2023 Buick Envision | Review & Road Test

For the latest Buick Envision pricing and information:

It’s been a while since we’ve talked about Buick. This is the Envision and while it hasn’t seen a ton of changes since the 2019 model year it’s had a few.

A couple of years ago the Envision got some significant upgrades in the safety department. And we all know that safety first is key staying out of trouble. Automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, a following distance indicator so you can tell how close the car in front of you in and a high def rear view camera are just a few.

It also got a 10-inch touchscreen on the interior. That was a first for Buick. Wow, that seems like such a long time ago.

More importantly it got a front end update that gives it a more upright grille, different headlights, a more defined angle from the hood to the windshield and some sharper trim details around the windows. Overall, the Envision’s small nip tuck made large improvements in its appearance. Applause here.

Otherwise, this is the same Envision. So, for argument’s sake we’re not exactly going to call this a midcycle refresh. My editor has such a great sense of humor.

Under the hood you’re still getting a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder (graphic: 228 hp/258 lb-ft torque). It’s not underwhelming, but it’s not exactly overwhelming either. That engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that finds its gears just fine and does its job. Again, adequately.

When it comes to the suspension and handling, the ride in here is decidedly Buick-esque. Meaning comfort rules the day. It’s compliant and easy going

It gets a sport mode that heighten the driving experience a bit and it’s definitely spry.

For my money there are a couple of things I’m not a huge fan off.

First on initial acceleration there is a definite lag. Either that’s the turbo or the transmission taking a second to find a gear. Likely a combination of both.

The cabin is pretty quiet except when you’re getting it up to speed and the car is working hard. And visibility is only fair because that thick C Pilar gives you a significant blind spot. Amen for safety bells and whistles.

It gets 20-inch wheels, a programmable power liftgate, and an available panoramic moonroof. There’s diamond perforated heated leather seats with available massage, heated steering wheel, wood trim detailing, an available rear camera mirror.

It gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless charging. Bonus. The Buicks is uncomplicated and quick. It’s one of the more intuitive ones out there.

And yes, this is the Avenir, but a lot of these features you do get on one trim level down the Essence, except for the wireless charging and ventilated front and rear seats. Those are only available on the Avenir.

The Preferred trim is the base model and on that interior you’ll get a slightly smaller touchscreen, smaller wheels, you don’t get a 7- or 9-speaker sound system, only a 6-speaker one, but compared to the RDX’s more than a dozen speakers you’re already on the back foot here.

You get respectable decent fuel economy (graphic: MPG: FWD: 23 city/30 hwy; AWD 22city/29 hwy) and you don’t really lose much is you opt for the power at all four wheels.

When it comes to price you’re looking at around $33,000 for the base model Preferred. The Essence will take you up to $37,000, and this Avenir starts at a lofty $41,300, but remember you’re getting a lot more features and tech, so if those are your priority the pricetag might be worth it.

So, it’s attractive, has a great interior and offers lots of premium features. If you’re looking for an upscale vehicle that doesn’t necessarily need to blow your socks of in the driving department, then the Buick Envision is one to check out.

00:00 2023 Buick Envision
0:21 Exterior
1:42 Engine
1:57 Driving Impressions
3:57 Interior

[kbb]

Are Buick still relevant or has the company seen its best days?

[garrettperkins]

Nice looking vehicle! Interior looks better than other recent Buicks. I like the shapes and layout. Seats look great too.

[ejohnson]

I actually like the integrated infotainment system with a touchscreen tilted towards the driver. So many cars have a floating tablet or don’t have a touchscreen and you have to use a knob or a trackpad. They complicate something so simple!

[matts]

I had the Buick Envision as a rental car for a few days, and I really enjoyed it. I'm 6'4 and I was really comfortable. The seats are comfortable as well. The only thing that I noticed was that it was gear hunting at lower speeds, which got annoying. Other than that, it's a nice little crossover, that gives you a lot for your money.

[hugovallarta]

Thank you Lyn for saying what we all thought immediately after you described the distance feature

[ramhaven]

She understates the quietness of the cabin, having just bought a honda crv, wish i had bought a Buick...

[googleit]

This SUV is definitely an SUV... Not much else to say.
Also, distance indicator can be good in conditions where visibility is heavily reduced. I use it occasionally in my Honda Accord when it's super foggy.

[damilolaakanni]

I had forgotten that these still existed.😁😆😅😂

[terryouderkirkful]

Thank you, excellent review. I've been looking at the 2023 Buick Envision Avenir for the pass week and finally decided to purchase one. The only regret I have is the missing Blind Spot Indicator due to the chip shortage. The Buick Envision kinda looks like my current vehicle on steroids which is a 2020 MB CLA250 with the AMG appearance package. I love my CLA but we have recently purchased some e-Bikes. and need a hitch bike carrier. Actually, we were out biking 2 weeks ago on a bike path that passed in front of a Buick car dealership were the Envision made me do a double-take look, literally. I was so impressed by its appearance that I took a few pictures to remember which model it was and to check it out online. To be honest, Buick was never on my radar screen, I was thinking of purchasing a new MB GLA but the Buick Envision Avenir styling at it price point is an irresistible SUV.

[PlatinumState]

My family had a Buick Century in the 90's. Great car

[casspower]

I have a 21 avenir envision and I do enjoy it for the most part 50k miles cause I’m a realtor so I will say I have worn this baby in and it’s held up no issues.

[freshtowels]

Honestly by the time you get a top trim of a mainstream compact SUV you are looking at Envision money. For 40k you can get a platinum 2023 escape in Canada or a base Envision. i'd rather have a base envision that a crappy Ford. the CRV sport is 43k in canada and again the envision is a nicer and more premium product.

[DavidMXXIV]

You might be one of the few drivers who don't follow too close to people, or maybe you don't drive in a congested city but the idea behind the indicator of how close you are following somebody informs folks that they are following too close and if every car and car user made use of these features our roads would be much safer, and traffic would flow a lot better. Not to mention how much it will save on your brakes and tires.

[stevewise]

Appreciate the honesty of this review.

[eddyjay]

Love how they take away the ventilated seat option in the back and charge u $50 dollars less but charge u $1000 to have it 😂

[marjoriekish]

I saw one yesterday, when I came out from shopping. Deep Blue in color. It was a nice looking car. I liked the lines on it.

[VroomBroom]

You forgot to mention the sequential turn signals on the rear and the welcome lights on the headlights

[chuckwalla]

Isn't the infotainment screen angled too upward?

[Big_Panda_]

2021 US 46, 450 China 146, 476. it sell well in china.

[michaelsciortino]

Just buy a mazda cx-5 get all this and more for cheaper it is especially luxurious to boot.