2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Buick Enclave

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic, rugged appearance, characterized by its burly, body-on-frame design. Despite the variety of powertrains and off-road systems available, the Wrangler's look remained consistent across models. Notable changes included a redesigned grille, initially seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon, which was shorter and wider to improve airflow. The integration of the antenna into the windshield was a practical upgrade, preventing it from snagging on branches during off-road adventures. Additionally, the Wrangler offered a range of roof options, from traditional soft-tops to power-retractable sunroofs, and allowed for customization with removable doors and foldable windshields.

In contrast, the 2025 Buick Enclave presented a more refined and modern aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the compact Envista crossover. The Enclave featured a bold front design with slim DRLs and a large, angular grille, while its side profile was more generic but less cluttered than its predecessor. The Enclave's design included fewer creases, a flatter roof, and slightly sharpened wheel arches. Standard 20-inch wheels adorned the base and Sport Touring trims, with the Avenir trim boasting 22-inch wheels in a special finish. Inside, the Enclave exuded a premium feel with a floating center console and a large curved display, echoing the futuristic design trends seen in electric vehicles. The interior was enhanced with perforated leatherette seats and contrast piping, although genuine leather was reserved for the top trim.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid variant of this engine delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. A 3.6-liter V6 engine provided 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the robust 6.4-liter V8 engine generated 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler featured various transfer cases, catering to different off-road capabilities, with options like the Command-Trac 4WD system for casual off-roaders and the Rock-Trac transfer case for serious adventurers. Most models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was available with the V6 engine. The 4xe PHEV variant stood out with its 21 miles of all-electric range and impressive power output, making it a favorite among testers.

The 2025 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was equipped with a single powertrain option: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, with AWD incurring a slight fuel economy penalty. The Enclave's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Buick offered two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, with the engine noise-targeting version available only on higher trims. The Enclave's driving dynamics were more akin to a full-size vehicle, with a noticeable bulk and loose steering at lower speeds, which was not a major concern for its target audience.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler saw a significant upgrade in towing capacity, now rated at 5,000 pounds for specific four-door Rubicon models with gas-powered engines and 33-inch tires. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats that remained functional even when submerged in water. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing users to power various accessories using the vehicle's battery.

The 2025 Buick Enclave provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. The second row featured captain's chairs, 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 seat ventilation. Tri-zone climate control allowed passengers to manage their own temperature settings. The Enclave offered a one-touch power feature for folding and sliding second-row seats, with power-folding third-row seats available on higher trims. The AutoSense liftgate provided convenient access to the cargo area, which offered 22.9 cubic feet of space with all seats in place, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with a 12.3-inch center infotainment screen running Uconnect5, offering a user-friendly interface with cleaner graphics. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous USB ports. The system's speed was notably improved, especially when accessing Off-Road Pages, which provided valuable data for off-road enthusiasts. The Trails Offroad feature offered access to over 200 trails, with the option to subscribe for more. Additional features included a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store multiple user profiles.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased its premium positioning with a 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen that integrated the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. While the display was generally seamless, smartphone projection occasionally disrupted its cohesiveness. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with the Avenir trim offering 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 featured a Wi-Fi hotspot and USB ports in each row for wired charging.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, with forward collision warning standard on most models. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist, though lane-keeping assist and highway assist features were absent. The Wrangler had not yet been rated for 2024, but previous models received mixed ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with expectations for improvement due to the addition of side-curtain airbags.

The 2025 Buick Enclave prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features. Newly standard features included blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with multiple camera views and adaptive cruise control were also standard. The Enclave introduced Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving technology, available on all trims for an additional cost. The 2025 Enclave had not yet been rated, but the 2024 model received favorable scores from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.