2025 Buick Enclave Avenir Review: The Ultimate Graduation Weekend Warrior
When tasked with moving a 6’5″ college graduate and his entire apartment across multiple states, few vehicles prove as capable as the 2025 Buick Enclave Avenir. This three-row luxury SUV combines cavernous space, refined comfort, and advanced tech to handle life’s biggest logistical challenges with surprising grace.
Road Trip Royalty
After 1,550 miles shuttling between Virginia Tech and New Jersey with a full load of passengers and cargo, the Enclave Avenir demonstrated why it’s a standout in GM’s SUV lineup:
- Powertrain: Turbocharged 2.5L I4 (328 hp / 326 lb-ft) with 8-speed automatic
- Performance: 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds (quick for a 4,700-lb SUV)
- Efficiency: 24 mpg highway (exceeding EPA estimates)
- Range: 520+ miles per tank (21.7-gallon capacity)
While the four-cylinder engine occasionally vocalizes under heavy loads, it’s otherwise muted, making highway cruising effortless.
Super Cruise: A Game-Changer
The $3,730 Super Cruise system transforms long drives:
✔️ True hands-free operation on 400,000+ miles of mapped highways
✔️ Flawless performance even at 85 mph
✔️ 1,200+ miles of stress-free driving during testing
“Set it and forget it” doesn’t do justice to how seamlessly this system handles traffic, curves, and speed adjustments.
Interior: Tech-Savvy Comfort
Buick’s upmarket Avenir trim delivers:
- 30-inch curved OLED display (shared with Cadillac)
- Intuitive Google Built-In infotainment (so good it replaced CarPlay)
- Premium materials with quilted leather and real metal accents
- Massaging front seats (though the function is underwhelming)
Passengers enjoy:
- Heated captain’s chairs in second row
- Third-row space that fits 6’1″ adults (a rarity)
- 11 USB-C ports to keep devices charged
Cargo King
The Enclave swallowed:
- 7 adults comfortably during campus shuttles
- 97.5 cu-ft of furniture with seats folded (vs. 22.9 cu-ft behind third row)
- Multiple suitcases + bulky items without sacrificing rear visibility
Pro Tip: The power-folding seats make configuration a one-button affair.
Pricing Breakdown
| Trim | Starting Price (incl. dest.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred | $46,595 | 20″ wheels, heated seats, 360 cam |
| Sport Touring | $49,095 | Bose audio, sport styling |
| Avenir (tested) | $59,695 | 22″ wheels, ventilated seats, premium leather |
| AWD Add-On | +$2,000 | All trims |
As Tested: $65,125 with options
Why It Stands Out
Compared to minivans, the Enclave Avenir offers:
✅ Higher ride height for easier access
✅ Superior styling (subjective, but undeniable)
✅ Better inclement weather capability with available AWD
Yet it retains minivan-like practicality with:
✔️ Nearly 100 cu-ft cargo capacity
✔️ Comfortable seating for seven
✔️ Family-friendly tech
The Verdict
Pros:
- Spacious, flexible interior
- Exceptional highway manners
- Super Cruise is best-in-class
- Upscale Avenir trim justifies its price
Cons:
- Engine note under heavy load
- Massage function lacks intensity
- Third-row access could be easier
For parents facing college move-outs, road trip enthusiasts, or large families, the Enclave Avenir delivers a rare blend of capability and refinement. It’s proof that three-row SUVs can be more than just compromises—they can be genuinely brilliant.
