The 2024 Buick Envista has arrived, turning heads with its stylish design and promising a premium experience at a competitive price point. Having recently spent a week behind the wheel, my initial expectations were shaped by my experience with the Buick Encore GX. I anticipated the Envista to be a step up, a more refined and evolved version of Buick’s compact crossover formula. However, as I delved deeper into what the Envista offers, it became clear that Buick is charting a different course with this vehicle. The Envista isn’t simply an Encore GX successor; it’s a distinct proposition altogether. After a thorough evaluation, the question remains: is the 2024 Buick Envista the right choice for today’s crossover buyer? This review dives into the details to help you decide.
Defining the 2024 Buick Envista: More Than Just a Crossover?
First impressions can be deceiving, and the 2024 Buick Envista is a case in point. While it carries the crossover label, the Envista cleverly blurs the lines, leaning more towards a hatchback with crossover aspirations. This isn’t necessarily a drawback. Buick strategically designed the Envista to capture the segment of drivers who are moving away from traditional sedans but aren’t fully committed to the bulkier SUV mold. In essence, the Envista aims to be the modern sedan alternative for a market increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs.
Aesthetically, the Envista certainly has its appeal. The front fascia is sharp and distinctive, exuding character, although some might find it slightly aggressive, bordering on an overly stylized look. The all-black configuration of my test vehicle, featuring black wheels and paint, felt somewhat predictable and lacked the vibrant personality Buick is aiming for with this model. Despite this color choice, the Envista possesses an undeniable charm and a contemporary silhouette that stands out in the crowded compact vehicle segment.
Pricing and Standard Features: Value Proposition of the 2024 Envista
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2024 Buick Envista is its competitive pricing strategy. In the Canadian market, the Envista starts at $26,999 for the Preferred trim, climbing to $31,899 for the top-tier Avenir model. My test vehicle was the Sport Touring (ST) trim, with a base price of $28,299. Equipped with optional upgrades such as 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, and a sunroof, the final price landed just under $31,000.
For this price range, the Envista delivers a generous list of standard equipment. Even the base model is well-appointed, featuring an impressive 11-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and remote start. Buick has ensured that even at the entry level, the Envista offers substantial value, avoiding the feeling of being shortchanged on features. The ST trim further enhances the appeal with black exterior accents, 18-inch wheels, and upgraded leatherette seating surfaces.
Inside the Envista Cabin: Balancing Style and Practicality
Stepping inside the 2024 Buick Envista reveals an interior that is, in many ways, satisfactory. Buick’s design team has successfully crafted a cabin that conveys a sense of premiumness that belies its affordable price tag. The dashboard features appealing textures, accented by contrast stitching and soft-touch materials strategically placed in key areas. The seats offer adequate comfort, although I personally found them slightly less supportive compared to those in the Encore GX, despite their apparent similarity in design.
The driver is greeted by an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and an expansive 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and, crucially, retains physical knobs for volume and climate controls – a welcome feature in today’s touchscreen-heavy automotive landscape. Buick has struck a good balance between modern technology and user-friendly ergonomics in the Envista’s interior layout, creating a space that feels both contemporary and uncluttered.
In terms of interior space, the Envista performs admirably for a compact crossover. The trunk offers a decent 586 liters of cargo capacity, sufficient for a couple of golf bags or luggage for weekend trips. Rear passenger space is also reasonable, although fitting three adults across the rear bench might be a tight squeeze for longer journeys. However, for small families or couples, the Envista provides ample room for everyday needs and occasional longer trips.
Driving Dynamics: Where the Envista Falls Short
This is where the 2024 Buick Envista review takes a turn, particularly given the initial higher expectations. Under the hood, the Envista is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While the torque figure might seem promising on paper, it doesn’t translate into an engaging driving experience in reality. The six-speed automatic transmission occasionally feels hesitant, and the engine often lacks responsiveness, feeling reluctant to deliver power when needed. Compared to the Buick Encore GX, which boasts a similar engine but with slightly more horsepower and a more refined nine-speed automatic transmission, the Envista feels noticeably more sluggish and less dynamic.
Adding to the driving experience concerns is the absence of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for the Envista. In a crossover segment where AWD is often considered a desirable feature, especially for drivers in regions with inclement weather, its omission in the Envista is a significant drawback. Furthermore, the ride quality of the Envista also proved to be less refined than anticipated. It feels firmer and less composed than the Encore GX, despite both vehicles sharing a similar suspension design. This results in a ride that can be less comfortable on rougher road surfaces, diminishing the overall driving refinement expected from a Buick.
Fuel Efficiency and Final Verdict on the 2024 Buick Envista
Fuel economy figures for the 2024 Buick Envista are respectable, with Buick estimating around 8.0L/100 km in combined driving conditions. During my test week, I observed an average of 8.5L/100 km, which aligns with expectations for this vehicle class. The Envista is not a fuel-guzzler, but it doesn’t particularly stand out as a fuel efficiency leader either.
In conclusion, the 2024 Buick Envista occupies an ambiguous space, straddling the line between traditional sedans and modern crossovers, perhaps unsure of its precise identity. Buick is clearly banking on the Envista’s striking design to attract buyers, and while it is visually appealing, its aesthetic charm may not be sufficient to compensate for its shortcomings in performance, drivetrain options, and ride quality. The Buick Encore GX, with its more responsive engine and available all-wheel drive, emerges as a more compelling option for a relatively modest price increase.
For those considering a sedan alternative, the newly redesigned 2025 Toyota Camry presents a strong case. For buyers seeking a more premium experience, exploring options within the Lexus lineup would also be a worthwhile consideration. The 2024 Buick Envista offers a stylish entry point into the crossover market, but prospective buyers should carefully weigh its strengths and weaknesses against their specific needs and preferences before making a final decision.
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