The new 2024 Buick Envista brings a lot of firsts for the brand. It’s an all-new model, and it is more of an entry-level, cheaper model. It’s not really an SUV but more like an SUV Coupe, and, surprisingly, it is not an EV. So maybe it is three “firsts” and one “last,” since Buick repeatedly announces its intent to be all-electric by 2030. As the Envista seems like the perfect EV platform or even hybrid, it seems a bit out of step with where vehicle development is going.

How much is a 2024 Buick Envista?

Buick says this is a “premium” vehicle for the compact SUV segment. It features SUV-like cargo space and utility, with a more coupe-like profile. The lure is its design, and its $23,495 MSRP, with the target audience  “young professionals and small families.” It’s an entré into the Buick brand, which in the past was one step above Oldsmobile and one step below Cadillac. 

But with the four remaining brands, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac, it bridges the gap at the low end where Chevrolet sits. And just to confuse things, with the formation of the Corvette sub-brand, Chevrolet seems to be moving past Buick into Cadillac territory. But we digress. 

What are the Buick Envista trims?

The Envista will start with three trims, Preferred, Sport Touring or ST, and Avenir. Buick considers Avenir to be its sub-brand that is available throughout the Buick line. It represents the most luxurious of the trims offered, with the ST offering larger 18-inch and 19-inch diameter wheels and more performance-related options. 

The new Buick only comes with one engine, a 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It is rated at 136 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The banger spins a six-speed automatic transmission. “Compared to previous generations of our 1.2-liter turbo engine, this version is lighter and uses fewer parts, which reduces the overall vehicle weight, increases efficiency, and creates nimble ride and handling,” said Scott McLane, lead Buick Envista development engineer.

What features does the Envista cabin have?

Inside, the two-row SUV features an 11-inch infotainment screen in concert with the control screen measures 19 inches combined. A flat-bottom steering wheel and stitched Avenir or ST logos in the seats give the interiors an added bit of premium quality. All Envistas will feature the Buick Driver Confidence safety and driver assist package. 

Outside, Buick says the Envista is the first Buick to incorporate its new design language, inspired by the Wildcat concept. Unfortunately, we don’t see the connection, nor any sense of what the Wildcat presented found on the Envista. Buick says a part of this new language is represented by the “low-profile silhouette and forward-leaning nose.” 

Is the Envision available now?

Overall, the exterior is a mish-mash of different design cues found on many crossovers today. The body sculpturing along the sides and overall proportions are very similar to a Mazda CX-30, which has been around for a few years. We expect better from GM Design. 

The hope for Buick is that the Envista will increase its woeful sales numbers. Being a new model, and with an affordable price, it might just be the trick. At least it is adding another model to the current Encore, Envision, and Enclave. Deliveries will begin at the end of this summer.