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.
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: LRBFZPR44MD061900 Stock: 2003301733 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 11-20-2024
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: LRBFZMR49MD109373 Stock: 26580274 Certified Pre-Owned: No
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: LRBFZSR44MD194031 Stock: 2003286352 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 11-08-2024
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: LRBAZLR48MD060736 Stock: 2003284459 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 11-11-2024
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: LRBFZNR44MD062422 Stock: 25929633 Certified Pre-Owned: No
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: LRBAZLR4XMD148641 Stock: 26322118 Certified Pre-Owned: No
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: LRBFZPR45MD138886 Stock: 2003262872 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 11-02-2024
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. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
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
Overview
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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
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
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.
Average
7.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
How does the Envision drive? Mat the gas and the Envision reaches 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, which is decently quick for a small SUV. From the driver's seat, it doesn't feel that quick, which could be a bonus for those who prefer quiet confidence over theater. The gas pedal is immediately and pleasingly responsive. The brakes are also better than average. Emergency stopping distances are short, and the vehicle remains composed and controllable. The pedal feel is reassuring.
The handling is decent, even with some notable body roll. The Envision is not an SUV to have fun with, but it feels confident at sensible speeds.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Envision? The front seats have enough adjustments for most drivers to find a preferred seating position. But the bottom seat cushion is a bit short for taller passengers. The padding is on the firm side and can create some hard spots after a few hours. The massage functions are weak compared to premium luxury versions, but they're a welcome relief when you start feeling those hard spots.
The ride quality is praiseworthy. It's biased toward softness and smooths over many imperfections that other SUVs ride more harshly on. Helping matters is a very quiet cabin that effectively eliminates most wind and road noise.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The interior design has a clean, understated look. Buick pleasingly canted the center dash section toward the driver to make it easier to reach. The push/pull button gear selector is more intuitive than alternatives from other carmakers, and it doesn't take up too much space on the center console.
The interior space is average for the class, which means taller passengers will likely feel cramped on a long trip. Outward visibility is helped by sensibly sized roof pillars and crisp resolution for the available surround-view camera system. Overall, there's not much to complain about, but also there's not much to praise.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, which means you don't need to use a USB cord to integrate your phone with the touchscreen. Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay with the wireless connection was very slow to respond in our testing, so we had to resort to using the USB cable instead. The Envision's native voice command system is OK, but it doesn't recognize natural speech commands.
The available 10-inch touchscreen looks sharp. But Buick's decision to put the infotainment controller knob right next to the screen is puzzling. You have to reach to the dashboard to use the touchscreen anyway, so why put them together? Locating the controller on the center console where your hand normally rests would have made more sense.
The Envision's driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are well tuned and operate smoothly. We never experienced any false alarms. Audio quality from the Bose system degrades at higher volumes, and the bass lacks punch. At moderate volume, the quality is decent but not impressive for an upgraded system.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? With 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space, the Envision cargo area is well below what the typical small SUV offers. Buick hasn't added any clever storage bins or shelves, but there are some hooks that you can use to secure grocery bags. The liftover height is about average, and the available hands-free hatch function works well.
Interior storage is adequate, with moderately sized door pockets, cupholders and center armrest bin. The wireless charging pad can help keep your phone in place. Got kids? Installing a large rear-facing infant seat will likely impinge on front seat space, but the LATCH anchors are easy to find and access.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the front-wheel-drive Envision will get 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is pretty decent considering the power the turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes. We observed 28.8 mpg on our 115-mile highway-heavy evaluation route, confirming that these estimates are realistic.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Envision a good value? The Envision occupies an odd space: one that's a cut above your standard small SUV in interior materials quality and exterior appearance, but at a hefty premium. You might cross-shop it across both luxury and non-luxury segments, but ultimately it's not as good a value as a mainstream SUV or as luxurious as a top European small SUV.
Warranty coverage is typical for the class, but Buick's roadside assistance coverage is an excellent six years/70,000 miles. That's better than much of the competition. The first scheduled maintenance visit is also complimentary, a small but nice perk.
Wildcard
7/10
The Envision proves itself capable in terms of performance and comfort, but it isn't really outstanding in any given area. You can view it as a bargain luxury SUV or a nicer mainstream SUV, but we think it commands a buyer with very specific wants and it's not something that will appeal to the masses.
The Envision represents a step in the right direction for Buick. It's attractively designed and has an understated class. It makes a statement without saying much.
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.
2021 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:
Preferred Starts you off with:
LED headlights
Roof rails
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Keyless entry and ignition
Power-adjustable driver's seat
8-inch touchscreen
OnStar remote services with Wi-Fi hotspot
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Six-speaker audio system
Every Envision also comes with the Buick Driver Confidence suite of safety features that includes:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Safety alert seat (vibrates the driver's seat cushion when a safety warning is triggered)
Essence Gains more premium features such as:
Hands-free liftgate
Remote ignition
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Larger driver information display
Driver-seat memory functions
10-inch touchscreen
Seven-speaker audio system
Avenir
Front parking sensors
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear outboard seats
Driver's seat massage functions
Household-style power outlet
Wireless charging pad
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Navigation system
Nine-speaker Bose premium audio system
Some of the Envision's upper trim features are available on the lower trims as options. Optional for the Avenir is the Technology Package II that includes:
Adaptive suspension (enhances ride comfort and cornering stability)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Enhanced forward collision mitigation system
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Virtual rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
See Edmunds pricing data
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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 2021 Buick Envision.
2021 Buick Envision Avenir 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Just purchased this wonderful midnight moon blue Envision Avenir 3 weeks ago. It has the whisper beige interior which I love. The small SUV is so Buick. Rides like a dream. So quiet. Many Avenir tech features. Get ready to learn if this is your first technological featured vehicle. Very easy. Looked at all trim levels. Avenir is the best! Did not go with AWD. Didn't feel living in … Florida was necessary but is another feature
Everything is at eye level. HUD for the first time is terrific. Love the high definition rear view mirror camera! Only option not offered is power folding side mirrors. Odd. Had it on my last vehicle and truly missed. Love the toggle lift up and push down gears on console. Spacious. Excellent interior trim in my opinion; not overboard. Has many luxury features without the price tag. Don't let the inline turbo 4 cylinder fool you. Great gas mileage so far and plenty of power. Take a look and consider Buick! You will not be disappointed. 100% made in China and imported to US. Odd again but not your father's Buick.
5 out of 5 stars
Next Generation Envision
Bob B., 05/21/2021
2021 Buick Envision Preferred 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Purchased a 2021 Envision for my daughter. Preferred trim in Summit White with the Sport Touring Package and Comfort And Convenience Package. Highly recommend the Comfort package. You get a lot of amenities for the money. Vehicle looks very modern. We test drove the new Ford Bronco and a Chevy Blazer. The Envision is far more superior. Very smooth and quiet ride with the 20 inch wheels. … Dash layout is impressive with the display screen angled toward the driver. Seats are comfortable. The standard safety features are awesome. Glad there is a switch to turn off the engine stop start feature. Visibility is good. Plenty of engine power. The problem at this time is finding what you want due to the shortage of new vehicles available for purchase. I had to drive over 500 miles to purchase the vehicle. Highly recommend the 2021 Envision.
Update: We have owned the vehicle in our family for just over three years. It has held up well. Other than routine oil changes, the battery has been replaced and we purchased a new set of tires a few months ago. Just over 56,000 miles driven thus far. One issue that has been a concern involves the black sport trim on the outside of the vehicle. Since the vehicle has the Sport Touring Package, there are quite a few of the glossy black panels on the vehicle. The outside coating on the doors around the windows on both the driver and passenger doors has peeled off. I consulted a local body shop owner and was told it is common for this to happen because the black appliqué panels do not have any clear coat on them and the peeling is caused by UV rays. It looks pretty bad in that it takes off the black gloss shine. You might keep this in mind if you are looking at buying an Envision with the Sport Touring Package.
I replaced my 2017 Buick Envision Essence in May 2021 with a 2021 Buick Envision Avner. I enjoyed all the new technology found in this vehicle. The ride is relatively quiet, however there is some road noise which can be attributed to the 20 inch Continental tires. Just recently, the massage function on the driver's seat has a mind of it's own. It will inflate on its own and there is … no way to turn it off. I have had it to two dealerships and one thought they had solved the issue. As I was leaving the dealership lot, it again inflated on its own. I have taken it on a trip and it inflates and deflates for 25 minutes and then shuts down. When I stop and restart the vehicle, so does the inflator. I will be making another appointment at the dealership, but will also call GM Customer Service looking for a remedy. This is not acceptable for the money I paid for this trim level..
I love my new car. i downsized from an Enclave and the smaller size is so much better for me. easier to handle easier to drive. Has enough power and is very comfortable. Love all the added features especially the large navigation screen so easy to see and control. Still have lots to learn to love it even more
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