2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Buick Enclave

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its sleek design with a rear-wheel-drive platform, offering balanced proportions and a modern look. The refreshed front end gave it a wider, more rugged appearance, while new LED taillights and wheel designs added to its appeal. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements with competitive materials and design, making it a more attractive option in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, ranging from the base Active to the performance-tuned ST, with prices starting at $39,755.

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold design reminiscent of the Envista, with a sharp front end and a high beltline. Its side profile was more generic, but overall, it looked more refined than its predecessor. Standard 20-inch wheels and a premium interior with a floating center console and large curved display added to its modern feel. However, limited sunroof availability was a drawback. The Enclave offered trims like the Preferred, Sport Touring, and the luxurious Avenir, each with distinct features.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. Both engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with optional four-wheel drive. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, and Sport, among others. The ST-Line averaged 23.8 mpg during testing, while the V6-equipped Platinum achieved 22.9 mpg. The Explorer excelled in handling and ride comfort, especially with the ST-Line Street Package.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Enclave offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy was slightly lower with AWD, dropping to 21 mpg combined. The Enclave's driving dynamics reflected its size, with loose steering at lower speeds, but it provided a comfortable ride for its class.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench for seven. The ST-Line featured heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-folding third row. The interior offered ample storage, with cargo space ranging from 16.3 to 85.8 cubic feet. The Explorer's third row was less comfortable for adults, but overall, it provided a practical and spacious interior.

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered eight-way power adjustability for the driver and six-way for the front passenger. It seated seven with standard captain's chairs in the second row. The Avenir trim added heated second-row seats and ventilated front seats. The Enclave featured a power liftgate with AutoSense technology, providing 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrumentation. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and higher trims boasting 14 speakers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Google Assistant providing reliable voice control.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured a 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen integrating the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker system available on the Avenir. Wireless charging and smartphone integration were standard, along with Google Built-In. The Enclave provided a Wi-Fi hotspot and USB ports in each row, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Higher trims featured BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings from the NHTSA, though full ratings were pending.

The 2025 Buick Enclave included advanced safety features like blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving technology, was available on all trims. The Enclave had not yet been rated by safety organizations, but the 2024 model received favorable scores in most tests.