2021 Buick Envision Test Drive Review: Mainstream Luxury

We'd forgive anyone for forgetting that the Buick Envision exists. While competent, the first-generation Envision was never a headline-generating vehicle. Buick has released a second-generation Envision for the 2021 model year, making notable improvements from the previous model. It still won't capture headlines like other recent GM product reveals, but the 2021 Envision is quietly a very luxurious vehicle with a pretty attractive price.

The Buick Envision is a premium compact crossover that straddles the line between mainstream and luxury. It loosely competes with higher trim versions of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 as well as other premium options such as the Acura RDX, Lincoln Corsair, and Lexus NX. Regardless of trim, it packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developing 228 horsepower, while utilizing the latest nine-speed automatic transmission. Buick's Goldilocks approach may appeal to value-conscious buyers, though it may also put off brand-loyalists who place an emphasis on premium labels. To find out more about the 2021 Buick Envision, CarBuzz spent a week driving a mid-level Essence model.

2021 Envision Exterior

Dimensions

2021 Envision Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The new Envision ditches the previous model's General Motors Delta II underpinnings in favor of the more modern Epsilon platform. This architecture is shared with the Cadillac XT4 and offers a stiffer body structure. While it's not a sporty vehicle, the new Envision feels more athletic and luxurious than the model it replaces. Buick placed a heavy emphasis on comfort here, so the Envision feels quiet, supple, and relaxing even at highway speeds. The cabin feels quieter than similarly-priced mainstream options, and the standard non-adjustable suspension soaks up road imperfections well. We didn't have a chance to sample the optional continuous damping control suspension to see if it's any softer than the standard springs.

We couldn't find much to hate about the Envision's driving manners, but there's also not much to rave about. The outgoing model packed more power and torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and the decrease is noticeable. This new model isn't sluggish, but the power delivery feels less serene than it did in the previous generation. Buick includes a few drive modes, including Tour, Snow/Ice, and Sport, but the differences between them aren't that noticeable. Buyers looking at mainstream options like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 should be pleased by the Envision's output, but Acura and Lexus shoppers might be less impressed.

2021 Envision Interior

2021 Envision Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2021 Buick Envision A Good car?

We are ready to chalk the second-generation Buick Envision up as a victory for General Motors, but not a groundbreaking one. Competing in the highly competitive compact segment, the Envision has the potential to overtake the Encore GX as Buick's best-selling model, but a relative lack of awareness and the complicated nature of where it's built could stymie those hopes. While most consumers may never know or care that their "American" Buick was actually built in China, the uncertain future of trade between the US and China may stop Buick from heavily marketing the Envision and making it a huge sales success.

The 2021 Buick Envision is a far more attractive vehicle than the model it replaces, but we aren't sure if those handsome looks will bring in enough new buyers. Shoppers may stumble upon the Envision when looking for a solid mid-point between a Chevrolet Equinox and a Cadillac XT4, but we can't envision anyone trading in their Audi, BMW, or Mercedes for one. The Envision could be perfect for shoppers looking at the highest trim Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 who want a bit more power, luxury, and prestige since it offers more features at a comparable price.

2021 Buick Envision Comparisons

2021 Buick Envision vs Buick Enclave

The larger Buick Enclave offers more space for customers who require seating for seven. There's far more cargo space as well; in fact, the Enclave offers nearly as much space behind its third row as the Envision does behind its second row. In the Enclave, you get a bigger and more powerful V6 engine with 310 hp, making this the easy choice for towing - the Enclave can tow 5,000 lbs compared with the Envision's measly 1,500 lbs. At $40,000, the entry-level Enclave will cost roughly the same as the well-equipped Envision Avenir. Both of these SUVs are refined, but if you don't need the extra space and power, the more stylish Envision will do the job just fine.

2021 Buick Envision vs Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox is a more appealing compact SUV than the Buick Envision for one main reason: price. It starts at a wallet-friendly $23,800, but at that price, you'll miss out on features like an HD rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, and a power-adjustable driver's seat - these are all standard on the base Envision. The Equinox also has just 170 hp from its 1.5-liter turbo-four engine and a more dated six-speed automatic transmission. We did find the Chevy pretty good to drive, though, but it isn't as quiet as the Buick. The Equinox wins for economy and has a larger trunk, but it doesn't feel as luxurious as the Envision. If value is the primary concern, the Equinox makes a strong case for itself, but the Envision is simply a nicer SUV.