2024 Buick Envista: The Brand's Last New Gas Vehicle
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]
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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.
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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.
What would Deadweight say about this one?
China or Korea built? Is the 0-60 time in double-digits? That's scarily low hp.