Here’s Why 2025 Buick Enclave Uses 2.5L Turbo Engine And Not A V6
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The 2025 Buick Enclave got its big debut this past April, with GM revealing an all-new third generation for the crossover. Among the highlights is new styling, an overhauled interior, bigger dimensions, and a new turbocharged engine. Of course, the fact that the 2025 Enclave only offers a turbocharged four-cylinder may leave some wondering why GM left the V6 in the dust. Now, GM Authority has an answer.
In a recent interview, GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft spoke with GM’s engineering team about the decision to fit the automaker’s various full-size crossovers with a turbocharged four-cylinder, rather than a V6. The models in question include the 2025 Buick Enclave, as well as the 2024 GMC Acadia, and the 2024 Chevy Traverse. All three models are equipped as standard with the turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 gasoline engine, replacing the V6 engine offered for the preceding model year.
According to GM’s engineers, the decision to equip the 2025 Buick Enclave with a turbocharged four-cylinder rather than a V6 came down to two specific reasons – emissions and efficiency. With tightening restrictions from the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and other guidelines set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the four-cylinder was simply the better choice for the new Enclave.
Interestingly, the four-cylinder LK0 produces more power and torque than the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY gasoline engine it replaces, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, or 18 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque more than the LFY.
| 2.5L I-4 LK0 | 3.6L V-6 LFY | + / – LK0 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspiration: | Turbocharged | Atmospheric | |
| Power (hp / kW @ RPM): | 328 | 310 | +18 |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM): | 326 | 266 | +60 |
While some may argue that GM’s rivals still offer a V6, it bears mentioning that CAFE rules apply to the entirety of a vehicle lineup, and that those GM rivals do not necessarily have the same breadth of full-size pickups and SUVs as GM when considering the CAFE equation. Additionally, GM’s rivals may also not have the boosted four-cylinder options that GM has at its disposal, otherwise, those rivals would likely be using them.
Finally, we should say that the GM atmospheric V6 is more or less extinct at this point, as GM Authority covered previously.
Put it all together, and it looks like the problem has to do with government regulation and how it’s affecting GM in a particular way, rather than a problem with GM itself. Of course, that regulation will likely impact GM’s rivals in the future, as well.
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The V6 is the reason I bought I Certified/ USED GMC Canyon Denali instead of the over-priced 2023 4cylinder. Let’s see how many miles the turbo goes before the high repair turbo decides to break.
Here’s ONE good reason to not have the V-6. The existing V-6 is probably near the end of its tooling life. Buy another set of tooling to keep on building something that the future will end sooner than later, invest in a new engine V-6 platform, OR head in the known direction that the future can demand . . . use a high-tech 4 cyl with a turbo. Plain and simple!
Just as with the 19 year old design of the Chrysler Gen III Hemi, which had had FOUR revisions, either design something new in the V-8 orientation, do some more band-aid tweaks, or do something completely new and “future-compatible”.
As good as the current 2.7L turbo 4cyl in the Silverados acts, I would have NO reservations with a well-done turbo 4cyl of similar size. Other than a sometimes .5 second delay in off-idle throttle response, it’s all well.
CAR companies have to always be looking to the future, not in the rear view mirror, if they are to keep selling vehicles. Retro designs can be good, but powerplants always need to be “the best”, now as in the earlier 1960s when displacement and horsepower were king. As SUV and pickup truck heavy as GM’s total portfolio tends to be, they need to have more-economical products for “normal people to buy”. That also included EVs and hybrid EVs, too!
My wife is on her 2nd Enclave. Loves them and Buick products. She was excited for the new design when her lease is up till we found out it was only a 2.5L 4 banger. No, no,no. The size and weight need the straight 6. Nothing worse than that go kart feel in a 50k+ vehicle.
Cant offer a V6 in this but we can do a 1,000hp twin turbo Corvette….makes sense.
People arguing here is hilarious, over 2 undesirable euro-trash and jdm wanna-be engines, in a tarted up people mover. The Herbert-the-Pervert pedo wheezing turbos are worse than the strung out V6 that people don’t step on.
And yet your competitors like Hyundai/Kia are keeping their V6 engines alive by supplementing hybrid powertrains into their lineup.
Because Hyundai has no full size trucks or SUVs in their lineup. They can afford to keep 15yr old V6s around.
ITS VERY SAD TO SEE GM REALLY LOSING SALES PLEASE PUT THE V6 BACK IN AND LETS TRY TO MAKE REAL GOOD AUTOMOBILES AGAIN …. Foreign Cars are just killing the market!!!!
Does anybody have any idea when they’ll update their website to allow for custom orders?
Goodbye to another V6 as turbo i4 has more power and fuel efficiency. These newly designed vehicles have to compete with electric vehicles which are becoming more and more popular.
New Energy Vehicle sales has hit 49.9% share in China in 2024-06. Most likely in 2024-07, it has crossed 50% in the Worlds #1 market. With majority, this will sway the whole world towards electric.
I have a 2023 Enclave, had a 2020 Enclave and three Acadia’s before that; All with the V-6. It was a great engine. Not one problem with any of the 5. I will not buy a 4-cyl. Overworked turbo’s get great gas mileage as long as the car is tied down to a dyno machine, not so great when it has to haul all that weight up a hill! Seriously, you would get better gas mileage with cylinder deactivation when the vehicle is not under heavy load! Looks like I am going to be done with GM!!!
V6 with long single row timing chain has not been dependable for me. On 3rd engine now. I wish they had improved it instead of going with the 4. Will they downsize to a 3 next?