Buick has addressed some of the flaws of the first-generation Envision with this redesign, and the result is a comfortable, quiet, mildly-upscale SUV that’s pleasant to drive.
The only available engine in this luxury compact SUV is a 228-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. We found the engine smooth and responsive, with enough power for most situations. The transmission operates intuitively, marred only by an occasional bumpy downshift. Even with the all-wheel-system engaged (it can be switched between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive modes by pressing a button), the Envision has a tendency to briefly spin the front tires when taking off quickly from a stop, which can be unnerving in slippery conditions. Our tested fuel economy of 23 mpg overall isn’t anything to write home about for an all-wheel-drive SUV of this size.
The suspension absorbs all but the biggest bumps nicely, and the body remains steady, giving the cabin a relaxed feel. We would caution against opting for versions with the 20-inch wheel-and-tire combination (vs. 18-inch wheels on lower trims) because it hurts ride quality. Handling isn’t an Envision strong suit, due to vague and overly light steering, along with noticeable body lean through corners. But, when driven to its limits on our track it proved utterly controlled and capable, especially through our avoidance maneuver test, which simulates swerving quickly to avoid a vehicle or obstacle on the road.
There’s little wind or road noise inside the Envision’s cabin, but the engine sounds wheezy at low revs and gets a bit loud when pushed. Interior space is generous for a small SUV, and it’s easy to get in or out of thanks to large door openings front and rear, and seats perched at natural heights to slide into. Rear three-quarter visibility is hampered due to the lack of a third side window. The front seats have plush cushions and just-good-enough side bolsters to hold you in place when taking corners, while the rear seat has plenty of knee room and ample foot space underneath the front seats, but taller passengers found headroom a bit tight.
When we tested the Envision we found the controls to a mixed bag with a user-friendly infotainment system but a gear selector that was difficult to operate without taking your eyes off the road. Buick has updated the infotainment system and fitted a column-mounted gear selector for 2024.
The Envision comes standard with active safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and lane departure warning, as well as driver assistance features including lane keeping assistance.