Overview The Buick Envista brings a sporty and youthful vibe to a brand in dire need of a pick-me-up. Undercutting its Encore GX sibling in price, the Envista subcompact SUV features a sleek fastback profile, an attractive if function-forward interior, and a livelier driving demeanor despite being front-wheel drive only. Performance is average, however, as its turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder is good for just 137 horsepower. But the Envista is efficient, and it uses a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, which we prefer over a CVT. Inside, there’s room for five if the folks in back are friendly. The Envista comes well-equipped with a standard 11-inch infotainment screen and wireless smartphone connectivity, making for a satisfying package. What’s New for 2026?The 2026 Envista gets a little love with the availability of a new Brilliant Red exterior paint option, which is available on the Preferred and Sport Touring trims. To make room, the Cinnabar Metallic finish has left the building. Also removed from the order book are the cargo organizer, the premium carpeted floor mats, and the highway safety kit. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Buick Envista is expected to start around $26,000 and go up to $31,500 depending on the trim and options.Preferred$26,000 (est)Sport Touring$27,000 (est)Avenir$31,500 (est)The Avenir model comes with attractive, nickel-finished 19-inch wheels (17s and 18s are standard elsewhere in the lineup), a mesh grille, heated front seats and steering wheel, perforated leather seat trim, and other upscale elements that make it look a lot more expensive than its price would suggest, making it our go-to trim. Unfortunately, none of the Envista’s trims come with all-wheel drive or a more powerful engine. Engine, Transmission, and Performance All Envistas come with the same engine: a Lilliputian turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder that makes 137 horsepower. All-wheel drive is not available, so all models drive the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration feels perky enough for casual, around-town driving, but step on the throttle hard to call up power for highway passing, and the Envista feels more lethargic. It takes a second or two for the turbocharger to spool up and push the Envista ahead in earnest, which feels to the driver like the engine is taking a slow, deep breath before moving ahead with any urgency. But the Envista’s vibe isn’t about speed or nipping apexes. Instead, it’s built for loping along comfortably and quietly. Handling confident and poised, with a well-controlled ride, precise steering, and a firm brake pedal.0–60-MPH TimesAt our test track, the Envista needed 9.3 seconds to hit 60 mph. It reaches 50 mph in a more acceptable 6.7 seconds, but after that, the turbocharged three simply runs out of steam.More on the Envista SUVFuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Envista yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, which is an integral part of our extensive testing regimen, the 2025 Envista delivered precisely on its 32-mpg promise. For more information about the Envista’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoInside, the Envista offers a cabin that’s roomy for four, and the chic coupe-like roofline doesn’t noticeably cut into rear-seat headroom. Interior materials aren’t luxury grade, but compared to rivals such as the Nissan Kicks and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, the Buick more than measures up. It also offers plenty of convenience features and desirable tech gadgetry, including a large glass panel on the dashboard that houses both a digital gauge display and an infotainment touchscreen. The top-spec Avenir gets the fanciest interior and rises to near the top of the class in terms of ambiance, but this is no competitor to an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz. Important for a vehicle where practicality is a given, it can haul 20 cubic feet of gear, 42 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Payload is rated at 1,088 pounds.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityThe Envista’s dashboard consists of two digital displays, one 8.0-inch unit for the SUV’s gauge cluster and a second 11.0-inch one serving as a touchscreen infotainment interface. There is also a separate panel for climate controls below a center-mounted dash vent. The Envista uses Buick’s most up-to-date software, and it includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesAll Envistas come with a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features, including automatic high-beam headlamps and automated emergency braking. More advanced tech is available as an option. For more information about the Envista’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageBuick’s standard warranty package matches that of many of the Envista’s key rivals but pales in comparison with the plans of the Hyundai Kona, which provides far lengthier terms as well as three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for the first visit
SpecificationsSpecifications
2024 Buick Envista Avenir
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $29,695/$31,430
Options: moonroof, $795; Advanced Safety package (rear cross-traffic alert, heated and power adjustable exterior mirrors, lane-change alert, adaptive cruise control, intermittent rain-sensing wipers), $795; rear park assist, $145
ENGINE
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve inline-3, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 73 in3, 1199 cm3
Power: 137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam
Brakes, F/R: 11.8-in vented disc/11.3-in disc
Tires: Continental ProContact TX
245/45R-19 M+S TPC Spec 3178
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 182.6 in
Width: 71.5 in
Height: 61.3 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/46 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 42/21 ft3
Curb Weight: 3124 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 9.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 17.0 sec @ 80 mph
100 mph: 32.3 sec
110 mph: 45.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 10.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 183 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 32 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 420 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 30/28/32 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
