Premium SUV without premium price
Envision adds serious credibility to Buick as a builder of utility vehicles
THE Buick name is synonymous with big squishy sedans that were gobbled up by elderly folks who wanted comfort above all. How times have changed.
Buick no longer sells sedans, squishy or otherwise. The cancellation of the Regal hatchback sedan and Tourx wagon in 2020 means there are currently four crossover-style utility vehicles of varying sizes in the Buick lineup.
The first-generation five-passenger Envision, which arrived for the 2016 model year, slotted between the larger (seven-passenger) Enclave and the compact Encore. The slightly bigger Encore GX was added for the 2020 model year.
From any angle, the second-generation 2021 Envision is more attractive. It has a larger grille and air intakes, and thinner headlights. The fenders, doors and tailgate have also been restyled, resulting in a lower and wider silhouette. The net effect is a more premium-look utility vehicle that’s in keeping with Buick’s upscale image.
The same goes for the interior that conveys elegance and sophistication, with stitched-leather trim surrounding an 8- or optional 10-inch touch screen that’s slightly angled toward the driver. The standard active noise-canceling system, which works through the audio system, filters out low-frequency engine sounds, much in the same way noise-canceling headphones operate. The system works well, even with the extra noise generated during aggressive acceleration.
The 2021 Envision is built on a new platform that increases the distance between the front and rear wheels by about an inch and adds nearly 2 inches of length and width.
Cargo volume behind the second row — or with it folded flat — has been reduced slightly and offers less space than many competitors.
Whether it’s the platform or improved tuning (or a combination of both), the redesigned Envision does a good job of soaking up bumps and road ripples.
For 2021, the base 197-horsepower four-cylinder has been retired, meaning all trim levels now get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That’s down from the 2020 rating of 252/295.
The engine does, however, use regular-grade gasoline, unlike the previous 2.0-liter turbo or similar turbocharged four-cylinder variants from Europe-based competitors.
Fuel economy rings in at 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is 1 mpg better than the 2020 Envision with the base non-turbo four-cylinder.
A nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the six-speed for 2021.
The optional active Twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system, which is available for all trim levels, uses a rear differential that increases torque to the outside wheel when turning (called torque vectoring). The idea is more precise cornering
with less understeer, which is the tendency for a vehicle to continue in a straight line even when the front wheels are turning.
With a $33,000 base price, including destination fees, the base Envision Preferred is somewhat light on content, but it does come with eightway power-adjustable front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels. Active safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and pedestrian detection.
The midrange Essence adds heated front seats (covered in perforated leather) and steering wheel, a premium audio system and a handsfree power liftgate.
The top-range Avenir trim, which has been added for 2021, rings in at $8,600 above the base price. It comes loaded up with tri-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, nine-speaker Bose-brand audio system with navigation, front and rear park assist and 20-inch wheels. Visually, a unique grille separates the Avenir from the other trims.
All things considered, the Envision does a credible job as a premium vehicle that arrives without the higher price charged by some competitors. It seems doubtful that buyers loyal to European nameplates would switch to Buick, but carefully weighing value, the Envision deserves consideration.