2021 Buick Envision
MSRP range: $31,800 - $42,000
2021 Buick Envision Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Quiet interior at highway speeds
- Smooth ride over bumps
- Pleasing amount of premium features for the price
Cons
- Interior materials fall short of luxury expectations
- Smaller-than-average cargo area
What's new
- The Buick Envision is redesigned for 2021
- Standard turbocharged engine makes 230 horsepower
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard
- Kicks off the second Envision generation
The Buick Envision is redesigned for 2021. This is Buick's small five-passenger SUV that slots between the even smaller Encore and the larger three-row Enclave. Highlights for this redesign include more standard driver assist features, a bigger touchscreen with Buick's latest infotainment system, and a new turbocharged engine that's standard on every Envision trim level.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $4.53 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$209/mo
Envision Preferred
vs
$231/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
There's little to fault the Envision for. It's a perfectly decent entry-level SUV that's a bit nicer than popular small SUVs such as the Honda CR-V but not as posh or expensive as an Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLC. Other alternatives include the Acura RDX or a loaded-up Mazda CX-5. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth take on this year's Envision.
Edmunds Expert Rating
average
7.4/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe 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.
The Buick Envision is an average small SUV in nearly every metric. This new-generation model is certainly an improvement over the prior one, but it doesn't really stand out against the likes of an Acura RDX, BMW X3 or Volvo XC60.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2021 Buick Envision pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Preferred
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A
Edmunds suggests you pay$31,997
Essence
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A
Edmunds suggests you pay$35,872
Avenir
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A
Edmunds suggests you pay$40,134
Which Envision does Edmunds recommend?
The midtier Essence trim adds several upgrades that make the Envision look and feel more like a legitimate entry-level luxury SUV. To that, we'd add the optional Technology Package II to get adaptive cruise control and a few other features.
Buick Envision models
The 2021 Buick Envision is a five-passenger small luxury SUV available in three trim levels: Preferred, Essence and Avenir. All have a turbocharged 230-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Feature highlights for the Envision include:
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $32,995
- MPG & Fuel
- 24 City / 31 Hwy / 26 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 9-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 230 hp @ 5000 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 182.5 in. / Height: 64.6 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 74.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 3692 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 25.2 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Envision safety features:
- 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.
Buick Envision vs. the competition
2021 Buick Envision
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Buick Envision vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is our favorite small luxury SUV for its elegant interior, abundant comfort and strong performance. Pricing for a base GLC 300 starts out right around where the top Envision Avenir maxes out. We're confident, though, that most luxury-minded shoppers will find that paying more for the GLC is worth it.
Buick Envision vs. Volvo XC60
Both of these small SUVs have stylish looks and similar interior room. The XC60 costs more to start but in return comes with a few more advanced driver safety features as standard. Volvo also offers more powerful engine options should you want them. We like the Volvo more, but the Envision's lower price makes it a competitive comparison.
Buick Envision vs. Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is among our favorites in the class, and its similar price makes it an appealing alternative to the Envision. It's biased more toward driving enjoyment and performance than the Envision and has more cargo space behind the second row. We're not fond of the RDX's infotainment interface, but overall it's a step up from the Buick.
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FAQ
Is the Buick Envision a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Envision both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Envision has 25.2 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Buick Envision. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Buick Envision?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Buick Envision:
- The Buick Envision is redesigned for 2021
- Standard turbocharged engine makes 230 horsepower
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard
- Kicks off the second Envision generation
Is the Buick Envision reliable?
To determine whether the Buick Envision is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Envision. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Envision's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Buick Envision a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Buick Envision is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Envision and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Envision is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Buick Envision?
The least-expensive 2021 Buick Envision is the 2021 Buick Envision Preferred 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $31,800.
Other versions include:
- Preferred 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $31,800
- Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $33,600
- Essence 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $35,800
- Essence 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $37,600
- Avenir 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $40,200
- Avenir 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $42,000
What are the different models of Buick Envision?
If you're interested in the Buick Envision, the next question is, which Envision model is right for you? Envision variants include Preferred 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A), Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A), Essence 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A), and Essence 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A). For a full list of Envision models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
