Overview
Coupe-like SUVs are all the rage and Buick, builder of staid semi-luxurious crossovers, is looking to get in on the action with the 2024 Envista. Set to take on the likes of the Chevrolet Trax, the Mazda CX-30, and the Volkswagen Taos, the Envista will do so with more slicked-back styling. If you’re looking for sporty handling or eye-blurring acceleration, we’d encourage you to move along. Under the Envista’s hood is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that makes just 136 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. This crossover is meant to crawl mall parking lots, not boulders, and as such, front-wheel drive is the only arrangement offered. What’s most impressive about the Envista is its starting price of less than $25,000, which includes such niceties as an 8.0-inch digital gauge display, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keeping assist, and an 11.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Envista takes up residence at the entry-level end of the Buick lineup under the Encore GX and the Envision SUVs.
What’s New for 2024?
The Envista is an all-new nameplate for Buick, and it’ll go on sale this summer as a 2024 model-year vehicle.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
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, and Performance
Unlike the Chinese-market version, which employs a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, the North American Envista comes with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder that makes 136 horsepower All-wheel drive is not available, so all models drive the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration feels perky enough for casual driving, but step on the throttle hard to call up power for highway passing and the Envista feels more lethargic. Handling is far from inspired, but the Envista offers a well-controlled ride, precise steering, and a firm brake pedal. When we get a chance, we’ll take the Envista to our test track and update this story with test results.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the Envista should be good for 28 mpg city and 32 mpg city. When we get a chance, we’ll take the Envista on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with its results. For more information about the Envista’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Envista offers a cabin that’s roomy for four, although the chic coupe-like roofline cuts into rear-seat headroom a bit. Interior materials aren’t luxury grade, but compared to rivals such as the Nissan Kicks and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, the Buick more than measures up. It also offers plenty of convenience features and desirable tech gadgetry, including a large glass panel on the dashboard that houses both a digital gauge display and an infotainment touchscreen.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Envista’s dashboard consists of two digital displays, one 8.0-inch unit for the SUV’s gauge cluster and a second 11.0-inch one serving as a touchscreen infotainment interface. There is also a separate panel for climate controls below a center-mounted dash vent. The Envista uses Buick’s most up-to-date software, and it includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All Envista models come with a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features, including automatic high-beam headlamps and automated emergency braking. More advanced tech is available as an option. For more information about the Envista’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Buick’s standard warranty package offers more generous powertrain coverage than many of the Envista’s key rivals but pales in comparison with the plans of the Hyundai Kona, which provides far lengthier terms as well as three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Buick Envista
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base: Preferred, $23,495; Sport Touring, $25,195; Avenir, $29,695
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve inline-3, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 73 in3, 1199 cm3
Power: 136 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 182.6 in
Width: 71.5 in
Height: 61.3 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 51–54/46 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 42/21 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 3100–3200 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 9.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.7 sec
Top Speed: 115 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 30/28/32 mpg
More Features and Specs