Stylish Buick Envista SUV looks like a hit at $22,400
Buick is poised to shake up the small SUV market with the 2023 Envista, a striking compact due to go on sale this summer.
Priced starting at $22,400 and carrying a $1,095 destination charge, the Envista will be Buick’s least expensive model, the entry to the brand’s growing line of SUVs. It features a long, low design with a sporty fastback for a premium look that belies its price.
Buick studios in the United States and Korea styled the Envista, which is already in production and on sale in China.
Production of U.S.-bound models begins in South Korea next month. U.S. dealers should have good numbers of Envistas on hand in June.
The low base price owes in part to Buick’s decision not to offer an all-wheel-drive model, but the Envista is roomy and lavishly equipped. Envista is about 11 inches longer and has more legroom than the more expensive Encore GX, which has a more traditional SUV profile and offers AWD.
2024 Buick Envista trim levels and prices
Preferred: $22,400
ST: $24,100
Avenir: $$28,600
Prices exclude $1,095 destination charge.
Luxury looks in the $20Ks
The striking exterior design incorporates several touches from the popular Buick Wildcat concept vehicle, including a shark-like nose, trapezoidal grille and the brand’s new tri-shield badge. The windows stretch well back from a fast windshield to let light into the cabin and emphasize the impression of space.
Narrow wing-shaped headlights and taillights continue a Buick styling theme.
A short rear overhang combines with the fastback rear for good rear headroom and cargo capacity: 20.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. Cargo capacity increases to 42 cubic feet with the rear seat down.
The interior features 19 inches of contiguous screens, an 8-inch gauge cluster and 11-inch touch screen. The controls include physical dials for climate and a volume dial. The Envista will offer wireless charging and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2024 Buick Envista available safety and driver assist features
Adaptive cruise control
Power tailgate
Blind spot alert
Rear traffic alert
Lane departure alert and assist
Automatic high beams
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Power, maneuverability
The Envista’s wheelbase is 4 inches longer than the bigger Encore GX, promising parking maneuverability and short turning circle.
Active noise control, and Buick’s usual Quiet Tuning sound insulation will be standard.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder engine producing an expected 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Buick expects fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg in the city, 32 on the highway and 30 combined.
The top model, an Avenir with Adaptive Cruise Control, a sunroof and more, should cost around $31,000.
That’s a price that should give pause to small luxury SUVs like the Lexus UX, which starts at $33,450. Buick expects the Envista to compete with vehicles including the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V SUVs and Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic and VW Jetta sedans.
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: SUV brings surprising style and features for $22,400
