Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Buick Envista Avenir
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Colour: Ocean Blue
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 166
Actual-world gas financial system: 31.4 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | C+ |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gas Economic system | A |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B+ |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 137-horsepower, 1.-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 3-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 28/32/30 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas sort: Common gasoline
Base worth: $28,600 (not together with $1095 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Avenir Superior Security Package deal ($795)
Worth as examined: $30,490
Professionals and Cons
The good: Glorious greenback worth, premium really feel
The great: Roomy and sensible design, wonderful gas financial system
The not so good: Engine coarse when pushed
Evaluate
Buick rolled out a redesigned model of its subcompact Skyhawk for 1982. Constructed on Common Motors’ extremely anticipated “J-Automotive” structure, the Skyhawk could be the most-affordable providing in Buick showrooms.
Provided as a coupe, sedan, hatchback, and ultra-rare 4-door station wagon, the entry-level Skyhawk appealed to a comparatively broad viewers of buyers searching for each just a little model status in addition to an accessible month-to-month cost. For 1982, the Skyhawk Restricted sedan began at $7931, or about $26,000 in 2024 {dollars}. Do not forget that quantity.
For 2024, Buick rolled out an all-new entry-level mannequin: Envista. The subcompact crossover shares its primary structure with the well-regarded Chevrolet Trax small crossover, however options distinctive design and styling, and a trim-level providing that’s considerably upscale of the Chevy.
Right here’s the deal: That 1982 Skyhawk, at slightly below $8000, didn’t embody as commonplace an computerized transmission, air con, antilock brakes, traction management, stability management, or any security options which we now take for grant. In the meantime, the 2025 Envista, which incorporates all the just-mentioned options and gear, begins at simply $25,000.
New for 2024, the Envista slots in worth under the similar-size Encore GX in Buick’s lineup. The Encore, till just lately Buick’s most reasonably priced mannequin, may be higher outfitted than the Envista, it is usually provided with AWD, which can’t be had on the ‘Vista.
Buick’s four-model lineup, which additionally features a pair of extra upscale choices, the compact Envision and midsize Enclave, covers an unlimited worth greenback vary. For 2025, the entry-level Envista begins at simply $24,795, whereas the top-trim Enclave Avenir begins at $59,395.
Regardless of what may really feel like an odd match for GM’s near-luxury model, the Envista has seen robust gross sales. It appears the mannequin’s engaging mixture of excellent seems to be, excessive worth, and utility has caught the shopping for public’s consideration.
For 2025, the Envista lineup ascends via three trim ranges: Most popular ($24,795), Sport Touring ($26,195), and Avenir ($26,695).
Energy for all Envista fashions comes from a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed computerized transmission. All fashions earn an EPA estimated mixed score of 30 mpg, and run on regular-grade gasoline.
Shopper Information just lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2024 Envista Avenir in Ocean Blue with the Superior Security Package deal. All advised, our take a look at automotive got here to $30,490. Although this analysis is of a 2024 mannequin, we will share that there are not any important adjustments to the Envista for 2025.
The Envista makes as wonderful first impression. The Cabin is much classier than most automobiles of like worth. And although there’s a honest quantity of onerous plastic hidden within the décor, the Envista inside presents effectively with loads of brilliant accents, elegant design, and, the place finest positioned, soft-touch surfaces.
The controls and infotainment interface will really feel acquainted to present Common Motors clients, that’s to say that almost all controls are logically positioned and straightforward to find. The gear selector is of the old-school mechanical sort, which we discover comfortingly acquainted. Additionally, the usual 6-speaker audio system punches above its weight class, and sounds nearly as good as many branded programs present in more-expensive automobiles. This writer discovered the Envista system as much as the duty of dealing with the mid-century American jazz he favors.
There’s loads of cabin house for 4 adults, and the Envista’s entrance door openings are giant sufficient for even plus-size adults to enter and exit the automobile with out issue. Likewise, rear-seat lodging are additionally beneficiant. And in contrast to on many small crossovers, the Envista rear-doors open practically 90 levels to simplify automobile ingress and egress.
On the street, the Envista continues to acquit itself effectively. The subcompact Buick’s comparatively tiny 3-cylinder engine delivers loads of around-town spunk, simply maintaining with visitors, and sprinting eagerly away from stops. Freeway passing and merging energy is just enough nevertheless, and the motor sounds and feels careworn when tapped for added energy. The engine can be just a little coarse in common use, throbbing inconsistently at idle.
None of that is to say the Envista is unrefined, solely to notice that many automobiles within the little Buick’s worth class provide a extra relaxed dynamic expertise.
That stated, the Envista serves up wonderful journey and dealing with. Although not fairly sporty, the ‘Vista handles effectively, and makes straightforward works of hurried cornering and sudden braking. Journey high quality is excellent; for a small crossover the Envista is surprisingly snug on lengthy freeway drives. On-the-road quietness can be noteworthy, which makes for relaxed dialog throughout seating rows, even at freeway pace.
There’s little of purposeful worth that the Envista affords that may’t be had in comparable and even more-affordable Chevrolet Trax, however the Buick does really feel genuinely extra upscale, and that ought to rely for one thing when deciding on a brand new automobile.
Shopper Information has named the 2025 Buick Envista a Greatest Purchase decide within the Subcompact Crossover class, this for delivering a premium-crossover expertise for a mainstream worth. As soon as the phrase will get out, we anticipate the Envista to start promoting in important quantity. Remembering that it prices much less now than the Skyhawk did 4 a long time in the past, we advocate you add Buick’s most-affordable mannequin to your test-drive brief listing.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2024 Buick Envista Avenir Footage
Click on under for enlarged photographs