The 2024 Buick Envista
Mueller/Buick/TNS
It’s one thing to make a cheap car; many automakers do it. But it’s quite another to make a cheap car that will turn heads when it pulls up to one of those fancy restaurants with the pretentious monosyllabic names like Gouge.
Yet Buick’s newest car, the 2024 Buick Envista, might just do that. It looks expensive when in fact the price for its Preferred model starts at $23,495. It’s also offered in mid-level Sport Touring (or ST) and top-of-the-line Avenir trim, with latter squeaking in just below $30,000.
Look again. Isn’t Buick’s newest crossover SUV incredibly good looking?
The 2024 Envista replaces the wart-like 2022 Encore in Buick’s line-up. It’s a substantial 14.1 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider but 3.7 inches lower. This makes for its far more pleasing appearance. But it’s also 11.5 inches longer and 2.7 inches lower than the pricier Buick Encore GX, Buick’s most popular U.S. model.
Do I smell a bargain? You bet.
Up front, the 2024 Envista wears the newest face of Buick, one cribbed from the Buick Wildcat concept car. Base models have a horizontal slot grille and LED lighting meant to visually enhance its width, while other models receive a diamond-patterned grille. Its sloping back gives it a strikingly athletic look, as well as an air of sophistication.
Like the exterior, the Envista’s interior appears premium. Fashionistas will particularly appreciate the pleasing mid-century modern shape of the Envista’s screen, which houses an 8-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, while a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and optional wireless phone charging is available. It all works flawlessly and is easy to understand and operate.
2024 Buick Envista
Base price: $23,495-$29,695
Engine: 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine
Horsepower/Torque: 137/162 pound-feet
EPA fuel economy: 30 mpg (combined city/highway)
Fuel required: 87 Octane
Length/Width/Height: 182.6/71.5/61.3 inches
Payload: 1,118 pounds
Cargo capacity: 20.7-42 cubic feet
Towing capacity: Not recommended
