Buick says this is a small SUV with the handling chops of a sedan.
Buick has taken the wraps off the 2024 Envista, and like other recent products from the American automaker, such as the 2024 Encore GX, its design is directly inspired by the Wildcat EV concept from June last year. That means it gets a forward-leaning face and the new Buick emblem. What it does not mean is an electric powertrain, as a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission powers the Envista. Final power figures have not yet been confirmed, but the unit is expected to produce 136 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and deliver a combined consumption figure of 30 mpg.
Not bad, as is the claim of more legroom than any previous Buick small SUV. Best of all, the Envista starts at just $23,495 for the cheapest Preferred variant, and even the range-topper does not exceed 30 grand.
The new arrival incorporates the brand's signature wing lighting on each end and adds LED checkmark lamps at the front, while brightwork around the glasshouse helps add to the premium feel. The base Preferred trim's wheel sizes are not listed, but all-black 18-inch wheels are standard on the mid-level ST, with 18s optional. The top-tier Avenir gets unique Pearl Nickel 19-inch wheels.
Regardless of which trim you opt for, the cabin boasts 19 diagonal inches of combined LED screens, with the biggest of these being the 11-inch infotainment display that promises an improved user interface. This is the largest in its segment. Colored stitching and, on the ST (pictured in red) and Avenir (pictured in blue), embroidered logos on the headrests make the cabin feel even more premium, as does a standard flat-bottom steering wheel for all trims.
In terms of cargo, you get 20.7 cubic feet of volume behind the second row, while a 40/60-split fold gives the Envista the capability of swallowing items up to 7.5 feet long (when loaded diagonally). With these rear seats dropped, cargo capacity expands to 42 ft3. A powered liftgate is also available.
As standard, the Buick Driver Confidence package provides automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and an HD rearview camera, while options include lane change alert with blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The new Envista is now live on Buick's website, but the configurator and online orders will only open in the summer. Thankfully, Buick has already revealed pricing. The Preferred trim starts at $23,495, the sportier ST starts at $25,195, and the luxury-like Avenir has a base price of $29,695.
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