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Up until now, all of Buick’s SUVs looked like miniature versions of the Buick Enclave. The Encore and Envision carried the same basic shape of the popular SUV that has been a huge hit with families ever since Tiger Woods endorsed it years ago. Now, Buick has unveiled an all-new SUV with sleeker, prettier lines but the same premise. The Envista is designed to appeal to buyers who want a new premium vehicle with affordable luxury. Buick is phasing out the Encore but keeping the Encore GX for now. The Envista is expected to be the last all-new gas-powered Buick. The whole brand has pledged to go all electric by 2030.
2024 Buick Envista
The 2024 Buick Envista has a longer wheelbase and lower roof. The crossover is designed to be a front-wheel drive SUV that rides like a sedan. Buick says the Envista is their first vehicle to exhibit the new design direction first shown on the Wildcat EV concept last year. Starting at $23,495, plus destination and fees, the premium crossover should attract sedan owners, young professionals and small families to Buick.
“Buick helped define the small SUV segment in 2012, and we’ve continued to make our offerings even more competitive since. The all-new Envista is going to shake up that segment once again,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, Buick-GMC. “When you consider all the Envista has to offer, from its stunning design, standard technology and premium affordability, it’s going to be hard to find a better package in that area of the market.”
The Envista will come in three distinct trims, each with their own unique personality: Preferred, Sport Touring (ST) and Avenir. This offering expands the popular, luxurious Avenir sub-brand across Buick’s entire portfolio.
The updated Buick logo of three shields will be on the body directly over the front grille. The headlamps and taillamps will continue Buick’s signature wing lighting with a thinner look. LED checkmark lamps are mounted on the fascia, while other lighting is lower on the body, creating a refined, layered look.
“The Envista represents a pure expression of Buick design,” said Sharon Gauci, executive director, Global Buick-GMC Design. “This is not your average small SUV. With its unique proportions, modern stance and sleek form, the Envista takes Buick’s sculptural beauty to the next level.”
Buick’s Buzzword is Luxury
Envista customers will immediately notice the spaciousness of the cabin. Long windows and long wheelbase allowed designers to maximize interior cabin space. The Envista offers more legroom than any other Buick small SUV.
The Envista’s Infotainment Display has 19 diagonal inches of LCD screens that work together. This system is designed to give easy access to vehicle controls. Like the 2024 Encore GX, the Envista has an 11-inch-diagonal infotainment screen — the largest in the segment.
The 2024 Envista will come standard with six active safety and driver assistance technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beams and more. A high-definition Rear Vision Camera is also standard.
Envista drivers can also upgrade with other safety and driver assistance technologies such as Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Buyers can also opt for a Power Liftgate for easier access to the cargo area.
Small Engine but Great Mileage
The Envista will be built in South Korea. It features a 3-cylinder, high-performance 1.2L Turbo engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is expected to have 136 horsepower with 162 lb.-ft. of torque.
“Compared to previous generations of our 1.2L Turbo engine, this version is lighter and uses fewer parts, which reduces the overall vehicle weight, increases efficiency and creates nimble ride and handling,” said Scott McLane, lead development engineer, Buick Envista. “An array of advanced chassis and suspension technologies contributes to the nimble and precise handling of the model,” said McLane.
The Envista is expected to offer a GM-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg.
When We Will See the All-New 2024 Envista
The 2024 Envista is expected to go into production next month. The Envista Preferred trim starts at $23,495, with Sport Touring starting at $25,195 and Avenir starting at $29,695, plus destination and dealer fees. The all-new 2024 Envista should start appearing in the U.S. by late summer.
Buick Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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