The Buick Envista is a subcompact SUV that surprised many people with its impressive design and competitive pricing. Despite its affordable price of around $30,000, the Envista looks and feels luxurious, with several bystanders mistaking it for a much more expensive vehicle. It offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo, making it a family-friendly option in its segment.
The interior of the Envista is well-equipped and user-friendly. While there is some hard plastic in the cabin, it is not uncommon for vehicles in this price range. The Sport Touring trim offers leatherette seating, giving it an even more upscale feel. The standout feature of the cabin is the pair of displays encased in one curved housing, which adds to the premium look and feel of the interior. The 11-inch touchscreen is larger than most in the segment and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
In terms of passenger and cargo space, the Envista excels in the subcompact SUV segment. It offers ample legroom in the rear seats, even for tall passengers. The rakish roofline does slightly impact headroom, but it is still comfortable for most individuals. Cargo space is slightly compromised due to the roofline, but the Envista can still accommodate a decent amount of luggage with the cargo cover removed.
Despite its modest specs, the Envista delivers a punchy and efficient driving experience. The 1.2-liter turbocharged engine may not sound impressive on paper, but its 162 pound-feet of torque provide a responsive power delivery. The six-speed automatic transmission is quick and efficient, offering a smooth driving experience. The Envista also achieves excellent fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Envista surprises with its refined and comfortable ride. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, making it a quiet and enjoyable vehicle for long drives. The steering is responsive, and the optional Watts linkage rear suspension upgrade further enhances the ride quality. Overall, the Envista provides a comfortable and composed driving experience.
In terms of pricing and trim levels, the Envista offers good value for money. The base Preferred trim starts at $22,900, while the Sport Touring and Avenir trims offer additional features and upgrades. All trims come standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Optional driver assistance features include blind-spot warning, rear-cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Although the Envista has not been crash-tested by a third party at the time of writing, it comes equipped with several standard safety features, making it a safe choice for families.
Overall, the 2025 Buick Envista is a compelling option in the subcompact SUV segment. Its combination of attractive design, spacious interior, efficient engine, and affordable price make it a standout choice for buyers looking for a well-rounded and value-packed vehicle. Despite its minor drawbacks, such as the lack of all-wheel drive and some hard plastic interior surfaces, the Envista offers a compelling driving experience and excellent value for money.