2025 Buick Enclave vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid, offering the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim, tested with seven-passenger seating, included luxury features like massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued, earthy color palette and various wheel designs up to 21 inches, contrasting with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the design was somewhat dated but featured rich materials, with options for wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, and a distinctive Orrefors crystal shift knob.

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern design, reminiscent of the Envista, with slim DRLs, a large angular grille, and a high beltline. The side profile was more generic, but the overall look was sharper than its predecessor. The Enclave featured 20-inch wheels on the base Preferred trim and Sport Touring, with unique High Gloss Black touches on the latter. The top Avenir trim boasted 22-inch wheels with a special finish. Inside, the Enclave felt modern and premium, with a floating center console and a large curved display, echoing the futuristic feel of electric vehicles. The Sport Touring test car had perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, enhancing the interior's feel. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, with the panoramic power sunroof only available on higher trims. The Enclave's interior packaging was similar to the less expensive Chevy Traverse, but expectations were higher for Buick as a near-luxury SUV brand.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined hybrid driving average of 27 mpg. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Charging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, during testing in hot weather, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. Despite this, the XC90 performed well in suburban driving, primarily using electricity. The SUV's performance waned as the battery approached its minimum charge, and the gas engine would assist when needed. The XC90 was quick but lacked thrilling handling, with firm ride quality and a less hushed cabin than expected for its price. The steering was not particularly sharp or communicative, and the suspension allowed more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal for spirited driving.

The 2025 Buick Enclave was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. Power was routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front or all four wheels, with AWD available for an additional $2,000. The Enclave's fuel economy was 23 mpg combined for FWD and 21 mpg for AWD. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Buick offered two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, with road noise cancellation standard and engine noise cancellation available on higher trims. The turbo engine was loud and less refined, and the Enclave drove like a full-size vehicle, with loose steering at slower speeds. This was not a significant issue for its class, as driving dynamics were not a top priority for most shoppers.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof with a one-touch swipe control added natural light to the interior. Higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and more. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design could catch on clothing when entering the vehicle. Once inside, the XC90 was comfortable, with a commanding driving position and good sightlines. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in hot weather when driving in Pure mode. The XC90 seated seven people, or six with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was tight for adults but more accommodating than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat down.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured eight-way power adjustability for the driver’s seat and six-way for the front passenger. Captain’s chairs were standard for the second row, allowing for a seven-person capacity. The steering wheel and front seats were heated, with heated second-row seats and front-row ventilation available on the Avenir trim. A two-position memory feature was standard on the Avenir and optional on lower trims. Tri-zone climate control was standard, with middle-row passengers able to manage their temperature. The Enclave offered a one-touch power feature for folding and sliding the second-row seats on higher trims, with power-folding third-row seats also available. The AutoSense liftgate was standard, opening when the keyholder was detected near the rear. The Enclave provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 57.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, free for four years. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with a three-month complimentary subscription for the latter. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The Google Assistant voice recognition tool was generally effective, though sometimes required different prompts. The XC90 Recharge T8 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, with a head-up display and surround-view camera available.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased its premium positioning with a standard 30-inch curved display, integrating the infotainment and digital gauge cluster. However, smartphone projection interrupted the seamless display. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker Bose Performance system exclusive to the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with Google Built-In providing native apps. Wi-Fi hotspot capability and wired charging for all rows were also standard.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90 lagged in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), offering standard features but lacking innovation. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, was used extensively during evaluation but struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error when exiting a freeway.

The 2025 Buick Enclave prioritized safety with new standard features, including blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with seven camera views was standard, with nine views available. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with a head-up display optional. The Enclave introduced Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology, available on all trims for an additional cost. The 2025 Enclave had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model scored well in most tests, with some areas for improvement.