- The 2024 Buick Envista is bigger than the Encore GX while undercutting its price by $3400, and it will start reaching customers this summer.
- The front-wheel-drive-only crossover coupe is powered by a 136-hp 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder engine.
- We don’t expect it to be terribly lively, but its real strength may be its price: even the top-end Avenir trim starts under $30,000, and the base model starts at a very budget-friendly $23,495.
With sheetmetal that looks as stylish and expertly tailored as the clothes in Stanley Tucci’s closet, the 2024 Buick Envista looks a cut above its surprisingly affordable $23,495 starting price. It’s also pretty roomy: its 106.3-inch wheelbase and overall length of 182.6 inches mean the Envista packs 4.1 inches more space between its wheel centers and casts an 11.2-inch-longer shadow than the squarer (and $3400 pricier) Encore GX.
Despite its bigger footprint, the fastback Envista’s cargo hold is less spacious than that of its smaller and squarer sibling. At just 20.7 cubic feet with all seats in place, and 42.0 cubes with the 40/60-split rear seatbacks folded, the Envista’s cargo space falls short of the Encore GX’s by 2.8 and 8.2 cubic feet, respectively.
Power comes courtesy of a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that pushes the engine’s 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque to the Envista’s front wheels. Want all-wheel drive? Then look at an Encore GX.
Don’t expect much in the way of acceleration, given that a 155-hp Encore GX with all-wheel-drive and a nine-speed gearbox needed 9.3 seconds to hit 60 mph. We wager the less powerful Envista with its fewer cogs will require even more time to hit that mark, even without the added weight of all-wheel drive.
Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir Trims
Buick will offer the Envista in three different trims when it kicks off sales of the small SUV this summer: the entry-level Preferred, midlevel Sport Touring, and top-line Avenir. The latter trim will sticker for $29,695 and includes the likes of 19-inch wheels and a Watt’s-link rear suspension in place of the torsion beam used on lesser Envistas. Adding 19-inch wheels to the $25,195 Envista Sport Touring also nets the Avenir’s upgraded rear end. A set of 18-inch wheels and tires come standard on the Sport Touring, while 17-inchers are included with the base Preferred.
Every Envista includes an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.0-inch infotainment screen, automatic high-beam headlights, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning.
The 2024 Buick Envista may lack the dynamic performance we crave, but there’s no arguing this small SUV’s attractive wares and affordable price are sure to at least pique the interest of today’s automotive consumers.
Senior Editor
Despite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend.