Introduction: A Hidden Gem
The 2024 Buick Envista is a remarkable addition to General Motors' lineup, offering an impressive blend of style, affordability, and practicality. It's a car that defies expectations and stands out in the subcompact SUV segment. With an appealing design, spacious interior, and a surprisingly low price tag, the Envista is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Affordable Elegance: The 2024 Envista
At first glance, the 2024 Buick Envista exudes an air of sophistication and luxury that might lead you to believe it carries a hefty price tag. However, the reality is quite different. The Sport Touring trim, pictured above, starts at just $29,070, and that's not even the top-of-the-line model. This competitive pricing firmly places the Envista in the heart of the subcompact SUV segment. Despite its affordability, it boasts one of the most generous rear seats and cargo areas in its class, challenging preconceptions about compactness.
Under the Hood: Balanced Performance
Powering the 2024 Envista is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may not seem impressive on paper, the engine's character shines through when you get behind the wheel. The torque is readily available at a low 2,500 rpm, providing lively performance for city driving and merging onto highways. The six-speed automatic transmission, although seemingly old-fashioned, complements the engine beautifully. It responds quickly, rarely fumbling for the right gear, and does so without the complexity of some rival transmissions.
Moreover, the Envista's engine produces a pleasant snarl-like exhaust note, which is effectively dampened by generous sound deadening. This results in a refined and composed driving experience that defies the car's modest power figures. Additionally, the Envista returns an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options in its class.
Interior Excellence: Style Meets Functionality
Inside the Buick Envista, you'll find a well-appointed cabin that belies its price point. While hard plastics are evident in some areas, they are tastefully implemented and predominantly found in places that don't frequently come into contact with occupants. The Sport Touring trim features leatherette seating with a dash-top pleather trim and contrast stitching, enhancing the cabin's overall premium feel.
One of the cabin's highlights is the pair of displays encased within a single curved housing. This design imparts an upscale appearance, supported by high-quality screen graphics. The all-digital instrument cluster is particularly elegant, providing essential information in a clear and concise manner. The 11-inch touchscreen, larger than most in its class, is powered by a simplified version of GM's Android-based infotainment system. While it may not offer a plethora of features, it excels in terms of aesthetics and user-friendliness. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto further enhance the infotainment experience, and wireless charging is available as an option.
Spaciousness with a Subcompact Twist
Although the Buick Envista's exterior dimensions place it within the subcompact SUV category, its interior defies expectations. It offers an abundance of rear seat legroom that rivals larger compact SUVs. Even a 6-foot-3 passenger can sit comfortably in the back, with room for the front passenger seat to be adjusted without encroaching on rear legroom. Headroom, while not as generous as boxy compacts, is still adequate for most occupants. However, the Envista's sloping roofline does impact cargo space, limiting versatility.
The rear cargo area, in particular, feels the effects of the design choice, lacking a dual-level cargo floor that some competitors offer. Nevertheless, upon removing the cargo cover, the Envista proves adept at accommodating standard luggage, surpassing most competitors in this regard.
Economical and Efficient: The 2024 Envista
The 2024 Buick Envista comes equipped with a single powertrain configuration. It features a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine generating 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Notably, all-wheel drive is not offered; front-wheel drive is the sole option.
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit of the Envista, with EPA-estimated ratings of 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Real-world fuel economy closely aligns with these figures, making it one of the most economical choices in its segment.
Driving Experience: Deceptively Spirited
Despite the modest specifications on paper, the 2024 Buick Envista delivers a spirited driving experience. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine may lack brute power, but its ample torque, available at low RPMs, ensures lively acceleration in urban settings and highway merging. The six-speed automatic transmission, though conventional, is quick to respond, making gear changes seamlessly. Importantly, it avoids the complexity and confusion often associated with higher-speed transmissions, offering smooth operation.
During highway driving, the Envista impresses with its serene cabin, comfortable ride, well-balanced steering, and supportive driver's seat. The Sport Touring trim benefits from the optional Watts linkage rear suspension upgrade (standard on Avenir trim), further enhancing ride comfort. While the base suspension setup remains untested, upgrading to a trim with this improved suspension seems like a prudent choice.
Safety Features: A Comprehensive Suite
Safety is a priority in the 2024 Buick Envista. Every trim level includes a comprehensive set of driver assistance features. Standard offerings encompass forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic headlights. For those seeking additional safety enhancements, the Advanced Safety package is available on all trims. This package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert, along with adaptive cruise control.
Pricing and Manufacturing Location
The 2024 Buick Envista is manufactured in Bupyeong Gu, South Korea. Pricing starts at $23,495, which includes the $1,095 destination charge. The Sport Touring trim, featured in this review, is priced from $25,690. Other trims include the Avenir, which starts at $29,695 and comes with a host of premium features, making it a compelling option for those seeking maximum value.
In conclusion, the 2024 Buick Envista defies expectations and offers a winning combination of affordability, style, and space. Its well-thought-out design and engineering make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on quality and refinement. Whether you prioritize affordability, passenger comfort, or an elegant interior, the Buick Envista is a standout choice in the subcompact SUV segment.
Some pictures of 2024 Buick Envista
https://hub.monenow.com/2023/10/06/2024-buick-envista-affordable-subcompact-suv-with-style/
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