2025 Buick Enclave vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, with its bold geometric styling. The new design featured a less pronounced spindle grille flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front end a more aggressive and vertical stance. The hood's design, with its raised sides, aided drivers in maintaining positional awareness during off-road adventures. The side profile of the GX was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility. The SUV was available in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury trims focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail trims were tailored for off-roading with 18-inch wheels and eco-friendly upholstery. Inside, the GX combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern appearance, drawing inspiration from the Envista with its sharp lines, slim DRLs, and angular grille. While the side profile was more generic, the Enclave's overall design was a step up from its predecessor. The base Preferred trim and Sport Touring featured 20-inch wheels, with the latter boasting unique black accents. The top-tier Avenir trim came with 22-inch wheels in a special finish. Inside, the Enclave exuded a premium feel with a floating center console and a large curved display reminiscent of EVs. The Sport Touring trim featured perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, adding a touch of luxury. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, with the panoramic option only available on higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD system included a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the advanced E-KDSS suspension system, enhancing wheel articulation and stability. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with minimal body roll on-road. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX's capabilities were evident.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD and AWD options available. The Enclave's fuel economy was slightly affected by the AWD configuration, dropping from 23 to 21 mpg combined. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Active Noise Cancellation was standard for road noise, but engine noise cancellation was only available on higher trims. The Enclave's driving dynamics were more akin to a full-size vehicle, with loose steering at lower speeds. While not a sports car, the Enclave's performance was comparable to competitors like the Mazda CX-90.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior showcased a minimalist and sophisticated design, with fewer physical buttons than its predecessor. Rotary knobs for climate control and essential off-roading features remained. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight for adults with 31.7 inches of legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models provided even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. Captain's chairs in the second row allowed for a seven-person capacity. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with the Avenir trim adding heated second-row seats and ventilation for the front row. Tri-zone climate control was standard, with middle-row passengers having control over their temperature. The Enclave featured power-folding second and third-row seats on higher trims, with a standard AutoSense liftgate providing access to 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row expanded cargo volume to 57.1 cubic feet, and with both rear rows folded, it measured 97.5 cubic feet.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. Overtrail models included additional USB-C ports for the back seat, and all models featured a 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect and Remote Connect services available through subscription. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with the Luxury and Overtrail+ trims offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Buick Enclave's technology offerings highlighted its premium positioning. A 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen integrated the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster, though smartphone projection interrupted the seamless design. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with the Avenir trim featuring a 16-speaker Bose Performance system. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In for native apps. The Enclave also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and USB ports in each row for wired charging.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway turns. While crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence in the GX's safety.

The 2025 Buick Enclave prioritized safety with standard features like blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with multiple camera views and adaptive cruise control were also standard. The Enclave introduced Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving technology, available on all trims for an additional cost. The 2024 Enclave had received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with some areas for improvement noted.