2019 Buick Envision Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　

What's new

More powerful 2.0-liter engineNew nine-speed automatic is availableRestyled front and rear fasciasPart of the first Envision generation introduced in 2016

　　If you're in the market for a small luxury SUV, the 2019 Buick Envision certainly deserves a look. With a newly restyled front end and new taillights, it comes with a generous number of features for the price and has an attractive interior trimmed in high-quality materials. It fits in between the much smaller Encore and the larger three-row Enclave in Buick's lineup. As such, it's pretty easy to maneuver around town but still has a decent amount of interior and cargo space.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Buick Envision 1SV 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$151/mo  for Envision 1SV

　　Envision 1SV

　　1SV 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $31,995 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $33,500 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $35,250 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $35,800 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $37,550 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $40,700 MSRPPremium II 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $43,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　We recommend opting for the Envision's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and nine-speed automatic because we think it's more competitive with other vehicles in this segment. With this powertrain, the Envision is similarly priced to luxury crossovers such as the Lincoln MKC and the Volvo XC60 but still less than what you'll likely pay for a Range Rover Evoque or BMW X3. While there's nothing truly special about the Envision to make it stand out in this class, it checks many of the luxury SUV boxes.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.2 / 10

　　Occupying the space between the compact Encore and the much larger three-row Enclave, the newly refreshed Buick Envision combines features of its two luxury crossover siblings and is easy to drive while offering many luxury features found in more expensive SUVs.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Buick Envision Premium II (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.2 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.5

　　

Driving

7.0

　　Overall Driving comment: The Envision takes a different tack from sportier rivals. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and nine-speed automatic deliver smooth torque rather than sharp speed. And while it's stable enough in turns, the Envision is primarily tuned for comfort rather than handling precision. Its steering is fine around town and on the freeway, but it feels sluggish and inaccurate on twistier roads.

　　The Envision's performance shortcomings are highlighted by rivals who offer similar levels of comfort and refinement but provide better feel and responses from both the steering and the transmission. This segment is very competitive, and average is often not enough.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　A smooth and composed ride quality, nicely padded seats all around, three-zone climate control, and an impressively quiet cabin are the highlights. But if comfort is a top priority, you'll like the way the Envision manages to feel serene over most surfaces and at most speeds. That's an enviable trait to possess, especially if you spend a lot of time on the highway, where the Envision is very nearly best in class.

　　The cabin is isolated quite nicely from all noise sources. The engine is muted, traffic noise is kept out, tire noise is surprisingly hushed, and even road noise over bumps sounds slightly distant. This isolation does mean that in some situations wind noise is more noticeable, but it's not pronounced.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　Other manufacturers are putting maximum effort into creating better SUV interiors, which makes the Envision's cabin fall even further below expectations at this price point. Outward visibility can be limited, too, due to thick roof pillars that create blind spots in both the front and rear.

　　But get past the lackluster looks and you'll find an interior that's functional and generally easy to live with. The driving position is somewhat odd, and the button placement can seem random. The only other deal-breaker, aside from the somewhat poor visibility, might be the limited headroom for taller shoppers, though space is pretty abundant otherwise.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　Overall Utility comment: The Envision has a slightly small but very usable cargo area (26.9 cubic feet), and while the vehicle has a lot of little cubbies, they're all quite shallow and good for very small items. On the car seat front, the easy-access anchors and incredible rear legroom make this an easy SUV to live with.

　　

Technology

7.5

　　The Envision's tech features are decent among the mainstream competition. The infotainment system features an easy-to-use navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and enough USB ports for four devices. There's also a good assortment of mobile charge options, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and reliable voice controls. The only shortcomings are the advanced driving aids, which aren't as refined as other systems, and the lack of GM's newest and much improved infotainment system, IntelliLink 3. We expect that technology to make its way into the Envision within the next year or two.

　　

Which Envision does zzdcar recommend?

　　We consider the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter engine the best choice for the 2019 Buick Envision because the base 2.5-liter engine lacks smoothness and struggles to move the Envision with authority. For this reason, we recommend the Premium and Premium II trims, which are the only ones to come with the turbocharged engine and new nine-speed transmission.

　　

2019 Buick Envision models

　　The 2019 Buick Envision is a midsize crossover SUV with seating for five. Five trim levels are offered, starting with the base (1SV) Envision trim. It is only available in front-wheel drive and comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (197 horsepower, 192 pound-feet of torque) mated to a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive can be added to the Preferred and Essence trims. The Premium and Premium II trims have all-wheel drive as standard and come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (252 hp, 295 lb-ft) and a nine-speed automatic.

　　Standard features for the base Envision trim include 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, foglights, auto-dimming and heated mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free liftgate with adjustable opening heights, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

　　Standard tech features include OnStar communications (with 4G LTE connection and a Wi-Fi hotspot), Bluetooth, a rearview camera, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, four USB ports (two are charge-only), Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

　　The Preferred trim is essentially the same but is eligible for more options. The Essence trim adds three-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, heated outboard rear seats, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

　　Stepping up to the Premium trim gets you 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, front parking sensors, automatic wipers, a larger driver information display, a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system, a 110-volt household power outlet, a forward collision alert system, and a lane departure warning and intervention system.

　　At the top of the range, the Premium II trim adds automatic high beams, wireless charging, an automated parking system, a navigation system, a head-up display, an extendable thigh support for the driver's seat, and ventilated front seats. This trim is eligible for the Driver Confidence package that includes adaptive cruise control, a top-down parking camera system, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking.

　　Some features are available on supporting trims as options. Other add-ons include side assist steps, a roof rack and a cargo cover.

　　

2019 Envision Highlights

Trim: 1SVPreferredEssencePremiumPremium II1SV

　　

Base MSRP	$31,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$151/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	26.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles