The latest offering from Buick is the 2024 Envista, a stylish and roomy alternative to traditional boxy SUVs that offers a swoopier roofline much like more expensive alternatives from upscale German brands.
With its sleek profile, seating for five and the practicality of a hatchback design, the subcompact Envista also happens to be Buick’s cheapest model for the 2024 model year — even though it’s about a foot longer than Buick’s other subcompact SUV, the boxier Encore GX. What you don’t get, however, are the availability of all-wheel drive or any powertrain options other than the standard turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. For either of those, you’ll need to look at the Encore GX; the Envista is front-wheel drive only.
Things We Like
1. View From the Helm
Visibility is surprisingly good in the Envista thanks to a low beltline and hood, a relatively high seating position, and a decent view to the rear in spite of small rear and side windows. That’s something that can’t always be said of other coupe-crossover designs but is always welcome. The driver’s seating position is good, too, with plenty of room all around even with the optional moonroof.
2. Room for the Gang
The Envista is almost a foot longer than the Encore GX, which translates into a surprisingly spacious interior for its size. There’s more than adequate leg and headroom for both front and rear occupants in spite of the SUV’s swoopy styling. One trade-off for the lack of AWD is a flat floor in the back row, which makes more room for three-across seating.
3. Agreeable Powertrain
With the sole available powertrain being a turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine making just 137 horsepower and matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, it would be reasonable not to expect much performance from the Envista. But Buick engineers did a commendable job of tuning the engine for more torque lower in the rev range and giving more grunt than expected. There’s more than adequate power around town, and the Envista has no trouble keeping pace with highway traffic.
4. Driving Dynamics
The Envista is tuned more for comfort than performance, but it still serves up a surprisingly upscale, refined driving experience. The suspension is absorbent and nicely damped even with the 19-inch wheels and low-profile tires on our Touring-trimmed test car. Steering is heavily boosted with moderate feedback, and the brakes are quick to respond with a firm pedal. What’s also impressive is how quiet the cabin is regardless of speed.
5. Affordably Priced
Prices for the Envista start at $23,495 for the base Preferred trim, rising to $29,695 for the top Avenir trim (all prices include destination charge). Load up an Avenir with options, and you’re looking at about $31,000. In an age where the average price of a new car is around $50,000, that makes the Envista a flat-out bargain.
Things We Don’t Like
1. Disappointing Displays
The Envista’s attractive dash is largely shared with the Encore GX and includes a single glass panel that incorporates an 8-inch digital gauge cluster and 11-inch touchscreen for the multimedia system. Unfortunately, both screens leave much to be desired, present a rather dim and boring look, and lack a lot of configuration options or interesting graphics. Competitors such as Hyundai and Kia offer a lot more customization options and capabilities even on budget models.
2. Built to a Budget
In an era where interior materials quality has improved in even low-priced models, the Envista comes up somewhat short. Some of this is excusable on account of the low price, but it’s confusing given the brand’s upscale ambitions. Fabrics, colors and trim bits are serviceable enough, but there’s also a fair bit of cheap-looking plastic inside. Evidence of cost cutting is particularly noticeable in the backseat.
3. Short on Basics
A closer look reveals more budget cuts, including some that are surprising given that the features missing in the Envista are common in competing vehicles. For example, there’s no rear wiper or washer, something that’s especially handy with a steeply raked rear window. More penny pinching is evident in a lack of little things like height-adjustable seat belts and one-touch automatic closing windows.
4. No AWD Option
The Envista is not the only subcompact crossover without the availability of AWD; competitors like the Kia Soul soldier on without it, and Buick does offer buyers the similarly sized Encore GX with AWD. But because it’s an important feature for many buyers, it’s worth mentioning again that the Envista does not offer it.
