2024 Buick Envista
This is the car Buick always wanted. A gateway to the “fountain of youth.”
In order for Buick to earn a younger customer base, they had to develop a vehicle that would not only be attractive and practical, but one with an affordable price point.
The answer is the 2024 Buick Envista.
The Envista is a small hatchback, coupe SUV, or crossover…whichever you want to call it. No matter how you see it, it is Buick’s one-vehicle “youth movement.” A vehicle designed to attract a younger demographic towards lowering the average age of a Buick owner.
This starts with a sleek fastback-like exterior. The roofline is complimented with the newest Buick design cues that were just introduced in the 2024 Encore GX. The split front end is complimented by a large chromed lower grille, a pair of discreet LED headlamp units next to the grille, a slim set of LED turn signal/daytime running lights, and the new Buick logo. The tail end integrated a rear spoiler to the hatchback. A set of vertical LED taillamps, along with the new logo and badging compliment a handsome rear end. A set of 17-nch alloy wheels finished up the Envista Preferred look.
Our Preferred tester offered up an environment that is a step above anything in its price class.
It starts with a fully digital instrumentation cluster that is customizable. Next to it is an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen that host plenty of vehicle functions, as well. The controls are tactile and easy to use, including the shifter on the center console.
Up front, the Preferred’s cloth seats were comfortable, while providing plenty of support. Rear seat space is not bad for average adults, but headroom is limited due to the sloping roofline. In terms of cargo space, you get 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, the space expands to 42.0 cubic feet.
Only one driveline is available on the Envision. It starts with a 137-horsepower 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, that also puts down 162 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. Tit feels like the right driveline for this vehicle. It gets up to speed without any issues, with its smooth-shifting transmission. It also cruises quite nicely on the highway.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Envista can turn in a fuel consumption average of 30 MPG on a combined loop.
Ride quality is good. While smooth on the highway, the Envista did well in managing rougher road surfaces. Cornering and maneuverability were easy and well managed.
The steering system was also very good with a sharp turning radius using its shorter length to its advantage. On-center feel felt solid when keeping within the lane. Braking is also good with an overall solid pedal feel. We experienced solid stops in normal and panic situations.
Pricing for the 2024 Buick Envista lineup starts at $23,495 with a choice of three trim levels. Our Preferred tester came with a sticker price of $26,475.
The Envista defies categorization. It may also be one of the most unique offerings in the marketplace. If you must compare it to the competition, you might want to include on your shopping list the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek, Mazda3 hatchback, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Kicks, Kia Soul, and the Chevrolet Trax.
The point of the Buick Envista is get a vehicle that has a premium badge at an affordable price. A proposition that was once lost decades ago. What you do get is a vehicle that stands out in a crowd, offers plenty of practicality a high level of features that represents a serious value proposition. The affordable Buick is back and it’s inviting youthful consumers – like you - to experience it for yourself.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
