Tuesday, May 28, 2024

2024 Buick Envista Avenir: The Brand’s Affordable Premium Entry-Level Crossover


Highlight: The Envista shares a platform with the Chevy Trax.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $32,030 (Base Model –Preferred): $23,495

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; automatic emergency brakes; front pedestrian braking; a forward collision alert system; a lane keep assistance system; a lane departure warning system; automatic high intelligence auto high beam; a tire pressure monitoring system; OnStar; a rear camera; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and a hill start assist system

Standard Equipment (Base): 17-inch wheels; a single zone ventilation system; a push button keyless ignition system; manual operated front seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a 11-inch infotainment screen; a flat bottom steering wheel; and cloth with leatherette seating

Standard Equipment (Avenir): 19-inch wheels; rear center armrest with cupholders; pollutant and fine dust air filter; door sill plate cover; keyless front doors with extend range remote; map pocket, driver’s seat back; inside rearview auto mirror; heated front seats; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; wireless charging; a heated steering wheel; a power liftgate; body color bodyside moldings; and a specially designed suspension system

Options: power moonroof; a rear traffic cross alert system; heated outside mirrors; a lane change alert system with blindspot; a radar activated cruise control system; rear parking assist; and premium exterior color;

Other Trim Levels:

ST

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty:  5 or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: a 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/137-horsepower

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 28-city/32-hwy


What’s New: The Envista is an all-new entry to the premium brand.

Why:

Affordable

Great fuel economy

Almost 400 miles on a full tank

Roomy interior for a compact

Stylish BMW and Mercedes-Benz design

A variety of trims

Adequate power

An easy-to-use infotainment center

A power sunroof available

Leather seats available

The latest high-tech optional safety driving aids

18- to 19-in wheels available

Wireless charging

Power liftgate available

Heated front seats

Heated steering wheel

Legroom in the rear

A specially designed suspension in the Avenir


But: 

Needs more horsepower; the vehicle is quite sluggish upon take off

No all-wheel drive system

Rear headroom might be limited for those who are above average in height

Rear center armrest only on higher level Avenir trim

Not electrified

No navigation system available


Verdict: In a day and age, where the average transaction price of a new vehicle is slightly under $48,000 and a used car list for $27,000, Buick has got a homerun on its hand with the all-new compact Buick Envista. Its affordable, stylish and available in three trims.

The coupe-like Buick resembles that of such high-end vehicles being offered by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Envista is Buick’s newest addition to its portfolio. The Envista, with its roomy interior cabin, shares a platform with the Chevy Trax.

And unlike the high-end luxury automakers we noted, the Buick is affordable. Depending upon the trim, one can outfit the vehicle with everything from leather seats to a power driver’s seat to a power sunroof to a radar-activated cruise control system.

We would prefer more horsepower in the Envista. In fact, its quite noticeable upon take off, the vehicle is woefully underpowered. The Envista, which is a sibling to the Trailblazer, is available in two powertrains. The Envista should borrow one of the Chevy's powertrains. 

Yet, with that being a concern, the vehicle rides and drives like a car, especially with the 19-inch wheels and suspension designed specifically for the luxurious crossover. 

Pricing for the Buick starts out under $24,000. The top end Avenir trim we reviewed was under $30,000, before adding on $2,300 in options. Buick reminds us that automakers are still capable of providing consumers on a budget bang for the buck.

Competition: Mazda CX-30 and Volvo XC40

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