Used 2017 Buick Envision Premium I SUV Review

In the market for an SUV that sits comfortably between compact and barely able to fit in the garage? Consider the 2017 Buick Envision, a midsize SUV that fits between the compact Encore and three-row Enclave in Buick's lineup. The manageable size makes it an excellent choice for a growing family while its choice of four-cylinder engines should deliver solid fuel economy. Inside and out, there's no missing the Buick design cues, and the use of high quality cabin materials make it feel more like an entry-level European vehicle.

Buick has positioned the Envision to compete against the Audi Q5, and in terms of pricing and feature content the Buick has an advantage. The Audi, however, still comes out on top for quality, performance and brand cache. We're more inclined to pit the Envision against comparably priced crossovers like the Edmunds A-rated Acura RDX and B-rated Lincoln MKC, Lexus NX200t and Volvo XC60.

After driving the 2017 Buick Envision, we wouldn't be surprised if it challenges the Acura with a strong rating of its own. As a near-luxury offering, the Buick exceeds expectations and is definitely worth consideration.

Standard safety features for all 2017 Buick Envision models include antilock brakes, traction/stability control, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, side and full-length side curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seats and knee airbags for the front seats.

The Leather trim adds rear cross-traffic alerts and a blind-zone monitor, while the Premium trim comes standard with frontal collision alerts, lane keeping assist, a safety alert driver seat and front parking sensors. Optional on the Premium II trim are frontal collision mitigation and a surround-view camera system.

The 2017 Buick Envision is a midsize crossover SUV with seating for five. There are four trim levels offered, starting with the base-level Convenience trim which is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Then there's the Leather trim level, which is also available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The Premium and Premium II models round out the lineup and are all-wheel drive only.

Standard Convenience trim features include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, fog lights, hands-free power liftgate with programmable opening height, roof rails, keyless entry/ignition, remote start, rear parking sensors and cruise control.

Inside, you get active noise cancellation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, cloth upholstery with leatherette trim, heated eight-way power-adjustable front seats, 60/40 split-folding sliding and reclining rear seats, a universal garage door opener, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, an eight-inch touchscreen with Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system, a six-speaker stereo with two USB ports, auxiliary audio input, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Leather trim level adds tri-zone automatic climate control, driver seat memory functions, rear cross-traffic alerts, a blind-zone monitor, leather upholstery, heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel.

The Premium trim adds 19-inch wheels, automatic wipers, forward collision alerts, lane keeping assist, a safety alert driver seat that buzzes to warn the driver of hazards, front parking sensors, an 8 -inch virtual center gauge cluster, a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system and a household power outlet behind the center console. The Premium II trim adds adaptive xenon headlights with automatic high beams, an automated parallel and perpendicular parking system, a navigation system, a head-up display, ventilated front seats and a thigh extender cushion for the driver seat.

Some features are available on supporting trim levels as options. Other add-ons include a panoramic sunroof, side steps, a trailer tow package, roof rack cross bars, a cargo cover and universal tablet holders for the rear seats. The Premium II trim is eligible for the Driver Confidence package that adds adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system and frontal collision mitigation.

The 2017 Buick Envision is available with two engine choices, separated by trim levels. The Convenience and Leather trims come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 197 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. These models come standard with front-wheel drive but all-wheel drive is available as an option. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. EPA fuel economy estimates are not yet available.

The Premium models receive a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that increases output to 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. These trims come standard with a more advanced all-wheel-drive system that distributes power both fore/aft and left/right. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city/26 mpg highway).

Properly equipped, the Envision can tow up to 1,500 pounds.