2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Buick Enclave

As big as they are, it’s right to expect 3-row SUVs to be as tough and powerful as they seem on the outside. Everyone who already loves Ford knows that’s true with the Explorer, but can Buick step up to the plate? Learn more in this comparison between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Buick Enclave put together by your trusted team at Essential Ford of Stuart! Feel free to shop our new inventory online for new Ford SUVs near you! 

2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Buick Enclave

When people think about camping trips or other recreational activities, Ford always comes to mind. This year, the new 2025 Explorer has everything you need to take on any adventure while giving you plenty of options to make it your own. We’ve taken a closer look at the new Buick Enclave and we can confirm that it’s all looks and no grit. Find out why the Ford Explorer is the better choice to support your bustling lifestyle.

Performance

Ford continues to cater to every type of driver and every loving family with choices for their SUVs, including the all-new 2025 Explorer. Your first major decision will be in the engine style. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 gives you up to 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque which is excellent for the busy family that goes on the occasional road trip. For more active families who like to take the path less traveled, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo gives you the upgrade you need to conquer all with up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds which is plenty enough for a camper or boat.

The new Buick Enclave only has a single engine to its name. That would be a 2.5L Turbo with up to 328 HP which is closer to the Explorer’s standard option. With no room to upgrade, you might feel like you’re missing out, and that’s because you are (on 72 HP to be exact). The Enclave can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, but without that extra boost in horsepower, you might find yourself having a bit of trouble.

Safety & Features

The Explorer is dead serious when it comes to your safety, and that’s why it’s equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 to cover your every need on the road. These packages give you the most advanced versions of Ford’s essential features, but there’s something even more exciting to share. The 2025 Explorer also supports BlueCruise Equipped Hands-Free Highway Driving so you can experience a taste of the autonomous driving trend that’s been sweeping the nation.

Hands-free driving technology is also available in the Enclave. But since it’s Buick we’re talking about, don’t act shocked when this fancy feature comes at a higher price. Automatic braking technology comes standard just like you would expect in any other new car, but this next bit of info is rather surprising. New for 2025, the Enclave will offer blind zone, lane assist, and traffic sign recognition. We say this is shocking because these are all basic features that should have been implemented by now anyway. What else is Buick leaving out now that will be introduced as a “new” feature later?

Interior

The Explorer may be menacing and powerful, but the interior is the pinnacle of comfort. The entire front row is heated with available ventilation, and you can elevate your seating experience with the Active Comfort Package with multi-contour functionality to ease the stress. Ford owners love the PowerFold feature that sets the rear seats flat with powered capabilities, saving you from the back pain of manually adjusting an entire row of seats. Set the multi-color ambient lighting and open up the twin-panel moonroof for the most atmospheric experience. Turn up the 14-speaker B&O sound system for a portable party anytime the mood calls for a fun time!

Like its competitor, the new Enclave is also built for maximum comfort for every driver. Heated and ventilated seating, powered lumbar support, and so on. It’s also atmospheric with multi-colored ambient lighting and a sunroof, so what’s the difference? The audio system in the Enclave isn’t as robust, carrying two fewer speakers than the Explorer. It’s also not as family-friendly, omitting certain features that would make everyday life easier such as Ford’s incredibly convenient PowerFold feature. Iconic styling is also an advantage that the Explorer has over the Enclave, offering available Platinum-branded seats that you won’t find anywhere else.

Learn more > 2025 Ford Explorer: The SUV Redesign of Your Dreams

Bottom Line

You shouldn’t have to choose between power and style, and that’s why we’re recommending the new 2025 Ford Explorer which flawlessly delivers both. Up to 400 horsepower, cutting-edge driver-assist features, and a luxurious cabin at a lower price than the Enclave is a no-brainer. The Enclave isn’t a bad ride, but we constantly find ourselves wondering if it’s worth the higher cost.

Ask Us About the 2025 Ford Explorer!

We’re eager to show you around the brand-new 2025 Ford Explorer! Call Essential Ford of Stuart today at (727) 287-0955 to find out how you can secure your test drive or browse our new inventory online to see what we currently have on our lot.