Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Buick Envista Avenir
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Shade: Ocean Blue
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 166
Actual-world gas financial system: 31.4 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | C+ |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gas Economic system | A |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B+ |
| Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 137-horsepower, 1.-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 3-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 28/32/30 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas kind: Common fuel
Base value: $28,600 (not together with $1095 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Avenir Superior Security Bundle ($795)
Worth as examined: $30,490
Execs and Cons
The good: Glorious greenback worth, premium really feel
The nice: Roomy and sensible design, wonderful gas financial system
The not so good: Engine coarse when pushed
Evaluate
Buick rolled out a redesigned model of its subcompact Skyhawk for 1982. Constructed on Normal Motors’ extremely anticipated “J-Automotive” structure, the Skyhawk could be the most-affordable providing in Buick showrooms.
Provided as a coupe, sedan, hatchback, and ultra-rare 4-door station wagon, the entry-level Skyhawk appealed to a comparatively broad viewers of consumers in search of each just a little model status in addition to an accessible month-to-month cost. For 1982, the Skyhawk Restricted sedan began at $7931, or about $26,000 in 2024 {dollars}. Do not forget that quantity.
For 2024, Buick rolled out an all-new entry-level mannequin: Envista. The subcompact crossover shares its primary structure with the well-regarded Chevrolet Trax small crossover, however options distinctive design and styling, and a trim-level providing that’s considerably upscale of the Chevy.
Right here’s the deal: That 1982 Skyhawk, at just below $8000, didn’t embrace as customary an automated transmission, air con, antilock brakes, traction management, stability management, or any security options which we now take as a right. In the meantime, the 2025 Envista, which incorporates all the just-mentioned options and gear, begins at simply $25,000.
New for 2024, the Envista slots in value beneath the similar-size Encore GX in Buick’s lineup. The Encore, till lately Buick’s most reasonably priced mannequin, will be higher geared up than the Envista, additionally it is provided with AWD, which can’t be had on the ‘Vista.
Buick’s four-model lineup, which additionally features a pair of extra upscale choices, the compact Envision and midsize Enclave, covers an enormous value greenback vary. For 2025, the entry-level Envista begins at simply $24,795, whereas the top-trim Enclave Avenir begins at $59,395.
Regardless of what would possibly really feel like an odd match for GM’s near-luxury model, the Envista has seen sturdy gross sales. It appears the mannequin’s enticing mixture of excellent seems to be, excessive worth, and utility has caught the shopping for public’s consideration.
For 2025, the Envista lineup ascends by means of three trim ranges: Most well-liked ($24,795), Sport Touring ($26,195), and Avenir ($26,695).
Energy for all Envista fashions comes from a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automated transmission. All fashions earn an EPA estimated mixed score of 30 mpg, and run on regular-grade gasoline.
Client Information lately spent per week behind the wheel of a 2024 Envista Avenir in Ocean Blue with the Superior Security Bundle. All instructed, our take a look at automotive got here to $30,490. Although this analysis is of a 2024 mannequin, we are able to share that there are not any vital adjustments to the Envista for 2025.
The Envista makes as wonderful first impression. The Cabin is much classier than most autos of like value. And although there’s a truthful quantity of arduous plastic hidden within the décor, the Envista inside presents nicely with loads of vibrant accents, stylish design, and, the place greatest positioned, soft-touch surfaces.
The controls and infotainment interface will really feel acquainted to present Normal Motors clients, that’s to say that the majority controls are logically positioned and simple to find. The gear selector is of the old-school mechanical kind, which we discover comfortingly acquainted. Additionally, the usual 6-speaker audio system punches above its weight class, and sounds pretty much as good as many branded methods present in more-expensive autos. This writer discovered the Envista system as much as the duty of dealing with the mid-century American jazz he favors.
There’s loads of cabin house for 4 adults, and the Envista’s entrance door openings are giant sufficient for even plus-size adults to enter and exit the automobile with out problem. Likewise, rear-seat lodging are additionally beneficiant. And in contrast to on many small crossovers, the Envista rear-doors open almost 90 levels to simplify automobile ingress and egress.
On the highway, the Envista continues to acquit itself nicely. The subcompact Buick’s comparatively tiny 3-cylinder engine delivers loads of around-town spunk, simply maintaining with visitors, and sprinting eagerly away from stops. Freeway passing and merging energy is just satisfactory nevertheless, and the motor sounds and feels careworn when tapped for added energy. The engine can also be just a little coarse in common use, throbbing erratically at idle.
None of that is to say the Envista is unrefined, solely to notice that many autos within the little Buick’s value class provide a extra relaxed dynamic expertise.
That mentioned, the Envista serves up wonderful trip and dealing with. Although not fairly sporty, the ‘Vista handles nicely, and makes straightforward works of hurried cornering and sudden braking. Journey high quality is excellent; for a small crossover the Envista is surprisingly snug on lengthy freeway drives. On-the-road quietness can also be noteworthy, which makes for relaxed dialog throughout seating rows, even at freeway pace.
There’s little of practical worth that the Envista gives that may’t be had in related and even more-affordable Chevrolet Trax, however the Buick does really feel genuinely extra upscale, and that ought to depend for one thing when choosing a brand new automobile.
Client Information has named the 2025 Buick Envista a Greatest Purchase choose within the Subcompact Crossover class, this for delivering a premium-crossover expertise for a mainstream value. As soon as the phrase will get out, we anticipate the Envista to start promoting in vital quantity. Remembering that it prices much less now than the Skyhawk did 4 a long time in the past, we advocate you add Buick’s most-affordable mannequin to your test-drive quick listing.
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2024 Buick Envista Avenir Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photographs
