The 2023 Buick Envision is a small SUV targeted at families that want something fancier than a Chevy but don’t have Cadillac finances, maintaining Buick’s historic upper-middle-class position. However, there isn’t much else about it that is “traditional.” It is also spacious and quiet, like classic Buicks. The Shanghai-built Envision, which is muscular and fashionable on the exterior but not very noteworthy to drive, represents the goals of Buick’s largest market: China. It sells dozens of models and more than 800,000 automobiles annually there, so it seems sense that one of those models will ultimately arrive here.
The Envision, Buick’s first compact crossover, sits between the small Encore GX and the midsize Enclave. The first-generation Envision model debuted in 2016, but by 2021, it had undergone a significant facelift and looked considerably more stylish. It hasn’t changed much since then; however, due to supply chain concerns, several standard and optional features for 2023 have been updated, and all models now come standard with a 3-year subscription to OnStar and GM’s linked services (with a corresponding price rise). The entry-level Preferred ($34,795), the mid-range Essence ($38,895), and the top-of-the-line Avenir ($47,055) are the three trims available.
However, they are more expensive than similarly attractive and sometimes similarly (or better) equipped popular-brand vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-50. These costs are several thousand dollars lower than same-sized luxury competitors like the BMW X3, Genesis GV70, and Acura RDX. Comparing the Envision to smaller entry-level luxury automobiles, it performs somewhat better. It is substantially roomier than the newly upgraded BMW X1 but nowhere near as sporty. However, besides elegance and space, the Envision doesn’t separate from the Volvo XC40, Lexus NX, and UX in many ways.
Each Envision has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower. All-wheel drive (AWD) is an option throughout the range, although front-wheel drive is the default. (Only $1,800 on the other trims, compared to $3,650 for the Preferred model.) The Envision isn’t sluggish and handles the city well, but it’s a dull vehicle that prioritizes comfort above excitement. Despite active noise suppression, the ride is extremely smooth, and the interior is quiet, although not as quiet as Genesis or Lincoln. Although most drivers won’t be dissatisfied, they won’t be overjoyed.
The Envision boasts a spacious rear seat and enough space for child equipment by small crossover standards. The large C-pillar also gives the back a closed-off, secluded, but not constraining feeling. The design is simple, yet every seat is comfortable. The Envision’s features are simpler to operate than Mazda’s, and there are no flaws in the interior, but the dashboard would appear more at home on a Chevy, and the push-button, pull-tab shifter is anything but user-friendly. Although the Avenir is more expensive than a four-cylinder GV70, the inside isn’t as luxurious.
The Envision’s extensive list of standard features includes a significant quantity of active safety measures that were originally choices (and are still options on some more costly rivals). The Avenir has a ton of equipment, including a panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise, while the Preferred seems to be a touch light on luxury, and supply chain concerns have messed up what is offered on the Essence. The Envision isn’t a terrible family option, and the style is impressive. However, even at a more affordable price, it can’t compete with its premium rivals, and mainstream choices provide more amenities.
Performance: Buick Envision
Only one engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque paired to a nine-speed automated gearbox, is available from Buick in the Envision.
Depending on the configuration, the Envision weighs between 3,700 and 3,930 pounds, which is a lot for the engine to move. It isn’t sluggish, and the smooth shifter in the gearbox usually always puts it in the appropriate gear for the circumstances, but it isn’t quick either. For most drivers, zero to sixty seconds takes around seven seconds, and highway passing power is entirely acceptable.
The ride is supple and comfortable but not pillowy like an Electra 225 from the 1970s, in keeping with the image of Buicks from the past. It handles like many contemporary family crossovers, with predictable understeer and straightforward limitations, although it doesn’t like being pushed about. Although this vehicle has just 6.7 inches of ground clearance and no pretension of off-road prowess, AWD could be useful if you live in a snowy area.
The Envision won’t disappoint commuters looking for a peaceful ride, but unlike rivals from BMW and Mazda, it isn’t a particularly exciting or memorable vehicle to drive.
Fuel efficiency: Buick Envision
The front-wheel drive Envision is rated by the EPA at 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the all-wheel drive version is rated at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. We achieved a combined fuel economy of around 24 mpg in our real-world testing of an AWD Envision, with a small preference for in-town commuting.
The Envision now outperforms a select few similarly sized luxury vehicles, like the BMW X3 and Lexus NX350, the GV70 (combined mileage of 22 mpg), and the Land Rover Discovery Sport (20). The combined mileage of the Lexus NX hybrid is 39 mpg, whereas the Mazda CX-50 can get 27 mpg. Smaller luxury rivals like the BMW X1 (28 combined mpg) and XC40 (26 mpg with AWD) also perform better, but all of those vehicles use premium gasoline, while the Envision uses 87 Octane, which more than makes up for the higher price.
Safety & Driver Support
The Buick Envision has received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, this version of the Envision has not yet been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). When they do, we’ll update our evaluation to reflect their conclusions.
Buick offers many active safety features as standard equipment, including adaptive high beams, blind spot monitoring, lane change alerts, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings with lane keep assist, forward collision warnings with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alerts, and a following distance indicator.
Adaptive cruise control is a component of the “Technology Package II,” which is already standard on the Avenir but isn’t offered on the Essence as of this writing, likely owing to supply chain concerns. However, this technology may only be available on the Avenir starting in 2023. It isn’t available on the basic model, but we’ll let you know the price when we have a better idea of availability.
Comfort & Room:
While the Envision is more costly than most compact crossovers from famous brands, it is often less expensive than comparable-sized luxury cars like the BMW X3. It has an advantage in space and comfort due to its size-to-price ratio, and it is spacious for a tiny computer otherwise. Tall folks may comfortably sit up front with 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.4 inches of legroom.
This is also true in the rear, where there is 38.9 inches of headroom and 39.3 inches of rear legroom. The Envision’s thick C-pillar also creates a closed-off atmosphere in the rear seat without making it seem cramped. On a lengthy drive, there is space to stretch out and take in the scenery and enough room for kids or big car seats. The CX-50 (39.8 inches) has somewhat more back legroom than that of the RDX (38 inches), the Genesis GV70 (37.2 inches), the X1 (37) and X3 (36.4) of BMW, the Lexus NX (36), and the Genesis GV70.
Even on lengthy drives, the Envision’s seats are pleasant and remain unaffected despite being less heavily reinforced than those in BMW or Acura.
Infotainment: Buick Envision
The higher trims of the Envision Preferred employ a 10.2-inch infotainment screen in the same casing as the 8.0-inch device that comes with the basic model. The same method is used by Mercedes-Benz and several other automakers, although often with more intricate software configurations. Depending on how you look at it, Buick’s infotainment system is either very user-friendly or a tad on the basic side, although we incline toward the latter.
Buick avoids overcomplicating things with mountains of options and instead uses a straightforward interface that has been developing for years. The visuals also seem to be on par with those of the majority of rivals’ systems. It’s much simpler to learn than the trackpad in an Acura or the click wheel in a Mazda. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all Envision models if you don’t like the Buick user interface. Additionally featured are a Wi-Fi hotspot and active noise reduction.
Although BMW and Lexus offer better voice command recognition, navigation is standard on the Avenir and an option on the mid-range Essence. On the Avenir and the Essence, a nine-speaker Bose audio system is standard and optional, respectively.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The Envision’s load capacity of 25.2 cubic feet behind the back seats and 52.7 with the back seats folding places it in the middle of the field. The Infiniti QX50 delivers 31.4 cubic feet overall, whereas the RDX gives 29.8 cubic feet in the rear and 58.9 overall. The Envision is behind the Lexus NX (22.7 and 46.9), Cadillac’s XT4 (22.3 and 48.9), and (by a wide margin) the Volvo XC40 (16 and 46.9), but outperforms the Mazda CX-50 (31.4 and 56.3) and BMW X1 (25.7 and 57.2).
The Envision’s space is simple to use even if it doesn’t have the largest hold. The seats almost fold flat, and the Essence and Avenir versions have power liftgates with projected logos that direct you where to place your foot. There is also a cargo light, tie-down hooks, and a cargo light. The cabin also has a large centre console and a lot of small item storage space.
Design: Buick Envision
Thanks to its tight, powerful lines, the Envision doesn’t need to apologize for its appearance. Bolder colour options like Sapphire, Cinnabar (red), and Rich Garnet (dark burgundy, unique to the Avenir) enhance its sinuous and athletic appearance. Even though Buick added two new colours this year, we wish they had a larger selection of colours. This design merits greater display.
The Envision is less impressive on the inside. With cheap plastics visible, the appearance is quite generic and seems more like something you could get in a Kia or Chevrolet than a true luxury brand car. But it’s stylish, spotless, and modern. In addition, unlike the RDX, it doesn’t forgo any functionality in favour of design or flashy controls.
Is the 2023 Buick Envision Worth it?
Beginning with the Preferred ($34,795, including a $1,395 destination charge), Buick offers three tiers of Envision. The Preferred has the lowest starting price, but you can’t have the biggest wheels or the complete technology package, and adding AWD costs twice as much as it does on the other versions. For these reasons, we’d pass on it.
The mid-grade Essence, priced at $38,895 with front-drive or $40,965 with AWD, is the greatest bargain in the series. It unlocks all technological features, including the bigger infotainment screen and other equipment. It adds the power tailgate, more fashionable 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors with memory settings, and other features. The “Technology Package II,” which includes the greatest additional driver-assist systems (adaptive cruise control, increased automated emergency braking, and more), is perhaps the most notable option.
Ask the dealer before deciding since this choice presents challenges with the supply chain. Due to supply chain issues, GM made certain cars without heated seats, but Buick dealers would install them later at no additional charge.
A $1,495 Sport Touring (ST) upgrade is available for Preferred and Essence models, adding blackout trim, a black interior with distinctive ST stitching, pedals and floor mats, and black 20-inch aluminium wheels.
The Technology Package II gear is included as standard equipment in the full-fat Avenir ($47,055 with front-drive, $48,855 with AWD), which also adds a panoramic sunroof, fancier 20-inch wheels, a second paint option (the lovely Rich Garnet metallic), more chrome accents, and perforated leather seating. HOWEVER, the X3 xDrive30i and Genesis GV70 2.5T Sport appear extremely appealing at that price.
How Much Does the Buick Envision Cost to Insure?
The Buick Envision is more costly to insure than most of its competitors. Our statistics show the average yearly premium for an Envision Avenir (the most costly trim to insure) for a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record is $2,144; however, this figure covers all 50 states. In contrast, the Acura RDX A-Spec Advance costs $1,930, the BMW X1 costs $2,267, the Mazda CX-5 Turbo costs $1,868 and the Volvo XC40 costs $1,974.
Buick Generations
Second Generation
2021 to Present
The second-generation Buick Envision is still produced in China but is now done in Shanghai, alongside Cadillacs. The new Envision, available in 2021, is based on the same platform as Cadillac’s XT4 and provides a significantly wider range of standard features, especially in active safety technologies. A new 228-horsepower four-cylinder engine with front- or all-wheel drive is also included in the new design.
First Generation
2016 to 2020
This small crossover was developed in Shandong, China, for Buick’s biggest market, where it debuted in 2013. Buick regularly sells over a million automobiles annually in that nation, a record the American brand had never accomplished in the United States (where its greatest year was 1984, when roughly 940,000 cars were sold). The Envision was originally made available in the United States by Buick in 2015. Buick was able to bridge the gap between the little Encore and the enormous mid-size Enclave SUVs with the help of the first mass-produced Chinese-assembled automobile to be offered in the country.
Verdict
The Buick Envision occupies the little space between respectable luxury cars and inexpensive compact crossovers from well-known brands. You may get the Buick’s roomier interior and fashionable exterior for the same price as a relatively tiny luxury-brand vehicle like the Volvo XC40. This is a peaceful, roomy family vehicle, but the Envision’s uninteresting inside and drive-ability can’t quite cover the checks the outside style is writing. Additionally, the price of the top-spec Avenir is uncomfortably similar to cars like the four-cylinder Genesis GV70.
