It’s the end of an era as global automotive manufacturers transition to electrified fleets and combustion engines take one more step toward the history museum. But Buick––and a surprising list of other major manufacturers––isn’t quite ready to say au revoir. The oldest American automaker just released a new subcompact crossover, the 2024 Buick Envista, that derives its power from a peppy––and fuel-sipping––turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine. The Envista could be Buick’s way of letting drivers know they’re still in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing the powertrain they prefer.
Though the Envista can’t claim a zero-emissions driving profile like an EV, fuel economy is optimized on this mini-SUV, as are space, styling, and advanced technology. With a three-trim lineup that simplifies the shopping process for buyers, Buick sees a future that offers drivers plenty of choices without compromising climate-friendly goals. Buick is known for building premium vehicles with near-luxury features, and the new Envista is no different. Elegant paint colors, massive touchscreens, and LED lighting are only a few of the included niceties.
The Envista sits in an exciting sub-category of the popular subcompact segment alongside other car-like crossovers that don’t offer all-wheel drive or the other truck-like features found on many SUVs. Instead, the 2024 Buick Envista embraces its sport-luxury personality with a coupe-like profile and an exterior that’s all angles, curves, and slopes. If you’re on the hunt for a gorgeous small SUV with premium features and you’re not quite ready to go electric, the affordably priced Envista might just fit the bill.
Leveled-Up Exterior Style and In-Cabin Appointments
Where most low-priced, entry-level models fall short is in a dearth of standard and available features. It’s as though the budget price justifies building stripped-down interiors with limited technology and not-so-comfortable seats. Buick defies the bare-bones trend by infusing the 2024 Envista with premium features and finishes without jacking up the price. Even the base model has plenty of sought-after features.
For example, all trims receive a massive 11-inch infotainment touchscreen and the ability to interact with Buick’s robust connected services suite, including remote start and vehicle locator capabilities. Meanwhile, competitors often outfit entry-model base trims with tiny screens, some of which don’t even include HD displays. Even top trims of other subcompact SUVs rarely offer screens larger than eight inches, making upgrading to a trim that’s often thousands more not worth the extra cost.
On the exterior, the Preferred and Sport Touring trims are available in eight fun colors, including the refined Ocean Blue Metallic and the standout Cinnabar Metallic. Avenir buyers have five colors to choose from. All three trims include a flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of an Indy car, a 60/40 split bench seat in the back, and LED headlights. Automatic climate control and an eight-inch digital Driver Information Center are also standard.
Moving up to the Sport Touring trim adds fancy ST embroidered logos on the headrests and a trim-specific grill, as well as 18-inch high-gloss wheels. Buick also adds gloss black side mirror caps and exterior trim to make the Sport Touring stand out. The Avenir includes a power liftgate, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an eight-way power driver’s seat as standard features. A wireless smartphone charger is also standard, along with a set of 19-inch aluminum wheels and leather seating.
Technology for Entertainment and Connectivity
The best news for tech-savvy buyers is the Envista’s standard 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. This system runs on Buick’s latest infotainment software and provides lightning-fast responsiveness and easy smartphone integration via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen sits on the center of the dash and is easily accessible by the driver and front passenger.
Buick’s robust connected services include several subscription-based options that offer app-based conveniences like remote start, remote door lock/unlock, and a vehicle locator. Some subscriptions also include on-demand diagnostics and access to critical vehicle health data, including fuel levels and time between maintenance visits. Buick’s services also include an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot for which buyers can purchase data plans and support multiple devices.
Connected services also help you monitor your teen driver with Buick Teen Driver, a system that keeps track of driving habits and provides a report card to gauge overall safe driving habits. Additionally, Buick owners have access to OnStar, giving access to live operators for concierge services and safety monitoring, including accident support that kicks in when the airbags deploy. OnStar can also help recover your Envista if it’s stolen.
Safety and Driver-Assist Systems
Six driver-assist safety systems are included across the entire Envista trim range. The systems, part of the Buick Driver Confidence package, include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking – When a potential hazard appears in front of the vehicle, and the driver hasn’t applied sufficient brake pressure to prevent a crash, the system will apply the brakes automatically to help avoid a collision.
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning – This system notices when the vehicle begins to drift out of its intended lane of traffic and alerts the driver. The system will also provide gentle steering nudges to ease the Envista back into its lane.
- IntelliBeam High Beams – This system automates switching from low-beam to high-beam settings in response to oncoming traffic. Drivers simply set the system to automatic, and the need for manual adjustments is eliminated.
- Forward Collision Alert – This system senses potential hazards ahead and audibly alerts the driver when a front-end crash is possible. Forward Collision Alert is especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic and dense urban areas where vehicle movement is unpredictable.
- Front Pedestrian Braking – This highly sensitive system notices when a pedestrian is stepping into the vehicle’s intended path of travel and sends an alert. It can initiate emergency braking when the Envista is traveling at lower speeds.
- Following Distance Indicator – This system can tell drivers when they’re traveling too close to the vehicle ahead, discouraging tailgating and helping to encourage safe driving habits.
Elevate Your Ride With the 2024 Buick Envista
The 2024 Buick Envista offers a unique selling proposition––premium features and customer-centric design at an entry-level price point that budget shoppers and first-time buyers will appreciate. Buick preserves its brand values by infusing the Envista with premium features and finishes, like QuietTuning technology and upscale cabin appointments, especially in the top-of-the-line Avenir.
Though the Envista isn’t designed as a sporty crossover, the exterior looks athletic. It also feels elegant, thanks to the curves and sculpted lines that continue across the side panels and merge with the gently sloped roofline. Buyers looking to spend well under $30,000 without ending up in a seriously stripped-down vehicle devoid of personality will pinch themselves after taking an Envista for a test drive. It’s a refreshing change from cheap finishes and uninspired curb appeal.
In a market that often forces buyers to choose between luxury and affordability, the 2024 Buick Envista offers an elegant alternative. Refined, technology-packed, fuel-efficient, and economically priced, the Envista won’t break the bank and won’t ask buyers to abandon their desire for a stylish, upscale vehicle. Ownership costs stay low thanks to the Envista’s fuel-sipping manners, and Buick’s generous inclusion of multiple standard driver-assist systems makes the 2024 Envista an ideal car for young families on a budget.
