2024 Buick Envista: A Blend of Comfort, Innovation, and Value

The automotive world is still discussing the Buick Envista in 2024. The Buick Envista Transport is introduced as a prototype at the 2020 SEMA show in Las Vegas Buick aims to redefine itself again by launching the 2024 Buick Envista, a compact crossover intended to improve the US automaker’s position in the segment.

They are some of the best work accomplished by the brand’s corporate engineering and development teams, ever, and point to an exciting new direction for a marque devoted to comfort and style. Now let’s compare and analyze 2024 Buick Envista features, technical characteristics, design comfort levels, and technologies making escort known by car lovers as it outpaces its rivals now.

From its eye-catching exterior to its plush, technology-packed interior, the Envision is designed to cater to the modern driver’s every need, making every journey a luxurious experience. Join us as we explore what makes the 2024 Buick Envision a noteworthy addition to Buick’s illustrious lineup and a compelling choice for discerning car buyers.

Quick Stats	2024 Buick Envista review Sport Touring
Engine	Turbocharged 1.2-Liter I3
Output	137 Horsepower / 162 Pound-Feet
Drive Type	Front-Wheel Drive
Efficiency	28 City / 32 Highway / 30 Combined (est.)
Price As Tested	$29,070 (est.)
On Sale Date	Summer 2023

What’s New for 2024?

The 2024 view of the Buick i Envision introduces a host of new features and updates that aim to enhance its appeal and keep it competitive in the luxury compact SUV segment. Here’s an overview of what’s new for the 2024 model:

• Updated Exterior Design: Exterior changes to the 2024 Buick Envision underscore its smooth, contemporary exterior. New grille designs, updated headlight and taillight configurations with LED units front and back (an industry must-have), plus more color options make the Envision look more modern as well.
• Advanced Powertrain Options: We also expect more efficient and powerful engines adding some possible electrified options to the mix. It’s all aimed at helping to deliver more fuel efficiency without reducing performance, an increasingly relevant point with ever-tougher (and in many cases, completely new) emissions standards around the globe.
• Enhanced Interior Comfort and Luxury: Much the same can be said for the 2024 Envision’s interior, which benefits from a similar change in materials and comfort as well as on-board technology. All those high-quality finishes, more comfortable seating, and uses of the latest in noise-cancelation techs really add to a feeling that you should be paying twice as much for such serenity.
• Cutting-edge Technology and Connectivity: Larger touchscreens, new user interfaces, and improved connectivity are highlights of the latest version of Buick’s infotainment system. There’s also wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, plus more advanced driver-assist features for greater safety and accessibility within the car.
• Expanded Safety Features: As for safety, the 2024 Envision will offer an enhanced roster of standard and available safety features—ADAS that support adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a 360-degree camera system should ensure peace of mind whether driving or riding along.
• New Trim Levels and Customization Options: New trim levels and packages may be introduced, which means customers can further enhance their Envision to better suit their style and preferences. Optional packages could consist of things such as sports touring features on the outside, luxury-oriented interior add-ons, and technology upgrades.
• Improved Driving Dynamics: The 2024 Envision also steps up the game with improved suspension and steering systems to make it more responsive, agile, and comfortable. These enhancements better balanced the ride quality with more responsive handling, in turn providing a confident and enjoyable driving experience on all road surfaces.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2024 Buick Envista starts at $23 495 and goes up to $29 695 depending on the trim and options.

Preferred	23.495 $
Sport Touring	25.195 $
Avenir	29.695 $

The Avenir model comes with pretty, nickel-finished 19-inch wheels, a mesh grille, and other upscale styling elements that make it look a lot more expensive than its price would suggest. Unfortunately, none of the Envista’s trims come with available all-wheel drive or a more powerful engine.

Engine, Transmission, Performance and front wheel drive

Every Envista model is equipped with the same power unit: a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 136 horsepower. Unfortunately, an all-wheel-drive option is off the table, meaning each variant propels itself using the front wheels, coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox. While the vehicle demonstrates sufficient pep for everyday commuting, demanding rapid acceleration for overtaking on the freeway reveals a noticeable drop in energy.

During evaluations at our testing facility, the Envista took 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. It achieves 50 mph somewhat quicker, in 6.7 seconds, yet beyond this point, the turbocharged three-cylinder engine significantly loses momentum. 1.2l turbo However, the essence of the Envista is not rooted in speed or sharp cornering capabilities. Rather, it is designed for smooth, serene progress. Its handling is assured and stable; the Envista further impresses with its smooth ride quality, accurate steering, and solid braking performance.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Envista’s fuel efficiency at 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in urban settings and 32 mpg on highways. When subjected to our fuel economy assessment, which includes a consistent drive at 75 mph, the Envista precisely eight mpg city and met its highway efficiency expectation of 32 mpg. To delve deeper into the fuel consumption details of the Envista, the EPA’s official website offers comprehensive information.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior of the 2024 Buick Envista is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate four passengers, and despite its stylish coupe-like silhouette, there’s no significant compromise on space for those seated in the back. While the materials used inside may not reach the pinnacle of luxury, they stand up well against competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, positioning the Buick favorably in its segment.

The vehicle is well-equipped with numerous comfort features and sought-after technological advancements, highlighted by a prominent glass panel on the dash that integrates both a digital instrument cluster and an entertainment touchscreen. Opting for the highest specification, the Avenir trim, elevates the interior to nearly the best in its category in terms of overall feel and appearance, although it doesn’t quite challenge the luxury offered by brands such as Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The interior of the 2024 Buick Envista features a modern setup with a dual digital display arrangement on the dashboard: an 8.0-inch screen functions as the gauge cluster, while an 11.0-inch touchscreen serves as the hub for the infotainment system. Below a centrally positioned dashboard air vent, there’s a distinct panel dedicated to climate control settings. The vehicle employs Buick’s latest software iteration, providing amenities like wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an in-built Wi-Fi hotspot for continuous connectivity.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Each Envista variant is outfitted with an extensive array of safety and driver-assistance technologies as standard, such as automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. Options for more sophisticated systems are also offered. For detailed insights into the Envista’s performance in safety evaluations, one can consult the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Prominent safety features encompass:

• Automated emergency braking as a standard inclusion
• Lane departure warning coupled with lane-keeping assist, also standard
• The option for adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Buick’s warranty coverage for the Envista aligns with what many competitors offer, yet it doesn’t quite measure up to the more generous terms provided by the Hyundai Kona, which comes with extended coverage periods and three years of free scheduled maintenance.

• The limited warranty extends for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• The powertrain warranty is valid for five years or 60,000 miles.
• The first instance of scheduled maintenance is offered at no cost.

Things We Like

1. View From the Helm

The 2024 Buick envista boasts unexpectedly clear visibility, attributed to its low beltline and Envista’s hood, coupled with a comparatively elevated seating arrangement for rear seats, ensuring a commendable rear view despite the compact size of the rear and side windows. This level of visibility is not always guaranteed in other vehicles that share its coupe-crossover aesthetic, making it a particularly appreciated feature. Additionally, the driver’s seat offers a comfortable position, enhanced by ample space in every direction, which remains unaffected even with the inclusion of an optional moonroof.

2. Room for the Gang

The Envista’s design, extending nearly a foot longer than the Encore GX, results in a notably spacious cabin for a vehicle of its dimensions. Despite the SUV’s dynamic and curvaceous design, it offers ample legroom and headroom for passengers seated both in the front and the back. A noteworthy compromise made to exclude all-wheel drive is the presence of a flat floor in the rear, which conveniently facilitates three-across seating, enhancing the overall passenger and cargo capacity, and comfort.

3. Agreeable Powertrain

Given that the only powertrain option for the Envista is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine producing a modest 137 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, one might anticipate its performance to be somewhat limited. However, Buick’s engineers have skillfully optimized the engine to deliver greater torque at lower revs, resulting in unexpectedly robust acceleration. This adjustment ensures the Envista has plentiful power for city driving and can effortlessly maintain highway speeds, surpassing initial performance expectations.

4. Driving Dynamics

The Envista prioritizes comfort over high-speed performance, yet it delivers an unexpectedly premium and polished driving experience. Its suspension system is impressively responsive and smoothly regulated, even when equipped with 19-inch wheels and low-profile tires, as was the case with our Touring-trim test vehicle. The steering is considerably power-assisted, offering moderate feedback, while the braking system is responsive, characterized by a solid pedal feel. Another noteworthy aspect is the tranquility of the cabin, which remains quiet across various speeds, contributing to the overall sense of refinement and luxury.

5. Affordably Priced

The 2024 buick envista pricing begins at an accessible $23,495 for the entry-level Preferred model and climbs to $29,695 for the high-end Avenir version, with all figures inclusive of the destination charge. Opting for a fully equipped Avenir trim pushes the starting price to approximately $31,000. Given that the average cost of a new car currently hovers around $50,000, the Envista represents an outright value proposition, offering significant savings without compromising on features or quality.

Things We Don’t Like

1. Disappointing Digital Displays

The dashboard of the Envista, which closely resembles that of the Encore GX, features a sleek single glass panel combining an 8-inch digital gauge cluster with an 11-inch touchscreen for the multimedia interface. However, these screens fall short of expectations, exhibiting a dim and lackluster appearance, with limited customization possibilities and uninspiring graphics. In contrast, rivals like Hyundai and Kia provide significantly more personalization choices and functionalities, even in their more economically priced offerings, setting a higher standard for user interaction and visual appeal in vehicle infotainment systems.

2. Built to a Budget

At a time when the quality of interior materials is seeing enhancement across even the more affordably priced vehicles, the Envista doesn’t quite meet the mark. While its lower price point may justify some of the shortcomings, it raises questions about the brand’s luxury aspirations. The materials, including fabrics, colors, and trim pieces, are adequate for basic needs, yet the cabin features a noticeable amount of inexpensive-looking plastic. This approach to economizing is especially apparent in the rear seating area, underscoring a disparity between cost-saving measures and the brand’s premium positioning.

3. Short on Basics

Upon examining the details, further evidence of budgetary constraints in the Envista becomes apparent, with some omissions being notably unexpected, especially when such features are standard in competitor models. Notably, the absence of a rear wiper and washer is felt, a feature particularly useful for vehicles with a sharply inclined rear window. This omission, along with others such as non-height-adjustable rear seat back belts and the lack of one-touch automatic windows, highlights a clear effort to cut costs, even at the expense of forgoing conveniences that are commonly found in similar competing vehicles.

4. No AWD Option

While the Envista isn’t the sole subcompact crossover to lack all-wheel drive (AWD)—with vehicles such as the Kia Soul also foregoing this feature—Buick does provide an alternative in the form of the similarly dimensioned Encore GX, which includes AWD as an option. However, given the significance and feature availability of AWD to a substantial segment of buyers, it’s pertinent to reiterate that this is not an option available with the Envista. This detail is especially crucial for those prioritizing enhanced traction and stability in their vehicle choice.

Buick Driver Confidence and Advanced Safety Package Review

The Envista’s equipped with the standard Buick Driver Confidence and the optional Advanced Safety packages, showcasing the full range of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) available for this model. Throughout my assessment, these technologies demonstrated exceptional precision and sophistication. Notably, the Envista lacks a lane-centering assistance or a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system—often sources of criticism in my evaluations—but their absence does not underlie my commendation of the vehicle’s ADAS capabilities.

For instance, the forward-collision warning system was accurate, signaling potential dangers with a visual cue on the windshield and an audible alarm that effectively captures the driver’s attention without causing undue alarm.

Moreover, during a week of testing and nearly 400 miles of driving, the lane-departure warning system erroneously activated just once. The lane-keeping rear park assist function intervenes only as necessary, applying gentle, calculated adjustments rather than abrupt, forceful ones. The blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert systems functioned reliably, and the high-definition reverse camera with guiding lines ameliorated the challenge of limited rear visibility.

The adaptive cruise control also excelled, decelerating smoothly when approaching slower-moving traffic and, upon lane changes to overtake, swiftly accelerating to resume the preset speed once the lane ahead was clear.

Given the intuitive and reliable operation of the Envista’s ADAS, users are likely to engage these features regularly instead of disabling them, underscoring the fundamental aim of such technology: to enhance driving safety and convenience.

My Experience with the 2024 Buick Envista

Last month, I had the privilege of spending an entire week with the 2024 Buick Envista, and I’m eager to share my personal experiences with this compact SUV. From the moment I laid eyes on its refreshed exterior, I knew Buick had taken a bold step forward. The sleek lines and modern design cues immediately set the Envista apart in the crowded SUV market.

Driving Dynamics and Performance

Taking the wheel of the Envista, I was curious about how the turbocharged 1.2-liter I3 engine would perform in real-world conditions. As I navigated through city streets and ventured onto highways, the Envista’s engine delivered surprisingly spirited acceleration. The front-wheel drive layout, coupled with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, made for an engaging driving experience. Although the engine’s 137 horsepower might not sound impressive on paper, Buick’s engineering prowess ensured that power delivery was both efficient and sufficient for daily driving.

The handling and comfort of the Envista truly stood out. Whether I was cruising on the highway or tackling winding country roads, the SUV maintained a composed and comfortable ride. The suspension system did an excellent job of absorbing bumps and potholes, making every journey a pleasant experience.

Living with the Envista: Interior and Technology

Inside, the 2024 Buick Envista feels like a sanctuary. My test vehicle’s interior was adorned with high-quality materials, and the attention to detail was apparent. The plush seats offered excellent support during long drives, and the advanced noise-cancellation technology created a remarkably quiet cabin environment.

The technology suite in the Envista is both intuitive and comprehensive. The dual digital display setup was a highlight, offering seamless access to the vehicle’s infotainment and driver-assist systems. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration made it easy to stay connected, while the Wi-Fi hotspot ensured my passengers and I were always online.

Practicality and Versatility

Throughout the week, the Envista proved to be a practical companion. The cargo space easily accommodated my family’s groceries and gear for weekend outings. Moreover, the spacious rear seats meant that everyone traveled in comfort, without the common compromise of legroom in compact SUVs.

Final Thoughts

My time with the 2024 Buick Envista was enlightening. It’s clear that Buick has invested heavily in creating an SUV that balances luxury, performance, and practicality. The Envista is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a statement of sophistication and innovation.

As I handed back the keys, I couldn’t help but feel that the Envista is a vehicle designed not just to meet but to exceed the expectations of modern drivers. It’s a testament to Buick’s commitment to excellence and a sign of exciting things to come from the brand.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my experience, the 2024 Buick Envista stands out as a significant achievement for Buick. It offers a compelling blend of style, comfort, and technology, making it a strong contender in the luxury compact SUV segment. For those in search of an SUV that delivers on all fronts, the Envista deserves serious consideration.

FAQ