2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Buick Enclave

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern aesthetic, reminiscent of a scaled-up version of the Envista. Its sharp design elements, such as slim DRLs, a large angular grille, and a high beltline, contributed to its striking appearance. While the side profile appeared somewhat generic, the overall design was a significant improvement over its predecessor, with fewer creases, a flatter roof, and slightly sharpened wheel arches. The Enclave's interior exuded a modern and premium feel, featuring a floating center console and a large curved display that evoked the futuristic ambiance of electric vehicles. The Sport Touring trim's perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping added a touch of luxury, although the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, especially for the base trim.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX lineup offered three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiency. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned features, but its overall design remained dependent on the chosen version and color/wheel combination. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, although some ergonomic controls were less intuitive.

The 2025 Buick Enclave was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, with AWD costing an additional $2,000. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg combined for FWD and 21 mpg for AWD. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave featured two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, with the engine noise cancellation standard only on the top trim. The Enclave's driving dynamics were more akin to a full-size vehicle, with loose steering at slower speeds, making it less sporty but suitable for its class.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance characteristics. The RX 350h, the least powerful, produced 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque, achieving 36 mpg combined. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time, with an electric-only range of 37 miles. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, generated 366 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. While the RX 500h offered impressive straight-line acceleration, its fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h's driving experience was less communicative, with a focus on sporty appearance rather than dynamic capability.

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger's seat. It featured captain's chairs in the second row, accommodating up to seven passengers. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with the Avenir trim adding heated second-row seats and front-row ventilation. Tri-zone climate control allowed middle-row passengers to manage their own temperature. The Enclave's cargo space measured 22.9 cubic feet 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 folded. The AutoSense liftgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, focusing on occupant comfort, offered heated and ventilated front seats with enhanced bolstering. However, the bottom cushions were less comfortable during extended drives. The RX provided ample rear-seat space, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated rear seats. Interior storage was practical, though the rear center armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid's cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row expanded cargo volume to 46.2 cubic feet, which was relatively modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased its premium positioning with a standard 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen that integrated the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. While the screen was generally seamless, Apple CarPlay caused a noticeable interruption. 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 Wi-Fi hotspot capability and USB ports in each row.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. While the infotainment system was advanced, the unlabeled steering wheel controls were distracting. The RX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and streaming options through Apple Music or Amazon Music. Drive Connect provided cloud-based navigation and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though steering wheel controls were challenging to use while driving.

The 2025 Buick Enclave prioritized safety with advanced driver-assistance features, including blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with selectable camera views and adaptive cruise control were standard. Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving technology, was available on all trims for an additional cost. The 2025 Enclave had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model received favorable ratings, with some areas for improvement.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Predictive Driving Assist monitored forward progress and adjusted braking or steering as needed. The RX earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but IIHS rated it poorly in the updated frontal-impact test.