Despite inflation, pandemic supply chain disruptions and the auto industry’s shift from sedans to SUVs, the affordable new vehicle is alive, and maybe better than ever.
Exhibit A: the 2024 Buick Envista small SUV. It’s priced like a Honda but designed like an Audi, a benchmark for everything Buick hopes to accomplish with its upcoming generation of vehicles.
Envista prices start at $22,400, and you can tick just about every box on the order form for less than $31,000, according to Edmunds’ price calculator.
In a time of four-figure “dealer adjustments,” that’s cause for celebration.
The details of my test drive
What is it? 2024 Buick Envista front-drive four-door subcompact SUV.
How much? Base price $22,400-$28,600. All prices exclude $1,095 destination charge.
Which model did I drive? Envista Avenir, the top trim. $28,600 as tested.
I wish: The automatic transmission had more speeds and smoother shifts.
EPA rating: 28 mpg city/32 highway/30 combined. Regular gasoline, $1,800 estimated annual fuel cost.
Where is it built? Bupyeong, South Korea
When can you buy one? Late July
2024 Buick Envista trim levels and prices
- Preferred: $22,400
- Sport Touring (ST): $24,100
- Avenir: $28,600
Prices exclude $1,095 destination charge.
Source: Edmunds
Sleek, upscale looks
The Envista proves the maxim that good design isn’t expensive. It just demands time, attention and vision. The sleek little SUV was born in General Motors’ Design HQ in Warren, Michigan, literally alongside clay models that became the superb Buick Wildcat concept car.
The Envista is the first production model to fully incorporate ideas from the Wildcat:
- Narrow LED running lights that wrap around from the nose to front fenders.
- Big trapezoidal grille mounted low in the nose.
- Buick’s three-crest badge across the nose.
- A long hood and short rear overhang under a fastback rear window.
- Low roof and wide stance.
The Envista is 11.2 inches, but 2.8 inches longer and one-tenth inch wider than Buick’s slightly more expensive Encore GX. The Encore costs more largely because of some features the Envista doesn’t offer, including available all-wheel drive, nine-speed automatic transmission and a bigger engine.
Key features
- Front-wheel drive
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- 127-horsepower, 1.2L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- 8-inch instrument cluster
- 11-inch touch screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless charging
Driving impressions
The Envista has a roomy interior with useful storage for cups, phones and more in the front seat and an accommodating rear seat. The dash and other surfaces were covered in nicely grained materials, complementing the upscale screens, and exterior design.
The interior is quiet at speedy and over rough surfaces thanks to active noise cancellation and Buick’s usual attentiveness to acoustic insulation
An 8-inch high-def screen for gauges stands next to an 11-inch touch screen in a low-profile control package rising from the dash. The touch screen is clear and responds quickly. Physical controls for some climate and audio functions are available in the center stack below the touch screen.
The Envista’s Android Automotive operating system for infotainment and other features accommodates standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging is optional.
The Envista’s ride is smooth and comfortable in the city and on country roads. The steering is responsive. The 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder is responsive and delivers power for comfortable cruising at highway speeds and maneuvers in traffic.
The six-speed automatic transmission’s shifts felt a bit harsh under hard acceleration, but were otherwise smooth and unobtrusive.
What does it compete with?
(Base price, excluding destination)
2024 Chevrolet Trax: $20,400
2023 Hyundai Venue: $19,650
2023 Kia Soul: $19,890
2023 Nissan Kicks: $20,440
Source: Edmunds
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Available safety and driver assistance features
- Adaptive cruise control
- Following distance indicator
- Front collision alert and automatic braking
- Pedestrian braking
- Automatic high beams
- Lane departure alert and assist
- Blind spot and cross traffic alerts
- Rear parking assist
Why get one?
The Envista is one of the year’s standout vehicles. It looks good, feels good sounds good and comes with plentiful safety, comfort and convenience features at an affordable price.
Specifications as tested
Engine: Turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder
Output: 136 hp @ 5,000 rpm; 162 pound-feet of torque @ 2,500-4,000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 182.6 inches
Width: 71.5 inches
Height: 61.3 inches
Cargo volume: 20.7 cubic feet with rear seat up, 42.0 cubic feet rear seat folded
Curb weight: 3,115 pounds
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.