2025 Buick Envision

Buick prides itself on being a cut above mainstream brands like Chevy, Ford, Toyota, and Honda. Premium is the descriptor most often tossed around during a conversation about Buick and its SUV lineup. What that means to a Buick owner is it’s quieter, more comfortable, and likely to use some upscale materials when compared to mainstream carmakers. Pricing tends to be higher, too, but not as expensive as luxury brands. This description fits the Envision to a T. In other words, the Buick brand in general and the Envision in particular are just a bit more refined than mainstream rivals. Therefore, we typically lump in Buick with luxury brands.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of compact luxury SUVs, including the Buick Envision.

Buick gave the Envision its midcycle refresh for the 2024 model year and basically left it alone for 2025.

Because we think of the Envision mostly as a premium compact SUV, rivals could include the Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Genesis GV70, and Infiniti QX50 — some of the more affordable examples of the class, all starting in the low-to-mid $40,000 range. The Lincoln Corsair starts in the high $30,000 range. Once we’re looking at almost $50,000 for an Avenir, then more desirable vehicles like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC become proper contenders. When comparing prices, keep in mind that every Envision comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Before buying a new Envision SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. In terms of resale values, the Envision historically falls about mid-pack, below the Lexus NX but above the Infiniti QX50. Remember, the better a vehicle retains its value, the more money you have to put down on your next one.

The Buick Envision is propelled by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine developing 228 horsepower. That’s on the weaker side when compared with other compact SUVs more firmly in the luxury sector. Buick doesn’t quote any zero-to-60 mph acceleration times, but we reckon it could be in the 7-second region. The Lexus NX, hardly the sportiest compact premium SUV, can do it in 6.6 seconds.

Sportiness is not the Envision’s thing, though. Comfort is, especially in the top Avenir trim with its standard adaptive suspension. We’ve also found that the 9-speed automatic transmission shifts gears with subtlety and refinement. All-wheel drive is standard, creating greater confidence in bad weather.

Fuel Economy

It’s OK to put regular gasoline in the Buick Envision, which is not always the case with turbocharged engines. The Envision is rated for 22 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg. This combined (mixed city-and-highway) driving number puts the Envision about midpack for fuel economy. It’s right there with the Lincoln Corsair.

The Envision interior’s defining characteristic is classy restraint. Another quality typical of Buick is a hushed cabin, thanks to the standard QuietTuning treatment and active noise cancellation.

Rear legroom of 39.3 inches is above average for this class. Yet, the Envision’s cargo space is also more than respectable. With both 60/40-split rear seats in place, there are 25.2 cubic feet for storing luggage. Folding those seats more than doubles the space to 52.7 cubic feet. For comparison, the Lexus NX provides 22.7/46.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Inspired by the Buick Wildcat electric car concept, which looks pretty sharp, the Envision’s outer shell is sleek and contemporary. Most of the action takes place at the front, with thin headlights (that are so fashionable these days) flanking a large and distinct grille.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cable-free phone integration is standard across the Envision range. We’re all for convenience.

Hands-free tailgate operation
If there’s one feature we’re especially grateful for when loading/unloading the weekly shopping, it’s this.

Technology I package
Standard on the two lower trims, this appealing package includes a head-up display and a 9-speaker Bose audio system.

Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist
Part of the Avenir’s standard equipment, this feature assesses possible parking spaces — parallel or perpendicular — then maneuvers the Envision into them.

Rear camera mirror
Buyers who do splash out on a new Envision in the top Avenir trim also get this as standard. It can function as a typical rearview mirror or show the feed from a rear-facing camera (with its own washer) so drivers have a clear view without passengers’ heads, cargo, or rear pillars getting in the way.

Massaging driver seat
Available as an option in the Avenir trim, this feature kneads the driver into full-on luxury vehicle territory. Both front seats, covered in perforated leather, feature heating and ventilation as standard.

The 2025 Envision retains a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This pony count is near the bottom of the heap among luxury rivals. The torque number is more competitive but is also below average. A 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard at all three trim levels.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Although Buick would like to be perceived as an aspirational marque, its warranties are decidedly mainstream. That’s basic coverage of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first, with powertrains covered for five years or 60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is also provided for those five years or 60,000 miles; the first service is complimentary.

Safety Ratings

The Envision has earned a maximum 5-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top scores of Good in the bundle of crashworthiness categories of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that were replaced in 2024. Driver assistance features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning/lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.