2024 Buick Envision

No automaker has managed to straddle that nebulous area between mainstream and luxury vehicles as successfully as Buick. With only SUVs in its portfolio at present, Buick’s products are plusher than a Chevy, less luxurious than a Cadillac. The Envision also fits into a sweet spot size-wise — easy to drive and park for town-dwellers, yet spacious enough for four adults. Those seeking something a step up from the norm might do well to start their search here.

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

What’s New for 2024

A fresh design language has transformed the front end of the 2024 Envision. Other styling revisions have also taken place in the cabin. This is what’s known as a mid-generation refresh.

We think of the Envision mostly as a premium compact SUV, so 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 $40K range. The Lincoln Corsair starts in the high $30K range. Once we’re looking at almost $50K for an Avenir, then more desirable vehicles like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC become proper contenders.

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.

The Buick Envision is propelled by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine developing 228 horsepower. That’s on the weak side compared with other compact SUVs, more firmly in the luxury sector. Buick doesn’t quote any standstill-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 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/29 highway/25 combined mpg.

Buick says the interior has seen some updates to complement the 2024 Envision’s freshened exterior, but we’re still expecting the defining characteristic to be one of classy restraint. Another particularly Buick quality is a hushed cabin, thanks to the company’s Quiet Tuning treatment and active noise cancellation as standard.

Rear legroom of 39.3 inches is good for this class. Yet the Envision’s cargo space is also more than respectable. With both 60/40 split rear seats in place, there’s 25.2 cubic feet for luggage. Folding those seats creates 52.7 cubic feet. Compare those figures with the Lexus NX’s 22.7/46.9 cubic feet. Those figures aren’t likely to change as a result of the 2024 changes.

The new design approach for the 2024 Envision takes its inspiration from the Buick Wildcat electric car concept, which looks pretty sharp. To our collective eyes, it makes the outgoing Envision seem dull by comparison. 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
Offered with the mid-level Essence trim, this appealing package includes a head-up display and a 9-speaker Bose audio upgrade.

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 front seats
Available as an option in the Avenir trim, this feature kneads its occupants into full-on luxury vehicle territory. These seats, covered in perforated leather, also have heating and ventilation.

The 2024 Envision retains a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) 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 60K miles, and the first service is complimentary.

Safety Ratings

The Envision has earned a maximum five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top scores of Good in the main crashworthiness categories of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 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.