The 2025 Buick Enclave FWD with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine gets 23 MPG combined. This isn’t going to win any hypermiling competitions, but it’s acceptable for a vehicle designed to haul families and their gear in comfort and quiet. Buick understands its buyers prioritize a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and a touch of luxury without the high price of a full premium brand. Fuel economy is a consideration, but not the main one; the Enclave customer is making a trade-off between efficiency and capability.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Enclave are 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic and the inefficiencies of a larger vehicle navigating urban environments. The 2.5L engine, while adequate, will work harder to get the Enclave moving from a standstill, impacting fuel consumption. On the open road, the 8-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to settle into a more efficient range, leading to the 27 MPG highway rating. This difference between city and highway suggests the Enclave is more efficient on longer trips than it is for daily errands.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Buick Enclave FWD 2.5L at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. However, it provides a benchmark for comparing the Enclave’s running costs to other vehicles. Families should consider whether this cost fits within their budget.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs from the official numbers. Driving style, terrain, and weather conditions influence how efficiently the Enclave consumes fuel. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and driving in hilly areas will negatively impact MPG. Smooth driving, consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you achieve closer to the EPA estimates. Don’t be surprised if your actual combined MPG is slightly below 23 MPG if you primarily drive in the city or drive aggressively.

How it compares

The Enclave is in a competitive segment, so how its fuel economy compares to rivals is important. The Honda Pilot, for example, with its V6 engine, achieves around 22 MPG combined in its FWD configuration. The Toyota Highlander, particularly the hybrid variant, offers significantly better fuel economy, closer to 35 MPG combined, albeit at a higher initial price. Even the Kia Telluride, known for its stylish design and spacious interior, manages around 23 MPG combined in FWD guise, mirroring the Enclave’s rating. The Enclave buyer might prioritize Buick’s refinement and quietness over a marginal improvement in MPG. For a overview, see all Buick fuel economy data. For information related to this Buick model, view the ENCLAVE MPG across all years.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are key to getting the most miles out of each gallon of fuel. The Enclave responds well to a light touch. Avoid abrupt starts and stops, and anticipate traffic flow to maintain a consistent speed. A smoother driving style minimizes the engine’s workload and reduces fuel consumption.

Proper tire inflation is often overlooked, but it can impact fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The Enclave is already a sizable vehicle, so avoid carrying around excessive cargo. Remove items from the trunk or cargo area that you don’t need regularly. Extra weight puts a strain on the engine and reduces fuel efficiency, especially in city driving.

Minimize idling. Modern engines are designed to be efficient, and idling for extended periods is a waste of fuel. If you’re waiting for someone or stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Restarting the engine consumes less fuel than letting it idle unnecessarily. This is relevant for parents waiting in school pick-up lines.