2020 Buick Envision Review

Name: 2020 Buick Envision Review
Brand: Buick

Price Range: $17,500 - $28,990

Buick Envision Premium II 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+127

The Envision is a quiet, comfortable SUV that offers a lot of features for the money. It's also priced between the luxury and non-luxury segments. It falls well short of those luxury competitors in everything but cabin quietness, but it provides a slightly elevated level of comfort compared to the standard segment.

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2020 Buick Envision Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

The interior is quiet at highway speeds
Both the ride and the seats are comfortable
Four USB ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard

Cons

Turbo engine's disappointing real-world fuel economy
Lackluster interior design and quality
Visibility is compromised by thick pillars
Not much fun to drive

What's new

The Envision carries over essentially unchanged
Part of the first Envision generation introduced for 2016

Overview

The small luxury SUV market has become rather crowded these days. And with a variety of manufacturers scrambling to catch the attention of buyers with style and flair, it can be hard to find a model that's best for you. Buick, for its part, hopes you'll like the Envision, a small SUV that offers luxury at a considerably more affordable price than other competitors.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$144/mo

$170/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The Envision comes standard with a load of luxury amenities as well as an available powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. It's hard to look past the Buick if you're shopping solely on feature content. But feature content might not be enough to override fairly lackluster fuel economy, low driver engagement and some questionable interior materials.

Competition is fierce in this segment. And with new models such as the Lincoln Corsair and the Range Rover Evoque offering not only a rich assortment of luxury amenities but a heaping of modern style as well, the Buick Envision certainly has its work cut out. But if you like the Envision's size and feature content, we think it deserves a test drive.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds 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

7.2

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7/10

How does the Envision drive? 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

8/10

How comfortable is the Envision? 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

7/10

How’s the interior? 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 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.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? 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.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? 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.

Fuel Economy

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? With the 2.0-liter turbo, the Envision's EPA fuel economy estimates fall below those of competitors that also deliver more power, though the base engine with FWD is a little better. On our highway-heavy testing loop, the Envision fell well short of expectations, coming in at just 18.3 mpg. While there is a less powerful engine available, its performance and rougher character aren't befitting of a luxury SUV. The inefficiency of the 2.0-liter turbo is made even more glaring, especially against more efficient competitors such as the Lexus NX 300 and the Audi Q5.

Value

7/10

Is the Envision a good value? Value is the Envision's big stumbling block, depending on what you want. If you desire a lot of features, easy-to-use tech and a quiet, comfortable SUV, the Envision makes a very strong case for itself. But if luxurious appointments matter, you'll be disappointed by the heavy use of plastic panels in the interior -- sometimes this Buick comes across as a rebadged Chevrolet. It outdoes most non-luxury competitors in warranty protection and ownership experience, as you'd expect given the Envision's slightly upmarket price tag.

Wildcard

6/10

We like the feeling of torque propelling you along around town, the quiet cabin and the smooth ride. The Envision is so close to being an entry-level luxury player, but it makes a terrible first impression. Styling appears to be a total afterthought, both inside and out. And the amount and quality of the interior plastics just don't cut it when you're going up against brands such as Audi and Lexus. With the similarly sized Cadillac XT4 and XT5 sitting handsomely under the same corporate umbrella, why does the Envision have to look this way?

Which Envision does Edmunds recommend?

We strongly prefer the power and drivability of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which narrows the field to the Premium and Premium II trims. Between those two, we like the Premium II because of its available adaptive cruise control, standard upgraded audio system, navigation, head-up display and wireless charging pad.

Compare 2020 Buick Envision trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2020 Buick Envision models

The 2020 Buick Envision is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five people. Five trim levels are offered, starting with the base (1SV) Envision trim. It is only available with front-wheel drive and comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (197 horsepower, 192 lb-ft 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 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, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, four USB ports (two are charge-only), 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 functions, 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 less expensive trims as options. Other add-ons include side assist steps, roof rack crossbars and a cargo cover.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

5/5Excellent

#1 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Buick Envision from 2008-2022.}

$318/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.18x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

4.8%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Buick Envision.

5 (71%)

4 (22%)

3 (2%)

2 (2%)

1 (3%)

4.6

45 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

I came back to the Envision

Leland, 02/24/2019

2019 Buick Envision Preferred 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I owned a 2017 but traded it in after it was involved in an accident. I purchased a Buick Encore to replace the Envision. While I really liked the Encore in many ways, I decided to trade for a 2019 Envision for the larger size and cargo capacity. I find the 2019 Envision superior to the 2017 I previously owned in terms of styling and technology. The envision has the classic Buick classic …

Very Surprised, purchased over CR-V and Tiguan

Nathan, 03/31/2019

2019 Buick Envision Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

Firstly, we just bought this Envision and only have 500 miles on it so far, so I cannot comment on reliability, etc. We had been shopping for an SUV for a couple months and had struggled with the whole 2-row vs 3-row thing. We decided to get a larger 2-row because my wife will drive it every day and we only road-trip a couple times a year (something a 3-row would be best suited for). … We were set to buy a VW Tiguan because of its size, power, etc. We visited our local Buick dealer just to see what they had to offer. We had not even considered the Envision, but when my wife drove the turbo 2.0, the decision became easy: she had to have it! We were blown away by the ride, smoothness, easy steering, and the extremely quiet interior. We also drove one with the 2.5 4-cyl, but it didn't hold a candle to the turbo. I will say however, that I felt the 2.5 liter was on-par with VW's turbo 2.0. It made us realize that the VW and the Honda were weak. This thing has all kinds of power, but it comes at a price. We averaged 25 mpg (hand calculated) on a 400-mile road trip, with a conservative 71 mph average speed. Not terrible, but overall worse than others in this class. This will be my wife's daily-driver, so we'll see how it does in the city. I'm hopeful the mileage will improve after we get a few thousand miles on it. Cargo capacity is okay, but we travel lightly so we're good with it. We had just enough room for us, two small kids, 3 small suitcases, a box of toys, and miscellaneous bags of stuff. I recently rented a Nissan Murano for a road trip, and this Envision felt just as good, if not better. The only areas where the Murano was better was mpg and its slightly larger size. We got the Premium I trim, but even the lower trims are well-equipped with a power lift gate, heated seats, wheel, and more. The other makes only offer that stuff in high trim levels. Honda does not even offer two of her must-haves in the CR-V: heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. If you're shopping for a larger 2-row SUV, do not pass up on the Envision. UPDATE: 16k miles on our Envision now, and my wife still loves it. We have not had any issues whatsoever, and have only performed the required maintenance. After break-in, we've bested 27 mpg on a very long highway trip. We don't track in-town mileage, but would estimate it's in the 18-20 mpg range. Driven conservatively, I would say it does better on fuel than the estimate. The only downside, is that it requires premium. My wife definitely notices a difference in performance if she uses regular or mid-grade fuel.

Underrated and overlooked car

Clark, 03/27/2019

2019 Buick Envision Essence 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

The Envision has a lot going for it. It is comfortable, has controls that are intuitive and easy to use, has sufficient power, quiet, smooth gearbox, plenty of space, and lots of useful tech (power liftgate, blindside assist, rear cross traffic alert, heated steering, remote start, to name a few). All trims come with at least HID headlamps, which makes night driving much better than with …

The Buick Ride

Tony in Edmond, Oklahoma, 12/20/2020

2020 Buick Envision 1SV 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

Before buying the envision, my wife and I have had a couple of enclaves, and my daughter has an 2019 encore. The only difference I could find in an envision between a basic and preferred models are the all weather floor mats and the placard on the rear lift gate. Pretty much the same car. With a shorter wheelbase, it rides a little rougher than the enclave, (although not as touchy as …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Buick Envision, so we've included reviews for other years of the Envision since its last redesign.

See all 45 reviews of the Buick Envision

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2020 Envision Highlights

Trim:

1SV

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$31,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$144/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	26.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Envision models:

Safety Alert Seat: Vibrates the driver's seat on the left or right side to alert the driver of a possible hazard.
Side Blind Zone and Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts: Alerts the driver if a car is lurking in a blind spot or if one is approaching from the side while backing up.
Rear Seat Reminder: Reminds the passengers to check the rear seat for children and valuables before exiting.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2020 Buick Envision Review

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2020 Buick Envision Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Envision does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Buick Envision models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

I came back to the Envision

Very Surprised, purchased over CR-V and Tiguan

Underrated and overlooked car

The Buick Ride

2020 Envision Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}