Overview Buick’s compact Envision SUV aims for big names in the luxury crossover space but doesn’t quite reach their level. Instead of a full-on luxury experience, it and other Buicks provide more of a half-step between, say, a Chevy and a Cadillac. This is at least reflected in its price, which is a good chunk lower than those of its supposed competitors, including the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT5, Lincoln Corsair, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-class. The Envision is certainly handsome and, in typical Buick fashion, the ride is comfortable, and leather upholstery comes standard. But the other materials aren’t what we’d expect of a luxury automaker, and it feels down on power. What’s New for 2026?Very little changes for the Envision this year. The most noticeable differences are in the color palette, which loses three hues—Calypso Blue Metallic, Smokey Amethyst Metallic, and White Frost Tricoat—while two new ones have been added. Quartz Blue Metallic is newly available across the range, while Midnight Opal is exclusive to the Avenir model.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Buick Envision is expected to start around $38,000 and go up to $48,000 depending on the trim and options.Preferred$38,000 (est)Sport Touring$41,000 (est)Avenir$48,000 (est)While the Buick Envision Avenir is indulgent in terms of features, its price premium leads us to choose the Sport Touring model, which adds a fair number of standard goodies, such as blackout exterior trim, without going overboard. We recommend adding the Comfort and Convenience Package, which includes a heated steering wheel, heated driver and front passenger seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an air quality indicator, automatic air recirculation, a universal home remote, and a hands-free power liftgate.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceAll Envisions come with the same engine: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are both standard. The Envision is down on power compared to its competition and, as a result, its acceleration trails theirs. There is a Sport driving mode, but even with it engaged performance remains unexciting. Nonetheless, as you might expect from a Buick, the Envision’s priority is ride comfort, not driver engagement. On that note, the Envision doesn’t disappoint. This is one relaxed cruiser.0–60-MPH TimesWhen we put the Envision through its paces at our test track, the Buick delivered an uninspired 7.3-second 60-mph run. Still, its on-road performance should suit the majority of buyers.More on the Envision SUVFuel Economy and Real-World MPGThe EPA hasn’t released the 2026 Envision’s fuel economy estimates yet, but the 2025 model was rated for 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. When we get a chance to put the new Envision through our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, we’ll update this story with results. For more information about the Envision’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoDespite its price tag, you’ll find that many of the Envision’s luxury features are optional, even on the mid-level Sport Touring model—except for leather seating, which is standard. Interior ambiance is merely average, not awesome, although the instrument panel design is contemporary and sports a massive 30-inch display with a mid-century modern shape that’s quite fetching. The interior is spacious for a compact SUV but doesn’t feel at all luxurious unless you go for the Avenir trim. Even then, the Envision doesn’t come across as upscale as its German competition. But the Avenir does offer frills such as quilted leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a massaging driver’s seat. And, as an SUV, the Envision is undeniably practical. In our testing, this compact Buick was able to fit 21 carry-on suitcases inside with its rear seats folded flat.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityWhen it comes to connectivity, the Envision doesn’t disenchant. All models come with a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, in-dash navigation, a nine-speaker Bose stereo, four USB ports, and active noise-cancellation. But the main attraction is its large 30-inch display, which houses both the driver’s instrument cluster and the infotainment system.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesBuick offers plenty of driver-assistance features as standard on the Envision, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, automatic high-beam headlamps, and a 360-degree exterior camera system. For more information about the Envision’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageBuick’s standard warranty package matches what many of its rivals offer, but the Envision’s included single service visit pales in comparison with the plans of the BMW X3 and the Jaguar F-Pace, both of which provide far lengthier terms for complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
SpecificationsSpecifications
2021 Buick Envision Avenir AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$47,105 (base price: $43,195)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.3-in vented disc/12.4-in disc
Tires: Continental ProContact TX, 245/45R-20 99H M+S TPC SPEC 3105 MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 109.4 in
Length: 182.5 in
Width: 74.1 in
Height: 64.6 in
Passenger volume: 100 ft3
Cargo volume: 25 ft3
Curb weight: 4005 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.3 sec
100 mph: 20.8 sec
120 mph: 36.2 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 7.8 sec
1/4 mile: 15.7 sec @ 90 mph
Top speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 25/22/29 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
