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2020 Buick Envision

Starting at $34,695

6/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2020 buick envision front
Buick
6/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Comfy and quiet cabin, reassuring brake-pedal feel, classier than mainstream alternatives.
  • Lows Introverted styling inside and out, passive driving character, only top models get top content.
  • Verdict The Envision's unassuming personality will mostly appeal to introverts.
By Drew Dorian and Eric Stafford

Overview

The Envision won't turn many heads with its modest appearance, but it'll cosset passengers with its tranquil cabin. Since Buick is a borderline-luxury brand and the Envision is priced as such, the compact crossover competes with upscale rivals. That makes its comfy interior and introverted exterior seem, well, stodgy. Likewise, its smooth ride quality and uneventful driving demeanor do little to dispute that impression. Every model has a feature-laden infotainment system and respectable fuel economy, but only the most expensive versions have the best features. While the 2020 Envision provides gentle transportation, it won't liven many pulses.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, Buick doesn't make any significant changes to the Envision. However, it does lose the previously available Galaxy Silver and Bronze Alloy paint colors in favor of two new hues—Espresso and Moon Blue.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Buick saves the most desirable and luxurious features for its top-of-the-line Envision models, which hurt its value proposition. Still, we like the turbocharged engine's quicker acceleration and more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. That setup is exclusive to the Premium trim levels. We'd choose the cheaper version. It brings standard upgrades such as blind-spot monitoring, heated rear seats, lane-keeping assist, leather upholstery, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. We'd also recommend the Active package for those who plan on utilizing the Envision's 1500-pound maximum towing capacity.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Two different four-cylinder engines are offered: The base version is a 2.5-liter unit that makes 197 horsepower and drives either the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic. An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 252 horsepower and pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It can be had with a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system featuring a locking rear differential. The Envision is all about comfort and solitude. The suspension is soft and easily floats over road imperfections, but that doesn't mean it completely falls apart if pitched into a corner at speed. It handles most scenarios with confidence but isn't likely to win the admiration of enthusiast drivers in the same way as the Audi Q5 or the BMW X3.

2020 buick envision taillight
Buick

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The thriftiest Envision is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway by the EPA. Adding all-wheel drive to the base engine drops those numbers to 21 and 27, respectively. The more powerful turbocharged engine (all-wheel-drive only) has estimates of 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. We tested the latter on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route and observed 25 mpg highway out of that powertrain—exactly what the EPA predicted.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, there's plenty of room for four adults, and the Envision is reasonably well-equipped—although not quite as nicely finished as the Audi and BMW. Still, every model has a quiet and comfortable cabin that will only disappoint those expecting a lavish experience. More expensive versions get leather seats with available heat and ventilation, a head-up display, and a partially digital gauge cluster. Unfortunately, interior cubby storage is unremarkable, with few places to stick small items. We did manage to fit nine carry-on bags behind its rear seats and 17 more with the seats folded flat. That was significantly more than we fit in the Jaguar F-Pace and the Q5.

2020 buick envision infotainment screen
Buick

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Envision is equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While Buick's infotainment system lacks a rotary controller, its responsive touchscreen and limited controls make it easy to operate and reduce distractions. Those who want fancier features can upgrade to a Bose audio system, built-in navigation, and wireless phone charging.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The 2020 Envision earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it wasn't named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While a bevy of driver-assistance technology is available, all of these assists cost extra. Key safety features include:

  • Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
  • Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
  • Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Buick covers the Envision with a competitive limited and powertrain warranty. While the company provides complimentary maintenance, the period is much shorter than what BMW and Jaguar offer.

  • Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
  • Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

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