The Detroit News Praises the 2025 Buick Enclave

One might expect the Detroit News to go easy when reviewing the domestic models that are its city’s stock and trade. However, the publication prides itself on the independence of its automotive reviews and can often be among the harshest critics of certain models that emerge from the vicinity. That is worth remembering as Ewing Buick-GMC recounts their glowing review of the 2025 Buick Enclave. 

A Familiar Face 

Without question, the most immediately noticeable change in the new Enclave is the adoption of the recent Buick front-end styling. Previewed on the Wildcat concept vehicle and first applied to the small Envista and Encore GX, the face has been applied to the full-size 3-row Enclave with surprisingly little variation, which fits the vehicle very well. However, Detroit News Editor Henry Payne used far more ink to describe the all-new interior, from which he spent considerable time taking the big Buick on an extended drive through Tillamook cheese factory as the implied final destination. 

Friendly Technology 

In describing the new dash, Payne quickly references the Porsche Taycan when describing the 30-inch curved display that stretches seamlessly from directly in front of the driver to become the center infotainment screen. He points out that the driver display can, in a manner pioneered by Audi, house the navigation map, making it an easy glance for the driver and freeing up the center screen for the passenger to choose music, including what he describes as “GM’s Best-in-class Sirius XM interface.” Pointing out systems controlled by the screen, such as the ambient light adjustments and Park Assist, he praises that you can bring any of these actions you use frequently to a shortcuts menu to access more quickly. 

The Park Assist proved to parallel park flawlessly on its own, which can be quite the benefit for a large 3-row crossover. The available Super Cruise system is also recommended for anyone who regularly makes long trips. Its $3,225 cost is not inconsequential, but it delivers, even making eating on the road a casual, no-risk activity. “Once you’ve tried Super Cruise, you won’t go back.“ 

Mission-Ready Performance 

Understanding the priorities of most buyers for this type of vehicle, Payne spent little time on the Enclave’s performance and handling but did mention that it was relatively light at 4,800 pounds, particularly compared to the EVs he often reviews, and that made it “easy to maneuver, even on Oregon’s twisted mountain roads.” He also mentioned that the 328-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 had all the torque (326 lb-ft) needed to cover the mountainous drive. 

Instead, he spent considerable time discussing the 3rd row seating. Unlike the penalty box in many 3-row vehicles, passengers are treated well back there with cupholders and USB-C ports for each passenger. Payne, at 6’5”, mentioned he enjoyed the option of sitting back there while folding flat the 2nd-row caption’s chair in front of him to use as an ottoman. “…there is no better seat in the house.” 

The Enclave has a starting MSRP of $46,395, while the model Payne tested with Super Cruise and other niceties came in at $54,043. This makes it a bargain compared to the German and domestic luxury brand competitors against which it can easily be compared. We invite you to visit Ewing Buick-GMC, where, as of this writing, we have over 20 Enclave models in our inventory within that range and beyond with the plush Avenir model.