BUICK Envista 2025

General Motors (GM) has long accustomed us to its badge-engineering game, which generally uses the same platform to create a similar model for two or three of its brands. The Buick Envista is a direct result of this approach, as it closely resembles the second-generation Chevrolet Trax, introduced for the 2024 model year.

But for some time now, the manufacturer has been striving to better differentiate its mechanical twins. The Envista eloquently illustrates this strategy, with a sleek body reminiscent of the BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, while the Trax plays the practical utility card. We bet this distinctive style alone appeals to many people. Especially since, at $31,898 (including transport, preparation, and administrative fees), the Buick Preferred version comes much better equipped than the Trax LS, which sells for $4,200 less.

Standard features like a heated leather steering wheel, a power driver's seat, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control cleverly mask the Envista's modest mechanical origins. With a tiny three-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and no all-wheel drive, the most affordable Buick is left behind in this regard.

On the other hand, its unusually generous size makes it a sort of free agent among two-wheel-drive pseudo-utilities—a segment that also includes the Hyundai Venue, the Nissan Kicks Play (until the end of 2025), and, of course, the Trax.

See the Evaluation section for our full impressions of the Envista, which is built in South Korea.

The Buick Envista promises a more refined experience than the average entry-level crossover, both in terms of its looks and its extensive feature list. It largely delivers on this promise, despite the skepticism generated by its rudimentary specifications.

Yes, the engine growls under hard acceleration. No, fuel consumption isn't record-breaking. Then, you only have to dig a little deeper to find obvious signs of cost-cutting inside the cabin.

But in everyday driving, the recipe works. The ride remains smooth and well-controlled on rough roads, most unwanted noise is well filtered, and power is more than sufficient for city and suburban driving. Most of the amenities now considered essential are present and generally work well.

That said, to make it worth the effort, it's best to stick with a base version or, at a pinch, the mid-range Sport Touring. At nearly $37,000, the Avenir variant we drove straddled the territory of true, more substantial compact SUVs... and equipped with all-wheel drive, a feature that's now a must-have in the minds of many drivers here.

Lively but not fuel-sipping, the 3-cylinder

The Envista is one of a growing number of vehicles that use a turbocharged three-cylinder engine in place of a four-cylinder. Similar to swapping a V8 for a turbocharged V6 in a pickup truck, manufacturers hope that such a move will allow them to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining power equivalent to that of the larger engine.

The second part of the equation works well for the little Buick. The small engine delivers plenty of torque at low revs, making it easy to keep up with city traffic and effortlessly navigate hills. This surprising liveliness falters when passing, a maneuver that is accompanied by an intense drone and a marked hesitation from the transmission. At cruising speed, however, good soundproofing manages to keep the cabin quiet.

As for fuel consumption, Natural Resources Canada's ratings are hardly impressive. The combined city-highway average of 7.9L/100km is higher than in the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks Play, both equipped with one more cylinder than the Envista. True, these two models are lighter and less powerful than the Buick. But even similarly sized SUVs like the Toyota Corolla Cross and the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Taos perform better, at least on paper. Our 730km trip, two-thirds of which was spent on the highway, resulted in a fuel consumption of 8.4L/100km.

Surprising on the highway

Some micro-SUVs don't fare well when driven long distances. Sensitivity to crosswinds, a bouncy ride, annoying body movements... Fortunately, the Envista avoids most of these irritants.

Driving a long distance in one isn't punishing. You shouldn't expect the unflappable character of a large Buick Enclave, for example, but the relatively long wheelbase provides decent stability at constant speeds. The well-weighted steering—heavier than that of a BMW X3 we tested alongside the Envista!—requires few corrections to maintain course. Its precision promotes agility in urban environments.

Of note, the Avenir version we tested was equipped with a Watts link rear suspension, which is more akin to an independent system. The other Envistas have a torsion beam, a simpler solution, but sometimes less accommodating on rough roads. Also optional on the ST variant, the Watts suspension is paired with 19-inch tires that don't degrade comfort too much, but which portend a hefty price tag when it comes to installing winter tires. Fitting 17-inch wheels and tires could reduce the cost without affecting handling.

Unexpected space

Since the Envista is the most affordable Buick, one might expect it to be the least spacious of the bunch. Surprise: the manufacturer's specifications give it more legroom than the Encore GX, both front and rear. This is noticeable, as we were able to fit a 1.78m (5'10") adult behind the front seat, which was adjusted for a 1.85m (6'1") person. Better yet, there was no contact between the knees and the bucket seatback. Few subcompact crossovers are spacious enough to allow this.

The sloping roofline in the rear obviously limits headroom: our 1.85m tester touched the ceiling despite the very low seatback. This wasn't the case for our 1.78m driver, however, which indicates that a small family could get by quite comfortably. However, they should be careful with the amount of luggage, because the steeply sloping tailgate limits cargo space versatility.

Surface luxury

GM worked hard to make the Envista appear like a luxury vehicle, especially in the Avenir trim. Chrome trim, flashy daytime running lights, chunky wheels, perforated leather, and a prominent dual digital screen: all the premium trends are there at first glance.

However, it only takes a short time in the vehicle for the varnish to start cracking. Aside from a bit of padding on the dashboard face and armrests, all the plastics are hard. The leather seat upholstery isn't any more comfortable than the vinyl used elsewhere in the class. The center screen displays all the modern conveniences, but it often reacts with a certain delay. And the carpet covering the floor, including in the cargo area, is devastatingly thin.

Finally, what about those halogen brake lights, positioned too low, which also serve as turn signals? The very attractive LED units located higher up, and therefore much more visible, only serve as taillights! It's obvious that all these compromises served as a financial buffer so GM could please the many gadget-hungry drivers.

Safety features

• Antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist
• Stability and traction control
• Hill-start assist
• Front airbags
• Front knee airbags
• Front side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Five adjustable head restraints
• Rear occupant alert
• Rearview camera
• Tire pressure monitor with adequate pressure signal
• Forward collision alert
• Forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Automatic high-beams

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear parking sensors

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety