Used 2020 Buick Envision

#14 in Best Small Luxury SUVs of 2020

Buick’s 5-passenger Envision SUV for 2020 has proven a sales success, accounting for a big slice of total Buick sales, right behind the smaller Encore and hot on the heels of the larger Enclave. So what makes the Envision such an alluring choice? Well, to begin with, price. Staring around $32,500, the Envision undercuts the Lexus NX and Acura RDX by a several thousand dollars, and although its exterior isn’t as bold or dynamic as these two, its interior styling and impressive feature list certainly scream, “bargain.” However, when it comes to handling, performance and fuel economy, the Envision begins to falter, especially with no hybrid model in the lineup. The Envision also lags behind in tech, where its advanced driver assists are optional and available only on the most expensive trim.

If we could pick just two of the 2020 Buick Envision’s best qualities, we’d have to go with its quiet interior and precise steering. Regulating the Envision’s interior sound levels is Buick’s “Quiet Tuning” technology. It combines ample sound-deadening insulation with active noise-canceling technology that uses sound waves to cancel out even harsher sound waves. At both city and highway speeds, the Envision’s interior remains whisper quiet, creating a relaxing environment for driver and passengers.

Number two on our list is the Envision’s steering, which feels nicely communicative over varied surfaces and returns good feedback without feeling over-assisted. On models equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the steering setup helps the Envision feel somewhat sporty in the curves, although the soft suspension doesn’t exactly inspire enthusiast-style driving. The Envision’s 9-speed automatic is one of the more enjoyable automatics we’ve tested, delivering smooth shifts precisely when needed.

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The interior story of the 2020 Envision starts under the hood, where Buick cleverly packaged the engine to provide a flat floor in the rear. That means no hump, and comfortable seating for everyone. The seat slides forward to help extend the cargo area a bit, at the expense of legroom, of course. In front are comfortable driver and passenger seats, an interior layout that’s easy to understand and use, and generally high-quality-feeling materials. The ergonomic exception would be the climate-control switches, which are touch-sensitive and provide no feedback, real or haptic. We’d prefer real buttons, or at least a “thump” from a haptic feedback system.

The 2020 Envision got a slight update to its exterior last year, adding the “wings” to the waterfall motif that’s seen in other Buick products, and with a slight revision to the lower bumper. The tailgate received an update as well, with a smaller chrome strip, different surround for the rear glass, and updated lower bumpers with different contouring under the reshaped taillights. It’s still conservative, but the sculpted sides, wide, stance and curve of its C-pillar are all details that give the design depth. Buick uses chrome, but keeps it to a minimum, with the most prominent applications around the grille and across the rear hatch. We also like the standard power tailgate that has adjustable lift height and hands-free operation.

START/STOP DEACTIVATION
To both save fuel and the environment, the Envision features GM’s start/stop technology. This system automatically shuts down the engine when stopped, then restarts it once the accelerator pedal is depressed. For those who find the system annoying, Buick includes a deactivation switch.

SAFETY-ALERT SEAT
The Safety Alert Seat vibrates to warn of hazards on either side of the car, with the right seat bolster vibrating to warn of hazards on the right and the left doing the same for its side. With so many beeps and buzzers already onboard, it’s a simple way for the driver to understand why the car is alerting.

Buick’s Envision Preferred for 2020 comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Beyond that you get keyless entry and start, a rearview camera and backup sensors, 8-way-power front seats with 4-way lumbar support, and a hands-free power liftgate. That’s some solid high-end equipment there already, and to that Buick adds remote start, an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, 18-inch alloy wheels, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi. On the safety front there are 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder to make sure you’re not forgetting anyone, and GM’s Teen Driver system, which lets you monitor and limit the driving habits of new drivers.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is available across the model lineup, but other features are added as you climb the model ladder. The Essence model adds leather upholstery with memory seats, heated steering wheel and 2nd-row outboard seats, 3-zone automatic climate control, and rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot alert.

The Premium model comes standard with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, plus the advanced twin-clutch AWD system, lane-keep assist, automatic wipers, LED headlights and more.

The Premium II model includes adjustable thigh support for the driver, parking assist, a head-up display, automatic high beams, and navigation. There’s a navigation package that’s also available for Essence and Premium models, and the top three trims can also add a panoramic sunroof. However, only Premium II models can add the Driver Confidence package that includes adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and a 360-degree camera.

Standard in the bottom two 2020 Envision models is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 197 horsepower, connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s a solid piece that gets the job done without too much drama, but it’s not going to win many drag races, either. A better choice is the 2.0-liter turbo-4 found in the Premium models. It produces 252 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for better performance. More important, it’s connected to GM’s slick 9-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available for the 2.5-liter engine, while turbo models get a more sophisticated system standard. Fuel economy is pretty solid, with a front-drive Envision with the 2.5-liter estimated to get up to 29 mpg on the highway, and the turbo projected to get 25 mpg on premium fuel.

2.5-liter inline-4
197 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
192 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (FWD); 21/27 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
252 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/25 mpg