Wednesday, October 15, 2025

2026 Buick Envista Avenir: The Brand’s Upscale Affordable Compact Crossover

Highlight: The compact crossover mimics in terms of exterior styling many of the higher end German and Korean design cues. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $32,385 (Base MSRP): $25,995

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; forward collision alert; lane keep assist with lane departure warning; front pedestrian braking; lane change alert with side blind zone alert; and tire warning system


Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 19-inch wheels; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; an ignition starter; an 11-inch touchscreen; a wireless charging pad; a power driver’s side; leather seats; rear folding split bench seat; single zone automatic ventilation control system; a heated steering wheel; an automatic rearview mirror; power rear liftgate; a rear parking assist system; and a radar active cruise control system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and power rear  liftgate

Options: power moonroof; and a rear traffic cross alert

Other Trim Levels:

Sport Touring

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

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

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

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 1.2-liter turbo, 4-cylinder engine/137-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 28-city/32-hwy (test model)


What’s New: For the 2026 model year, there are no changes to the Envista.

Why:

Stylish design

An affordable value package

A power sunroof

A power driver’s seat

Heated front seats

19-inch wheels available

A variety of trims

Leather perforated seats

An easy-to-use infotainment system

Heated steering wheel

A power rear liftgate

A radar activated cruise control system

A push button ignition system

Wireless charging

HUD (heads up display)

But:

No hybrid or electrified motor/powertrain

Needs more horsepower

No co-pilot steering system available

Why is hands-free steering not available like some other Buicks

No built-in navigation system

Rear headroom could be limited as a result of the coupe-like roofline

No AWD system

Verdict: As the average transaction price of a vehicle exceeds $50,000 in the U.S., Buick has managed to hold the line, mixing luxury and style with its China built Envista. Since Buick no longer offers coupes and sedans, the Envista is the newest crossover to join the brand’s line up. However, we must note the vehicle joined the line up in 2024.

At a starting price just shy of $26,000, the compact crossover, with its coupe-like styling car-like ride, and 137-horsepower engine, is available in three trims. Depending on the trim and features selected, the price will not exceed $33,000.

And for a vehicle with coupe-like styling which mimics that of the higher end models from BMW, Genesis, and Mercedes-Benz, they can expect such features as an automatic climate control system, wireless charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, a heated steering wheel, a power rear liftgate, leather seats and 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Yet, to hold the line of pricing and to keep the vehicle affordable, one will have to forego such features as AWD, co-pilot steering and a built-in navigation system. Moreover, being that most car buyers are seeking a value package, many won’t mind being able to buy a premium vehicle like the Envista without having to break the bank.

Competition: Mazda CX-30 and Volvo XC40

 


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2026 Buick Envista Avenir: The Brand’s Upscale Affordable Compact Crossover

Highlight: The compact crossover mimics in terms of exterior styling many of the higher end German and Korean design cues.   Test Vehicle...