2025 Buick Enclave vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern aesthetic, reminiscent of a larger version of the Envista. Its front design, with slim DRLs and a large angular grille, drew comparisons to high-end models like Lamborghini. While the side profile was somewhat generic, the overall look was sharper and more refined than its predecessor. The Enclave featured fewer creases, a flatter roof, and slightly sharpened wheel arches, contributing to its more upright profile. Standard 20-inch wheels on the base and Sport Touring trims, with unique High Gloss Black touches on the latter, added to its appeal. The top-tier Avenir trim boasted 22-inch wheels with a special finish, enhancing its premium feel.

Inside, the Enclave exuded a modern and premium vibe, with a floating centre console and a large curved display that echoed the futuristic feel of electric vehicles. The Sport Touring test car featured perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, which elevated the interior's feel despite the absence of genuine leather. A panoramic power sunroof was an optional feature on the lower trims but came standard on the Avenir, adding to the luxurious experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, offered a luxurious appearance with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered, featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel, standing out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Buick Enclave was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive in Canada. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.2 combined. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The Enclave featured two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, effectively reducing road and engine noise, although the engine was notably loud and prone to revving. The Enclave's driving dynamics were more akin to a full-size vehicle, with noticeable bulk and loose steering at slower speeds, which was not a significant concern for its target market.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an increase to 340 horsepower using premium gas. The CX-90's AWD system was designed to enhance driving dynamics, with modes for Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and offered ground clearance of 20.4 to 20.6 centimetres. The CX-90's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined for the standard engine and 9.5 for the high-output version. The PHEV variant offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a combined rating of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres once the battery was depleted. Despite impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially when cold. Noise and impact harshness were also concerns, detracting from the upscale impression created by its styling and interior.

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, accommodating up to seven passengers. Heated steering wheel and front seats 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 featured a one-touch power feature for folding and sliding second-row seats, available across all trims. The power-folding third-row seats formed a 60/40 split bench, with manual folding in lower trims. The AutoSense liftgate provided easy access to 648 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,617 litres with the third row folded, and 2,761 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, in Signature trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin. The eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable for long trips. A panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The CX-90's long rear doors facilitated third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and minimal door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,155 litres with the third row down, and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased its premium positioning with a 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen that integrated the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. However, a clear line interrupted the seamless display when using Apple CarPlay. 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, along with Google Built-In for native apps. Wi-Fi hotspot capability and wired charging with two USB ports per row were also included.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a console knob and buttons. Mazda's voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90's 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful data. Blind-spot monitoring alerts were visually displayed, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Buick Enclave prioritized safety with advanced driver-assistance tech, including blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with seven selectable camera views was standard, with an option to increase to nine. Adaptive cruise control was standard, while a head-up display was optional. GM's Teen Driver technology allowed parents to monitor and set limits for young drivers. Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving technology, was available on all trims, with a subscription required after three years. 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.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, safe exit warning, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Cruising and Traffic Support paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, though it had some limitations in certain driving conditions. Despite some irritations, the CX-90's driver aids were effective, with particularly strong lane-keeping technologies.