2022 Buick Envision

　　

2022 Buick Envision 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Situated between the smaller Encore GX and the larger three-row Enclave, the 2022 Buick Envision is a small luxury SUV that offers a fair number of features at a competitive price. Buick gave the Envision a much-needed redesign for 2021 so this year's model is effectively unchanged.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Buick Envision Preferred 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$174/mo  for Envision Preferred

　　Envision Preferred

　　Preferred 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $31,800 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $33,600 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $36,000 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $37,800 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $40,400 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $42,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The small luxury SUV segment is a crowded and competitive one. The Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60 lead the way with their European refinement, while Acura's RDX offers excellent handling and a comfortable interior. If you want to keep costs down, Mazda's near-luxury CX-5 can be loaded up for thousands less than the aforementioned luxury brands. Overall, we think Buick's Envision is a competent SUV but it'll be worth your while to shop around. Read our Expert Rating below for our complete breakdown of its biggest hits and misses.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Envision drive? Mat the gas and the Envision reaches 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, which is decently quick for a small SUV. From the driver's seat, it doesn't feel that quick, which could be a bonus for those who prefer quiet confidence over theater. The gas pedal is immediately and pleasingly responsive. The brakes are also better than average. Emergency stopping distances are short, and the vehicle remains composed and controllable. The pedal feel is reassuring.

　　The handling, even with some notable body roll, is decent. The Envision is not an SUV to have fun with, but it feels confident at sensible speeds.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Envision? The front seats have enough adjustments for most drivers to find a preferred seating position. But the bottom seat cushion is a bit short for taller passengers. The padding is on the firm side and can create some hard spots after a few hours. The massage functions are weak compared to premium luxury versions, but they're a welcome relief when you start feeling those hard spots.

　　The ride quality is praiseworthy. It's biased toward softness and smooths over many imperfections that other SUVs ride more harshly on. Helping matters is a very quiet cabin that effectively eliminates most wind and road noise.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below