2024 Buick Envista: The Brand's Last New Gas Vehicle

by Chris Teague

Published: April 17th, 2023

Buick is busy rolling out its first EV in China, but here in the U.S., we’re getting the brand's last new gas-powered vehicle. The 2024 Envista arrives to replace the Encore as Buick’s smallest SUV, bringing attractive styling and a more engaging driving experience than the tiny and not-so-Buick-like Encore.

Its shape falls close to the coupe-SUV look commonly used by European luxury brands, and Buick said it’s the first vehicle to use its new design language. The front end features a sharp nose and large grille, and it gets Buick’s new three-shield logo. Though there’s plenty of black plastic, Buick limited it to lower-body panels that might actually need the extra protection.

Inside, the Envista gets sporty touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel and embroidered trim logos on the headrests. Buick said the long wheelbase gives it more legroom than any of its small SUVs, and the back seat folds flat to provide storage for items up to 7.5 feet long.

Under the hood is the same turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine seen in the Encore GX. However, the company said Envista’s powertrain uses fewer parts and is lighter than previous versions. It makes 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Though light on power, Buick promises nimble handling and an engaging driving experience.

Taking a cue from the Cadillac Escalade, Buick gives the Envista 19 inches of display mounted behind a large panel. The infotainment screen measures 11 inches, the largest in its segment, and the system brings features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buick offers several upgrades, including wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats.

Numerous advanced driver aids come standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warnings, automatic high means, and a rearview camera. Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are available.

Buick offers three trims for the 2024 Envista, including the $23,495 Preferred, the $25,195 Sport Touring, and the range-topping $29,695 Avenir. The Avenir trim brings all the goodies, including heated seats, a power liftgate, 19-inch wheels, and wireless phone charging.

[Image: Buick]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.

#Buick #Buickenvista

Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

More by Chris Teague

Comments

Join the conversation

5 of 40 comments

Thegamper on Apr 18, 2023

I think this car looks really sharp. Probably the best looking Buick. I also like the new Trax, very attractive in person. I am not so thrilled with the 1.2 liter engine. If it were getting exceptional fuel economy it might be more forgivable. The price is right though, on both this and the Trax. I suspect they will both be big sellers.

2 Reply
- Kwik_Shift_Pro4X on Apr 19, 2023
  
  1.2 L 3 cyl is fine for the Mirage or equal sub compact.
  
  1
NJRide on Apr 18, 2023

What would Deadweight say about this one?

China or Korea built? Is the 0-60 time in double-digits? That's scarily low hp.

Like Reply
- See 1 previous
- Kwik_Shift_Pro4X on Apr 19, 2023
  
  Especially if you plan on carrying passengers. Stay in the slow lane.
  
  Like
- Dukeisduke on Apr 19, 2023
  
  @NJRide My guess is Korean, like their predecessors. So, better made than the Chinese Invasion, I mean Envision.
  
  Like
- William on Apr 23, 2023
  
  This will be GM Korea. C&D has 0-60 at 9.3
  Edit: Sorry, that's the Encore's time. Nobody has a 0-60 on this yet.
  
  Like

Recent Comments

SCE to AUX The nose went from terrible to weird.
Chris P Bacon I'm not a fan of either, but if I had to choose, it would be the RAV. It's built for the long run with a NA engine and an 8 speed transmission. The Honda with a turbo and CVT might still last as long, but maintenance is going to cost more to get to 200000 miles for sure. The Honda is built for the first owner to lease and give back in 36 months. The Toyota is built to own and pass down.
Dwford Ford's management change their plans like they change their underwear. Where were all the prototypes of the larger EVs that were supposed to come out next year? Or for the next gen EV truck? Nowhere to be seen. Now those vaporware models are on the back burner to pursue cheaper models. Yeah, ok.
Wjtinfwb My comment about "missing the mark" was directed at, of the mentioned cars, none created huge demand or excitement once they were introduced. All three had some cool aspects; Thunderbird was pretty good exterior, let down by the Lincoln LS dash and the fairly weak 3.9L V8 at launch. The Prowler was super cool and unique, only the little nerf bumpers spoiled the exterior and of course the V6 was a huge letdown. SSR had the beans, but in my opinion was spoiled by the tonneau cover over the bed. Remove the cover, finish the bed with some teak or walnut and I think it could have been more appealing. All three were targeting a very small market (expensive 2-seaters without a prestige badge) which probably contributed. The PT Cruiser succeeded in this space by being both more practical and cheap. Of the three, I'd still like to have a Thunderbird in my garage in a classic color like the silver/green metallic offered in the later years.
D Screw Tesla. There are millions of affordable EVs already in use and widely available. Commonly seen in Peachtree City, GA, and The Villages, FL, they are cheap, convenient, and fun. We just need more municipalities to accept them. If they'll allow AVs on the road, why not golf cars?