2024 Buick Envista_front 3-4 profile

Whether it’s a first-drive feature from the sun-soaked California coast, a quick news story about an off-road pickup that may (or may not) be coming to your local dealership or a review of a hot new sports sedan, somewhere Lee Bailie is writing about cars and car culture, something he’s been doing for almost a decade. A car guy to the core, he went on his first automotive plant tour at age seven.

ANN ARBOR, MI. – What if I told you that Buick – yes, Buick – is the fastest-growing automotive marque in Canada, with a sales increase of 78.5 percent through May 2023?

Would you believe me?

I understand your skepticism, but it’s true. Buick is a hot automotive brand right now. In Canada, it posted a 143.1 percent sales increase (3,746 units) in the first quarter of this year, which was not only its best showing since Q1 2017, but its best first quarter ever.

Since the debut of the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/new-logo-wildcat-concept-mark-start-of-buick-electra-fication">Wildcat EV</a> concept last summer, during which time it also announced it will become an all-electric brand by 2030, with the first EV model arriving in 2024, Buick has announced new products for the shorter term.

The updated compact <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2024-buick-encore-gx-first-drive">Encore GX SUV</a> went on sale this past spring, and there’s an all-new mid-size Envision coming next year and sandwiched in between those two is the first-ever Envista subcompact crossover. The latter slots into the space previously occupied by the discontinued Encore as Buick’s entry-level vehicle.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177058" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_0043-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Buick Envista" width="2560" height="1920" />

The Envista, set to arrive at Canadian dealerships in late summer, follows a similar path to that of the Encore GX sibling regarding size, packaging, and pricing. Like the Encore GX, the Envista is Korean-built on GM’s VSS-F (Vehicle Set Strategy – Front-Wheel Drive) platform, which also underpins the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, but with an even simpler offering.

Whereas the Encore GX is mostly all-wheel drive, save for the base Preferred grade which is also available with front-wheel drive, the Envista is front-drive only. Its 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine (137 hp / 162 lb-ft.) is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Like the Encore GX, and future Buicks to come, the grade walk for the Envista consists of Preferred, ST (Sport Touring), and Avenir.

From a packaging perspective, the Envista comes well-equipped. The Convenience 1 Package is standard on all trims in Canada and includes an 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, passive entry, and remote start.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177056" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2024-Buick-Envista_side-profile-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Buick Envista" width="2560" height="1920" />

The Advanced Safety Package, standard on Preferred and ST, bundles together rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. A similar standard package for Avenir models includes all the foregoing plus Rainsense Wipers and an Auto-dim Outside Driver Mirror. A moonroof is also available for ST and standard on Avenir.

From a styling perspective, the Envista carries forward the “new face of Buick” as first shown on the Wildcat EV, which include its forward-leaning nose, large grille, and slim LED headlights. Buick’s new tri-shield logo and typefaces are also present.

Given its sloping roofline, the Envista is more car-like in its profile and general proportions, which Buick says will help it appeal to buyers who have owned sedans or other passenger cars previously.

To gain a better sense of how it performs in the real world, Buick recently invited a small group of journalists to drive the Envista in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

When I attended the Envista reveal in April, I thought it to be quite handsome, with an appearance that is clearly SUV, but with enough car essence to appeal to sedan owners.

I’ll be frank – I prefer its looks to those of the Encore GX which, with its boxier styling, is much more solidly in the SUV column. The Envista, on the other hand, is a bit of a tweener, and that’s part of its appeal for me.

Despite its car ethos, the Envista delivers the benefits of modern crossovers, in terms of interior space for both occupants and cargo. Its maximum cargo volume rating is 232 litres less than that of the Encore GX but is still spacious for a vehicle of its size. Sitting in the rear seat to take photos, my six-foot frame had ample leg and headroom to be comfortable despite the rearward slope of the Envista’s roofline.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177050" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2024-Buick-Envista_dashboard-centre-console-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Buick Envista" width="2560" height="1920" />

Up front, the star of the show is the standard 19-inch Infotainment Screen, which consists of two screens housed within one panel. The 11-inch multimedia display is a touchscreen which houses controls for items such as navigation, climate functions, and stereo controls. The other screen, an 8-inch display, is a configurable instrument cluster.

Both screens offer pin-sharp HD resolution with quick response times and are easy to use. As someone who prefers climate functions to be located on physical buttons due to their ease of use and because they’re minimally distracting, I’m pleased to see these buttons are present in the Envista below the 11-inch display. These functions are also located on the touchscreen.

The Envista’s cabin is quite inviting. The leather seating is comfortable and the contrast stitching and embossed headrests (ST and Avenir), provide pleasing accents. The flat-bottom steering wheel (standard on all trims) is another nice touch, as are the piano black trim inserts in the console and dashboard. Rearward visibility is a bit pinched due to the car’s styling.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177059" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_0034-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Buick Envista" width="2560" height="1920" />

On the road, the Envista Avenir we drove acquitted itself well regarding overall comfort, ride, and handling. I’m not going to mince words here – this is not a fast car. The tiny 1.2-litre turbo takes a while to get the car moving, and it's pretty loud when you mash the throttle, as I discovered during the drive.

However, once up to cruising speed, the Envista offers a quiet and composed ride thanks in part to Buick’s QuietTuning, which provides a good amount of sound insulation to tamp down road noise. A Watts Link suspension, which is standard on Avenir and available on ST, also helps to smooth out the bumps and keep the Envista more planted to the road. An electrohydraulic brake booster, which is also standard, exists to deliver “on-demand” braking when needed.

On public roads – there was no closed course testing – the Envista delivers a comfortable driving experience, and while it lacks performance, it will certainly meet the daily needs of commuting, shopping, and taking kids to and from school.

During the product presentation, one slide said Buick’s vision for the Envista is for it to become the “conquest champion” in the GM portfolio. That’s quite bold, but given the Envista’s attributes and aggressive pricing, it doesn’t appear to be an unrealistic goal.

2024 Buick Envista pricing

Preferred – $28,999
ST – $30,299
Avenir – $33,899

The 2024 Buick Envista goes on sale in late summer. 
<h3>2024 Buick Envista</h3>
BODY STYLE: subcompact SUV
DRIVE METHOD: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, 6-speed automatic transmission
ENGINE: 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder (137 hp / 162 lb-ft.)
FUEL ECONOMY: (Regular 87) 8.4 / 7.4 / 7.9 L / 100 km (city / highway / combined)
CARGO VOLUME: 1,189 / 586 litres (42 / 20.7 cu ft.) (behind first / second row)
PRICE: $28,999 base, excl. freight, taxes, and fees
WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.buick.ca">www.buick.ca</a>

2024 Buick Envista First Drive Review

2024 Buick Encore GX_front 3-4 profile

BIRMINGHAM, MI. – It’s been an interesting journey for Buick over the past few years. The 115-year-old legacy division that sits somewhere between Chevrolet and Cadillac in the GM brand hierarchy has been mostly sidelined as new models, many electrified, have been announced for its three in-house siblings.

In short, “What about Buick?” has become a common refrain both within and without the automotive bubble over the past half-decade or so.

Apart from design updates for existing models (Envision and Enclave), and the dropping of its last sedan in 2020, the Euro-sourced Regal, not much appears to be happening at Buick, on the surface at least.

That’s beginning to change, however, as the brand made waves last year, not only with the reveal of the dramatic Wildcat EV concept last June, but also confirmation that Buick plans to be all-electric by 2030.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175924" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_E4635-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Buick Encore GX" width="2560" height="1440" />

With the first Buick EV slated to arrive next year, the current lineup is also being addressed. The all-new <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/first-look-2024-buick-envista">2024 Envista</a> was revealed earlier this month and the significantly updated 2024 Encore GX, the focus of this first drive report, will begin arriving at Canadian dealerships later this spring.

While I was in suburban Detroit for the reveal of the Envista, which replaces the discontinued entry-level Encore this summer, Buick made a few U.S. pre-production copies of the Encore GX available for short test drives.

I wrote a reveal story of the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/first-look-2024-buick-encore-gx">2024 Encore GX</a> back in February, so check that one out for more context. So as not to repeat myself too much, I’m going to focus mostly on impressions of the Encore GX I spent about 90 minutes driving.

To reset briefly, the Encore GX, one of the few new Buicks of recent vintage, was all-new in 2020 and is essentially a mechanical twin of the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175921" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-Buick-Encore-GX_rear-3-4-profile-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Buick Encore GX" width="2560" height="1440" />

Yes, the cars are packaged and marketed differently, with different styling and so on, but they are built in the same Korean plant and share powertrains and a common platform architecture.

For North America, the ‘24 Encore GX is offered in three trims, Preferred, ST (sport touring) and Avenir. All models are powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, save for the base front-wheel drive Preferred, which comes with a CVT. A price breakdown is listed below.

Buick had several grades available for the drive, and I was directed towards an ST tester finished in Moonstone Gray Metallic with a Whisper Beige and black interior.

As far as looks are concerned, the Encore GX’s facelift, which incorporates several Wildcat EV design cues, has given the car a more up-market presence. Its front end, which retains the Wildcat’s prominent forward-leaning nose, slim checkmark LED headlights and wide open-mouth grille, is especially striking. It gives off a strong concept vibe and is a marked departure from the outgoing model.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175917" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-Buick-Encore-GX_dashboard-centre-console-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Buick Encore GX" width="2560" height="1440" />

The Encore GX is the first Buick to receive the brand’s all-new tri-shield logo and new tailgate name and wordmark badging, a pattern which will be repeated on the Envista and future models to come.

Buick is also segmenting the Encore GX by trim. The ST grade, for example, has 18-inch high-gloss black alloy wheels and lots of black trim, including wheel arches, front grille, rear bumper and diffuser and rocker panels.

On the inside, the biggest change is a redesigned display system where the instrument cluster and multimedia screens are now housed in one panel. Totalling 19 inches, the display features an eight-inch configurable instrument cluster and an 11-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Other changes include restyled climate control switches, embroidered ST headrest logos and new seat designs and stitch patterns. The ST also receives a grade-specific flat-bottomed steering wheel, along with standard heated front seats, heated steering wheel and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

All grades also come standard with the Buick Driver Confidence package, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beams and more.

For the drive, Buick plotted a route north from our Birmingham hotel that consisted of local and arterial roads in a loop that took roughly 90 minutes to complete.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175915" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-Buick-Encore-GX_side-profile-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Buick Encore GX" width="2560" height="1440" />

Generally, the Encore GX impressed this writer, specifically its sharp design update, revamped interior with gorgeous digital displays and better materials. The outgoing Encore GX was a pleasing enough car to ride around in, but the aesthetic overhaul the 2024 model has received puts it light years ahead of its predecessor.

I also find the Encore GX to be reasonably spacious and comfortable, for a small crossover, with ample leg, head, and shoulder room to accommodate my 6-foot frame in both the front and rear seats. The driving position feels good, and while there isn’t a great deal of seat articulation and bolstering, I find the driver’s seat to be quite comfortable. Given its tall-riding design, the Encore GX’s big greenhouse also provides for very good outward visibility.

As for the drive, well, it’s adequate. There’s no getting around, however, the fact the 1.3-litre turbo is a tiny engine that doesn’t provide much performance. Is it fine in normal everyday traffic like I encountered in Michigan? Yes, but on-ramp merging on busy highways, which I did not experience during my drive, can require some quick acceleration. And the Encore GX is not quick.

Even on arterial roads with higher speed limits, such as Woodward Avenue that runs north from downtown Detroit to its suburbs, the Encore GX feels slow unless the throttle is really matted. Even then, the 1.3-litre turbo takes a while to get the car up to speed.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175916" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-Buick-Encore-GX_rear-seat-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Buick Encore GX" width="2560" height="1440" />

It’s a better story for ride quality, though, thanks to liberal application of Buick’s QuietTuning, which consists of sound deadening measures and materials that do a reasonable job of shushing wind and tire noise. The Encore GX’s short wheelbase makes its ride a bit choppy by nature, but Michigan’s pockmarked roads didn’t upset it too much, at least in normal driving conditions.

Overall, the 2024 Encore GX is compelling option for those in the small crossover market, if style, technology, and standard content at a reasonable price, but not performance, are must-haves.

2024 Buick Encore GX pricing

Preferred FWD – $29,649
Preferred – $31,649
ST – $33,299
Avenir – $36,079

The 2024 Buick Encore GX goes on sale in late spring. 

2024 Buick Encore GX 

BODY STYLE: subcompact SUV
DRIVE METHOD: Front-engine, front / all-wheel drive, CVT / 9-speed automatic transmission
ENGINE: 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder (155 hp / 174 lb-ft.)
FUEL ECONOMY: (Regular 87) 9.1 / 8.4 / 8.8 L / 100 km (city / highway / combined – AWD)
CARGO VOLUME: 1,421 / 665 litres (50.2 / 23.5 cu ft.) (behind first / second row)
MAXIMUM TOWING: 1,000 pounds (453 kg.)
PRICE: $31,849 base, incl. freight, excl. taxes and fees
WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.buick.ca">www.buick.ca</a>

2024 Buick Encore GX First Drive Review

2024 Buick envista main header

After dropping the subcompact Encore from its lineup at the end of the 2022 model year, Buick has revealed its replacement for North America, the first-ever Buick Envista.

For context, the Encore is still sold in China, where an all-new second-gen model went on sale in 2020. This version was not sold in North America. The Envista is also ticketed for China, which was the site of its global reveal last August.

At any rate, for North America, the Buick Envista will slot below the recently facelifted Encore GX as Buick’s entry-level model. Both cars share a common architecture and powertrains and are built in the same plant in South Korea. And like the Encore GX, the Envista will be offered in three grades, Preferred, Sport Touring (ST), and Avenir.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175818" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_E4695-scaled.jpg" alt="Buick Envista ST" width="2560" height="1440" />

Buick is slotting the coupe-like Envista below Encore GX to attract younger buyers to the brand. Reps at the reveal event told Wheels.ca the Envista is aimed at buyers who are moving out of small crossovers and sedans and are seeking a stylish and tech-laden vehicle at a reasonable price.

To that end, Buick is limiting the configurability of the Envista and that starts with powertrains. Whereas the Encore GX is offered in both front and all-wheel drive with two transmission options, the Envista has one powertrain for all grades. A 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 136 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels only.

Full specs have not been released, but Buick says the 1.2 uses a turbocharger that reaches peak torque faster and for a longer duration for, “a fun and engaging driving experience,” according to a statement.

Buick also says this version of the engine uses fewer parts and is, therefore, lighter and produces better ride and handling, with reduced weight and greater efficiency. Final fuel economy numbers hadn’t been released at the time of writing, but the company says the Envista should return 7.8 L / 100km combined (30 mpg).

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175814" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_E4697-scaled.jpg" alt="Buick Envista ST" width="2560" height="1440" />

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175820" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_E4701-scaled.jpg" alt="Buick Envista ST" width="2560" height="1440" />

Like other Buicks, the Envista receives the brand’s QuietTuning system that insulates the cabin from wind and tire noise. To aid in delivering a quieter and more composed ride, a Watts Link suspension is standard on Avenir and available on ST.

On the design front, the Envista follows the path of the Encore GX with an appearance that draws heavily from the Wildcat EV concept. Like its sibling, the Envista features a forward-leaning nose, new Buick tri-shield badge, wide lower grille and thin LED checkmark headlights.

With a rakish coupé-like silhouette, Buick designers gave the Envista a sculpted beltline, with short front and rear overhangs and a sloping rear roofline. At the rear, the Envista receives the new tri-shield, stretched Buick wordmark and 3D-shaped LED taillights that wrap around the car’s corners.

These cues are shared with the Encore GX, as are other grade-specific trim details such as black trim on ST models and body-colour lower trim panels, and clear LED taillight lenses for Avenir. Wheels also vary by grade with standard black 18-inchers for ST with a 19-inch set available as an option. For Avenir, 19-inch pearl nickel wheels are standard.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175819" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_E4731-scaled.jpg" alt="Buick Envista Avenir" width="2560" height="1440" />

Inside the Cabin, the Envista resembles the Encore GX and offers similar features, including a curved 19-inch diagonal panel that houses two digital screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the multimedia display. The latter is an 11-inch diagonal unit that Buick says is the biggest in its class. Other details of note include embroidered headrests for ST and Avenir grades, standard flat-bottomed steering wheel on all grades, contrast stitching for seat and trim panels, and two-tone interior colour schemes.

While not as spacious as the Encore GX, the Envista offers cargo versatility with 40/60 split-folding rear seats and 1,189 litres (42 cubic feet) when they are folded down. With the rear seatbacks up, 586 litres (20.7 cubic feet) are available. Buick says the Envista’s cargo area can haul items that are 2.3 metres (7.5 feet) long diagonally. A power liftgate will be available as an option.

As for safety, all 2024 Envistas will come equipped with a host of standard safety features bundled together in the Buick Driver Confidence Package. Among these are Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and more. Other items such as Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear Cross Traffic alert are optional.

The 2024 Buick Envista goes on sale this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

First Look: 2024 Buick Envista

IMG_E9621

The significantly updated 2024 Buick Encore GX made its debut today at the Canadian International Auto Show, bringing forth several firsts for the brand including a new tri-shield logo, new front-end styling inspired by Buick’s Wildcat EV concept, and a 19-inch virtual cockpit display.

The <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/buick-gives-encore-an-encore-with-new-gx-crossover">Encore GX</a>, which first arrived in North America in 2020, shares a basic platform and powertrains with the Chevrolet Trailblazer and is built in the same GM plant in South Korea. For 2024, the Encore GX will be offered in three grades, Preferred, Sport Touring (ST), and Avenir. The latter is a new trim.

Buick says the expansion of Avenir to Encore GX is due to strong demand for the trim on its other models. In 2022, Avenir accounted for about 27 percent of sales across Buick in the U.S., but its share was much greater in Canada, where it represented 45 and 49 percent of sales for its Enclave and Envision SUVs, respectively.

All Encore GX models are powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft. of torque, which is paired with either a nine-speed automatic transmission (all-wheel drive) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel drive. Preferred trims are available in both front and all-wheel drive, while ST and Avenir are all-wheel drive only.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174702" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_E9656-scaled.jpg" alt="Buick Encore GX" width="2560" height="1440" />

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174700" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_E9699-scaled.jpg" alt="Buick Encore GX" width="2560" height="1440" />

On the design front, the Encore GX features a new front fascia that is drawn from that of the Wildcat EV concept. Above a wide, expansive grille on a forward-leaning nose sits Buick’s new tri-shield logo bracketed by winged LED headlights. Buick says this design language is a sign of things to come for the brand moving forward.

Elsewhere, the Encore GX receives new 18 and 19-inch wheel designs, along with a stretched Buick wordmark on the tailgate, along with new 3D-styled LED taillights. The latter are standard on ST and Avenir, while all grades receive LED headlights. ST models receive also receive high-gloss black front and rear bumpers, and a black roof package is available as an option.

On the inside, the ’24 Encore GX is the first model to receive the Buick Virtual Cockpit System, a 19-inch panel that houses two HD screens under one pane of glass. Separated by a bezel, the system is comprised of an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a configurable eight-inch instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models, and wireless smartphone charging is available.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174703" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_E9668-scaled.jpg" alt="Buick Encore GX" width="2560" height="1440" />

Elsewhere in the cabin, the Encore GX features an abundance of soft-touch materials and stitch patterns in the seating, steering wheel, centre console armrest, and more. Avenir and ST logos are also stitched into their respective headrests. The ST cabin is further differentiated by the presence of a standard flat-bottom steering wheel.

Specific to the Avenir are clear lens LED taillights, unique 19-inch wheels, chrome front and rear bumper detailing, and body-colour trim panels, along with a Whisper Beige and Jet Black interior colour scheme. The Avenir also comes with leather seating, 8-way power-adjustable front seats with 2-way power lumbar, heated steering wheel, embroidered Avenir headrests and door sills and more.

All 2024 Encore GX models will come with a host of safety features bundled together in the Buick Driver Confidence Package which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and more. Other safety items such as Side Blind Zone Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control are available as options.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX goes on sale this spring. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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2024 Buick Envista First Drive Review

2024 Buick Encore GX First Drive Review

First Look: 2024 Buick Envista

First Look: 2024 Buick Encore GX