Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Buick Envista Avenir
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Shade: Ocean Blue
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 166
Actual-world gasoline financial system: 31.4 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | C+ |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gas Economic system | A |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Client Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B+ |
| Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 137-horsepower, 1.-liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged 3-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 28/32/30 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas kind: Common gasoline
Base value: $28,600 (not together with $1095 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: Avenir Superior Security Package deal ($795)
Value as examined: $30,490
Execs and Cons
The good: Glorious greenback worth, premium really feel
The nice: Roomy and sensible design, wonderful gasoline financial system
The not so good: Engine coarse when pushed
Evaluation
Buick rolled out a redesigned model of its subcompact Skyhawk for 1982. Constructed on Normal Motors’ extremely anticipated “J-Automotive” structure, the Skyhawk could be the most-affordable providing in Buick showrooms.
Provided as a coupe, sedan, hatchback, and ultra-rare 4-door station wagon, the entry-level Skyhawk appealed to a comparatively broad viewers of consumers on the lookout for each just a little model status in addition to an accessible month-to-month fee. For 1982, the Skyhawk Restricted sedan began at $7931, or about $26,000 in 2024 {dollars}. Do not forget that quantity.
For 2024, Buick rolled out an all-new entry-level mannequin: Envista. The subcompact crossover shares its primary structure with the well-regarded Chevrolet Trax small crossover, however options distinctive design and styling, and a trim-level providing that’s considerably upscale of the Chevy.
Right here’s the deal: That 1982 Skyhawk, at just below $8000, didn’t embrace as customary an automated transmission, air con, antilock brakes, traction management, stability management, or any security options which we now take for grant. In the meantime, the 2025 Envista, which incorporates the entire just-mentioned options and tools, begins at simply $25,000.
New for 2024, the Envista slots in value under the similar-size Encore GX in Buick’s lineup. The Encore, till not too long ago Buick’s most reasonably priced mannequin, will be higher geared up than the Envista, it’s also provided with AWD, which can’t be had on the ‘Vista.
Buick’s four-model lineup, which additionally features a pair of extra upscale choices, the compact Envision and midsize Enclave, covers an unlimited value greenback vary. For 2025, the entry-level Envista begins at simply $24,795, whereas the top-trim Enclave Avenir begins at $59,395.
Regardless of what would possibly really feel like an odd match for GM’s near-luxury model, the Envista has seen sturdy gross sales. It appears the mannequin’s enticing mixture of excellent seems to be, excessive worth, and utility has caught the shopping for public’s consideration.
For 2025, the Envista lineup ascends by three trim ranges: Most well-liked ($24,795), Sport Touring ($26,195), and Avenir ($26,695).
Energy for all Envista fashions comes from a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automated transmission. All fashions earn an EPA estimated mixed ranking of 30 mpg, and run on regular-grade gasoline.
Client Information not too long ago spent every week behind the wheel of a 2024 Envista Avenir in Ocean Blue with the Superior Security Package deal. All informed, our take a look at automotive got here to $30,490. Although this analysis is of a 2024 mannequin, we are able to share that there aren’t any vital adjustments to the Envista for 2025.
The Envista makes as wonderful first impression. The Cabin is way classier than most autos of like value. And although there’s a truthful quantity of laborious plastic hidden within the décor, the Envista inside presents effectively with loads of vivid accents, elegant design, and, the place greatest positioned, soft-touch surfaces.
The controls and infotainment interface will really feel acquainted to present Normal Motors clients, that’s to say that almost all controls are logically positioned and simple to find. The gear selector is of the old-school mechanical kind, which we discover comfortingly acquainted. Additionally, the usual 6-speaker audio system punches above its weight class, and sounds nearly as good as many branded methods present in more-expensive autos. This writer discovered the Envista system as much as the duty of dealing with the mid-century American jazz he favors.
There’s loads of cabin house for 4 adults, and the Envista’s entrance door openings are massive sufficient for even plus-size adults to enter and exit the car with out problem. Likewise, rear-seat lodging are additionally beneficiant. And in contrast to on many small crossovers, the Envista rear-doors open almost 90 levels to simplify car ingress and egress.
On the street, the Envista continues to acquit itself effectively. The subcompact Buick’s comparatively tiny 3-cylinder engine delivers loads of around-town spunk, simply maintaining with site visitors, and sprinting eagerly away from stops. Freeway passing and merging energy is simply ample nonetheless, and the motor sounds and feels careworn when tapped for added energy. The engine can also be just a little coarse in common use, throbbing erratically at idle.
None of that is to say the Envista is unrefined, solely to notice that many autos within the little Buick’s value class supply a extra relaxed dynamic expertise.
That mentioned, the Envista serves up wonderful journey and dealing with. Although not fairly sporty, the ‘Vista handles effectively, and makes simple works of hurried cornering and sudden braking. Journey high quality is excellent; for a small crossover the Envista is surprisingly snug on lengthy freeway drives. On-the-road quietness can also be noteworthy, which makes for relaxed dialog throughout seating rows, even at freeway pace.
There’s little of useful worth that the Envista affords that may’t be had in comparable and even more-affordable Chevrolet Trax, however the Buick does really feel genuinely extra upscale, and that ought to depend for one thing when choosing a brand new car.
Client Information has named the 2025 Buick Envista a Finest Purchase choose within the Subcompact Crossover class, this for delivering a premium-crossover expertise for a mainstream value. As soon as the phrase will get out, we count on the Envista to start promoting in vital quantity. Remembering that it prices much less now than the Skyhawk did 4 many years in the past, we advocate you add Buick’s most-affordable mannequin to your test-drive quick listing.
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2024 Buick Envista Avenir Photos
Click on under for enlarged pictures