BUICK Envision 2017

Body and cabin

There’s no hiding the fact that for some people, a luxury item purchase—a residence, a vehicle or just a pair of shoes—is all about love at first sight. It’s a reaction that may not be set off by the sober lines of the 2017 Buick Envision, which could hamper sales in a segment dominated by glitz and styling.

On the other hand, the body proportions of the Buick Envision were perfectly calculated. As a result, it offers a roomy interior while occupying a reasonable footprint to maintain agility. The flat rear floor heightens the impression of space and makes it easier to accommodate an occasional fifth passenger.

Upholstered in supple leather in most versions, the front seats deliver good comfort helped by height-adjustable lumber support. However, we found that the upper part of the backrest bulges so much that it pushes one’s shoulders forward. The Premium II group includes cooled and ventilated front seats and adjustable thigh support for the driver. All models offer a sliding and reclining rear bench seat; rear outboard seat heaters appear starting with Essence trim.

Cargo space seems competitive for a compact SUV, with sufficient height below the windows. A pull of a lever on either side folds the 60/40-split rear seatbacks completely flat, good news in terms of versatility, like the 12-volt outlet and six tie-downs. Side carpeting highlights the luxurious aspect of the vehicle.

The dashboard features legible instruments and simple controls. Typical to most GM products, the infotainment system pairs a logical touch screen with big buttons and knobs for the main functions. The capacitive touch controls for climate and the heated/ventilated seats are the only discordant notes in an otherwise functional environment.

The fit inside—and out, for that matter—of our built-in-China test vehicle was above reproach. Finish, however, was a disappointment because of the combination of different types and textures of plastics, especially on the middle of the dashboard. The small analog clock is ordinary looking as well as superfluous since the touch screen displays the time a few centimetres to the left.

Safety

In terms of active safety, a backup camera is standard on all models. Blind-spot monitoring starts on Essence models, and Premium I trim adds lane departure warning with lane keep assist and frontal collision alert. Unfortunately, you have to opt for the Premium II model and add a $1,975 options package to obtain automatic emergency braking, the most useful of the advanced safety features.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the Envision as a top safety pick for crash protection in its category, echoing the top 5 out of 5 rating it obtained in U.S. government crash tests.

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Overall score: 5 / 5
Frontal impact: 4 / 5
Side impact: 5 / 5
Rollover resistance: 4 / 5

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS)
Moderate overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Small overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Side impact: 4 / 4
Rear impact: 4 / 4
Roof strength: 4 / 4

IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Mechanical overview

At the Buick Envision press launch, GM reps indicated that it used an exclusive, all-new platform. Further investigation revealed that this chassis is based on GM’s newest compact-car platform (Chevrolet Cruze and Volt) and that it will also be used to underpin the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. It all means that the 2017 Buick Envision is based on a solid, up-to-date foundation that promotes not only good crash resistance (see above) but also good road behaviour.

Unlike the Cruze and Volt, which have a rear torsion beam, the Envision uses a fully independent multilink suspension that provides a stable, comfortable ride. Premium I and II models have an advanced strut front suspension designed to improve steering feedback and limit torque steer in acceleration; Preferred and Essence models make do with regular MacPherson struts.

It should be noted that the two entry level models are much less powerful than the two others. Their 2.5L direct injected four‑cylinder engine provides 197 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, which seems just adequate for the segment. Buick actually expects that most buyers will opt for the 2.0L turbocharged engine (Premium I and II models), which delivers a more competitive 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

A six-speed automatic transmission relays power to all four wheels, on all models. The Envision uses the same active twin clutch all-wheel-drive system being installed on recent Cadillac SRX and GMC Acadia models, and which will likely appear on most of GM’s other SUVs as they are redesigned. Whereas it functions full time on the Envision, it can be completely deactivated on the SRX and Acadia, which is questionable since the system engages only the rear wheels when necessary.

Our first drive on the hilly roads between Calgary and the Rockies highlighted the Envision’s supple, balanced handling. The turbo engine delivers linear performance, and the vehicle is stable and very quiet on the highway. It can also handle curves at good speed, but with enough body lean that you won’t want to push it too often. The steering is precise but generally uncommunicative, despite the special suspension mentioned above.

Ultimately, comfort takes precedence over dynamics, which for many potential buyers will come as a welcome relief in comparison with the firm suspension tunings of several competing vehicles.