thoroughbred.
What truly detracts from the “Sport Touring” illusion, particularly in the ST trim, is the overall driving dynamic. Without the upgraded active shocks found in the top-tier Avenir model, the ride quality, while generally comfortable on smooth roads, doesn’t quite absorb imperfections with the serene isolation expected of a premium vehicle. Engaging “Sport” mode merely made the steering feel artificially heavy, adding effort without enhancing feedback or agility. This “snoozetastic” driving experience, as some might call it, means the Enclave ST simply drives. It functions. But it doesn’t engage, excite, or cocoon you in a way that truly sets it apart from more mainstream offerings. For those exploring Buick Enclave engine options in 2025, the new turbo-four is an efficient choice, but it reinforces the vehicle’s role as a competent family hauler rather than a performance-oriented SUV.
Interior Ambiance & Family Functionality: A Tale of Two Trims
Stepping inside the Enclave ST AWD is where the initial positive impressions begin to fray, particularly when considering its price point. From a purely functional standpoint, the Enclave excels. The three-row SUV interior space is intelligently designed, offering a good balance of second- and third-row room. The second row is perfectly usable for adults on longer journeys, and the third row, while best suited for children or non-confrontational adults on shorter trips, expands the vehicle’s utility considerably. Furthermore, the ease with which the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button transforms the Enclave into a highly practical cargo hauler, offering reasonable luggage space even with all seats deployed. As a family-focused vehicle, it certainly delivers on versatility.
However, the ST’s interior ambiance struggles to align with Buick’s premium aspirations. The monochrome black interior, while perhaps intended to convey sportiness, ends up feeling rather stark and uninspired. In a segment where premium interior materials and thoughtful design are paramount, the ST’s cabin draws attention to hard plastics and rougher edges aft of the dashboard. This contrast becomes particularly jarring when juxtaposed with the impressive, large curved display that dominates the dashboard—a beautiful piece of technology that feels somewhat out of place amidst the more prosaic surroundings.
The center console, for example, looks as if it were an afterthought, lacking the integrated design and tactile quality seen in competitors. For a vehicle priced north of $60,000, the overall fit and finish simply don’t scream “premium.” When comparing it to a fully loaded Chevrolet Traverse High Country, which often stickers for less, the Enclave ST’s interior doesn’t offer a discernible advantage in material quality or perceived luxury. This disconnect could potentially impact long-term perceptions, perhaps even influencing Buick Enclave resale value down the line, as buyers increasingly expect tangible luxury for their investment.
Technology & Connectivity: Highs and a Critical Low
In the realm of technology, the 2025 Enclave ST offers a compelling mixed bag. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the integrated Google built-in automotive infotainment system. This system is genuinely impressive, providing a seamless, intuitive user experience. With Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the ability to download apps directly to the vehicle (Spotify, Waze, etc.), the Enclave largely obviates the need to constantly rely on your smartphone. The voice commands are highly accurate, and the system’s responsiveness is top-tier. For those who prioritize a deeply integrated digital ecosystem, this is a significant selling point. (Though, it’s worth noting that Apple CarPlay users will find their apps confined to a smaller portion of the screen.)
However, the discussion around technology cannot ignore General Motors’ vaunted Super Cruise system, which makes its debut in a Buick with the 2025 Enclave. Super Cruise, a hands-off-the-wheel hands-free driving technology, won a 2025 MotorTrend Best Tech award for its cautious and exceptionally safe operation. It only activates on selected, meticulously mapped roads and is designed to hand control back to the driver if there’s any ambiguity in its ability to navigate safely. This commitment to safety and reliability is commendable and positions Super Cruise as one of the industry’s leading advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) comparison.
Yet, here lies a critical omission for the Enclave: when not on a Super Cruise-mapped road, the vehicle offers no form of lane centering whatsoever. This strikes me as a perplexing and rather short-sighted marketing decision. In an era where most mid-size SUVs, even those significantly less expensive, offer at least basic lane-keeping assist that actively helps center the vehicle within its lane, the Enclave’s complete absence of this feature outside of Super Cruise feels like a glaring oversight. Many Cadillac models, for instance, offer a “hands-on” mode for Super Cruise that provides lane centering even when the full hands-free functionality isn’t available. To omit this from the Enclave puts it at a distinct disadvantage against competitive SUV pricing and the comprehensive ADAS suites offered by rivals. In 2025, consumer expectations for connected car features and fundamental active safety systems are higher than ever, and Buick missed an opportunity here.
The Value Proposition: Where Does the ST Stand?
Ultimately, the most pertinent question for the 2025 Buick Enclave ST AWD boils down to its value proposition. At over $61,000, it ventures into territory where buyers have increasingly sophisticated expectations for tangible luxury, performance, and technology. While it boasts attractive styling, commendable interior space, and a cutting-edge infotainment system, the ST trim struggles to justify its price tag when judged against its own brand’s aspirations and the fierce competition.
The core issue is that many of the features that truly elevate the Enclave into the “premium” category—the panoramic roof, the more refined active suspension, the richer interior materials, and more attractive color palettes—are reserved for the top-of-the-line Avenir model. The Avenir, despite its higher price, arguably does a far better job of justifying its “mid-60s price” by delivering on those luxury expectations. Without those enhancements, the ST feels like a well-equipped mainstream SUV with a handsome exterior and a great infotainment screen, but not quite a luxury crossover value leader.
When compared to vehicles like the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy or Kia Telluride SX-Prestige, which offer similarly spacious interiors, often more standard features, and materials that rival or even surpass the Enclave ST at a similar or lower price point, Buick’s offering starts to look less compelling. Even against GM’s own stable, the fully loaded Chevrolet Traverse High Country, as mentioned earlier, offers comparable utility and features for less money, often with an interior that feels just as substantial. The gap between Buick’s perceived luxury status and the reality of the Enclave ST’s execution highlights a brand identity challenge in a fiercely competitive market.
A Capable Contender, Yet Lacking Dazzle
The 2025 Buick Enclave ST AWD is, by most measures, a good and decent servant. It’s a capable, spacious, and attractive family hauler that offers some standout technological features like Google Built-in and the exceptional Super Cruise. The redesign is a significant step forward in terms of aesthetics and overall functionality.
However, in the absence of the Avenir’s elevated accoutrements, the ST trim simply doesn’t dazzle. Its “Sport Touring” designation feels largely unearned, the interior struggles to convey true premium luxury at its price point, and the puzzling omission of basic lane-centering outside of Super Cruise is a noteworthy weakness. For those prioritizing a handsome exterior, practical space, and seamless infotainment, the Enclave ST will perform its duties admirably. But for discerning buyers seeking a true premium experience commensurate with a $60,000+ outlay in 2025, the ST leaves a desire for more. It’s a solid choice, but not a standout. If you’re considering an Enclave, exploring the Avenir trim is crucial to experience what Buick truly intends for its premium offering.
What are your thoughts on the 2025 Enclave ST AWD, or the broader direction of Buick’s premium offerings? Have you had a chance to experience the new design or the Google built-in system? Share your insights and join the conversation below – your perspective helps fellow drivers navigate the evolving automotive landscape!
