Buick introduced the Envista crossover in the Spring of 2023 as its last ICE-powered vehicle ever to be developed, promising that it will join the EV bandwagon from there on.
GM had accelerated its conversion towards an all-electric lineup, and the Envista was the last Buick to sport a gas-powered powerplant under its hood. In addition, the new model was based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Traxx and was designed with a coupe-like shape to make it more appealing for sedan buyers who were reluctant to step inside a crossover.
Buick installed a front fascia that looked very similar to some electric vehicles, albeit it featured a broad grille installed on the lower side of the bumper. Its slim LED headlights and the vertical scoops from the sides tried to create a sporty look for the Envista. From its profile, Buick's crossover showed its sculptured doors and the sloped-down tailgate. Finally, at the back, the carmaker added narrow LED taillights.
Inside, the American brand tried to remind customers that it is a luxury brand and focused on technology and high-quality materials. The dashboard was rounded and supported a massive, wide dual-screen display, with a TFT in front of the driver for the instrument panel and a touchscreen atop the center stack for the infotainment system. Buick offered the Envista with three trims: Preferred, Sport Touring (ST), and Avenir. Since the subcompact crossover was a five-door affair, the rear bench was split-folding and could expand the trunk's area.
GM installed a 1.2-liter, inline-three engine under Envista's hood and mated it to a standard six-speed automatic. And, despite the car's crossover shape, it was available only as a front-wheel drive affair.
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