2024 Buick Envista Review: A Compact Crossover That’s More Than Just a Pretty Face

Buick has been on an interesting journey lately. Once the car of choice for silver haired retirees, the brand has been on a mission to appeal to younger, more style-conscious buyers. Enter the 2024 Buick Envista.  This sleek compact crossover is aiming to bridge practicality and sophistication without breaking the bank. But does it succeed? Let’s find out.

Our First Impressions: Looks Matter

Let’s not beat around the bush: the Envista is a good-looking car. With its coupe-like profile and sharp lines, it’s got more curb appeal than you’d expect from a Buick. It’s like the brand finally took a long, hard look in the mirror and said, “You know what? We can do sporty.” Honestly, they nailed it. The front end features a bold grille flanked by slim LED headlights, while the rear sports a sloping roofline that gives it a dynamic… almost athletic stance.

Available in three trims—Preferred, Sport Touring (ST), and Avenir, the Envista seems to offer something for just about everyone. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Preferred: The base model, but it doesn’t feel bare-bones. It comes with key essentials like an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a suite of safety features.
• Sport Touring (ST): Adds some visual flair with unique wheels, contrasting roof colors, and sporty accents. It’s like the Envista put on its weekend best.
• Avenir: The luxury option, featuring premium materials, a larger 11-inch infotainment screen, leather upholstery, and more advanced safety tech. Think of it as the tuxedo version of the Envista.

What’s Under the Hood?

The 2024 Buick Envista is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 136 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and comes exclusively with front-wheel drive. Here’s where the rubber meets the road—literally:

• Fuel Economy: The EPA estimates 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Not bad for a crossover, though some rivals edge it out.
• Performance: Let’s be real, this isn’t a sports car. Acceleration is adequate but not thrilling, making it better suited for daily commutes than high-speed escapades.

Comfort & Tech

Step inside the Envista, and you’ll find a surprisingly upscale cabin for its price point. Buick has managed to strike a balance between functionality and flair. Soft-touch materials are strategically placed, and the overall layout feels modern and intuitive. Key highlights include:

• Infotainment: The base 8-inch screen is decent, but the Avenir’s 11-inch display is where it’s at. Both support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can stay connected without fumbling with cables.
• Seating: The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even for longer drives. The rear seats, while adequate for adults, might feel a bit cramped for taller passengers.
• Cargo Space: With 20 cubic feet behind the second row and 42 cubic feet with the seats folded down, it’s not class-leading but should suffice for most errands and weekend getaways.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Buick has packed the Envista with a robust suite of safety features, even on the base model. Standard equipment includes:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist
• Forward collision warning
• Rearview camera

Higher trims add more advanced features like adaptive cruise control (which is hard to live without once you have it) and a surround-view camera system, giving you peace of mind whether you’re navigating city traffic or hitting the open road.

Competitors: What are the Options?

The compact crossover segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive world, and the Envista faces some stiff competition. Here are a few key rivals:

1. Mazda CX-30
   • Pros: Athletic handling, upscale interior, optional turbo engine
   • Cons: Less cargo space, higher price tag
   • If the Envista is a solid all-rounder, the CX-30 is the one you’d pick for driving fun and premium vibes.
2. Kia Seltos
   • Pros: Spacious interior, excellent warranty, optional all-wheel drive
   • Cons: Noisy engine, not as stylish
   • The Seltos offers practicality in spades, but it’s less refined than the Envista.
3. Hyundai Kona
   • Pros: Bold design, great tech features, affordable
   • Cons: Smaller rear seat and cargo area
   • The Kona is quirky and fun, but it may not have the same broad appeal as the Envista.
4. Chevrolet Trailblazer
   • Pros: Affordable, versatile cargo space, available all-wheel drive
   • Cons: Similar powertrain to the Envista (and just as unexciting)
   • As a corporate cousin, the Trailblazer offers many of the same benefits but with a slightly different flavor.

EVs: The Elephant in the Room

As automakers push toward electrification, you might wonder whether a gas-powered crossover like the Envista has staying power. While Buick is dabbling in EVs, the Envista sticks to traditional internal combustion. For now, it’s a safe choice for buyers who aren’t ready to make the electric leap.

However, if you’re considering future-proofing your garage, you might want to check out electric competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV or Hyundai Kona Electric. They’re pricier upfront but could save you boat load of moola on fuel and maintenance in the long run.

Is the Buick Envista Worth It?

The 2024 Buick Envista isn’t trying to be the flashiest or fastest compact crossover out there. Instead, it focuses on offering a balanced package of style, comfort, and value. It’s perfect for someone who wants a car that’s easy to live with but doesn’t fade into the background.

Is it flawless? Of course not. The engine could use a bit more oomph, and rear-seat space might be tight for some families. But for its price point, the Envista punches above its weight class.

So, what do you think? Does the 2024 Buick Envista check all your boxes, or are you leaning toward one of its competitors? Let us know in the comments below as we’d love to hear your take!