2026 Buick Envision

Middlemen are rarely effective, but we are willing to make an exception for the Buick Envision, a compact SUV positioned between mainstream and luxury offerings. The Envision is approximately the same size as a Honda CR-V but has an upscale interior that offers amenities, such as ventilated front seats, that aren't often found on mainstream small SUVs. It lacks the fancy tech and sophistication of a true luxury SUV, but you won't have to pay as much either.

Glance briefly at the 2026 Envision's interior, and you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for a proper luxury ute. There's a massive 30-inch screen spanning from the left side of the dash two-thirds of the way across. That screen actually functions as both an instrument cluster and an infotainment system, and it looks upscale. Its Google-based interface is easy to use, too. It's only when you take a close look and you'll be able to tell from the finish work and materials that this isn't a full-fledged luxury vehicle. But there's more, including abundant standard driver assist features like adaptive cruise control and other hands-on-the-wheel driver aids that make the Envision easier. And we'll admit that looks are subjective, but we find this SUV pretty easy on the eyes.

It's a good idea to check out the more expensive versions of the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan as alternatives. These will have similar features and pricing as the Envision. If you really want a full-on luxury experience, the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC are great options. Buick also sells the larger three-row Enclave, and it's not dramatically more expensive than the Envision.