The Buick Envision is an excellent SUV. Its turbocharged engine performs admirably, and this Buick rides comfortably while getting good gas mileage as well. The Envision is comfortable on the inside and has a good amount of passenger space for a small crossover. The Envision comes standard with an easy-to-use infotainment system, and its predicted reliability score is among the highest in the class.
There are, however, reasons why so many competitors outperform Envision in our luxury compact SUV rankings. This Buick isn’t particularly athletic or enjoyable to drive. It also has simple interior styling and standard cabin materials for the class. Maximum cargo capacity is also below average.
Major Changes Over The Years
The following are the most significant changes to the Buick Envision in recent years:
- 2017: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support were added, and a non-turbo four-cylinder base engine was introduced.
- 2018: no major changes.
- 2019: exterior styling was now updated, and a nine-speed transmission is now available.
- 2020: no significant changes.
- 2021: completely redesigned with a new powertrain, less cargo space, and an updated list of standard and optional features.
Engine
The Envision has a turbocharged four-cylinder, 228-horsepower engine, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is responsive, with little turbo lag. The transmission shifts quickly and does not have to hunt for the correct gear. The acceleration and overall power of the Envision aren’t spectacular, but there’s enough power that you won’t sweat any driving situations.
The Envision accelerates to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, which is respectable for a small SUV. It doesn’t feel that fast from the driver’s seat, which could be a plus for those who prefer quiet confidence over the theater of speed so many other competitors project. The gas pedal responds quickly. The brakes are also above average. Stopping distances are short in an emergency, and the vehicle remains composed and controllable. The pedal feels comforting.
Even with some noticeable body roll, the handling is adequate. The Envision is not a fun SUV to drive, but it feels confident at reasonable speeds.
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Ride and Handling
The Envision has a smooth ride, and both you and the other commuters will barely notice large bumps and potholes on the road. While this Buick is stable on turns, it appears to lack the agility and appealing driving experience found in some competitors. The brakes are powerful, but it takes some time to get used to the feel of the brake pedal.
The ride quality is excellent. It smooths over many of the shortcomings of other rides for which SUVs are typically known. The Envision has a very quiet cabin that effectively nullifies most wind, and road noise is also appreciable.
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Interior
The interior design is simple and understated. To make it easier to reach, Buick canted the center dash section toward the driver. The push/pull gear selector is more intuitive than competitors’ offerings, and it doesn’t take up too much space on the center console.
Interior space is average for the class, so taller passengers will likely feel cramped on a long drive. Roof pillars that are appropriately sized aid in outward visibility, as does the crisp resolution of the available surround-view camera system. Overall, there isn’t much to complain about, but there isn’t much to praise either.
Most drivers will be able to find a comfortable seating position in the front seats. However, for taller passengers, the bottom seat cushion is a little short. The padding is firm, which can result in some hard spots after a few hours. When compared to premium luxury versions, the massage functions are lacking, but they are a welcome relief when you start feeling those hard spots.
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Infotainment
The optional 10-inch touchscreen is quick and easy to read, and you’ll probably want it because the basic infotainment display is modest by class standards. While some functions have physical controls, they are disorganized. Many are difficult to access from the passenger seat because they are directed toward the driver, but some are difficult to operate even by the driver.
The offered 10-inch touchscreen is very appealing. However, Buick’s decision to place the infotainment controller knob just next to the screen is perplexing. Driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are well-tuned and work seamlessly in the Envision. At higher volumes, the audio quality of the Bose system suffers, and the bass lacks power.
- Standard infotainment features: an 8-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, two USB ports, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Available infotainment features: a 10.2-inch touch screen, navigation, a seven-speaker audio system, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, wireless device charging, and additional USB ports.
- Other available features: a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and remote start
Fuel Economy
The Envision, whether front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, outperforms numerous competitors in its class in terms of fuel efficiency. With FWD, it gets 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while AWD gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Verdict
The Envision is adequate in terms of performance and comfort, but it isn’t particularly great in either of these areas. You might think of it as a budget luxury SUV or a nicer mainstream SUV, but we believe it requires a consumer with very particular needs and will not appeal to the masses.
Buick’s Envision signifies a move in the right way. It features an appealing design and a subtle elegance. It says a lot without saying much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there problems with the Buick Envision?
Common problems in the Buick Envision include issues with airbags, brakes, no-hands liftgate, and very small air vents in the rear of the SUV.
Are Buick Envisions reliable?
The 2021 Envision is expected to have a reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the best, 81-90 is considered great, 70-80 is considered average, and 0-69 is considered fair and below average.
What SUV does the Buick Envision compare to?
Some cars that are comparable to the Buick Envision in the current market include the Acura RDX, the Infiniti QX50, and the Lincoln Corsair.
How long will a Buick Envision last?
With normal maintenance, a Buick Envision is expected to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Furthermore, with good care, the vehicle will survive between seven and 10 years.
Is it expensive to maintain a Buick Envision?
During the first ten years of ownership, a Buick Envision will cost around $8,521 in maintenance and repairs. This is $612 more than the industry average for popular SUV models. During that lifespan, there is also a 25.14% possibility that an Envision may require extensive repairs.
