How Much Luggage Can The Buick Envista Hold?

The newest model in the Valley Buick GMC showroom is the Buick Envista. It takes the position of being a premium model in its class without a premium price and many automotive reviewers have concurred that it does just that. The model introduces Buick’s new design language up front and overall it is a sleek thing, looking like it easily cuts through the air at highway speeds. Part of that sleekness is due to the steeply sloped tailgate. While this looks great, it raises the question of how much utility is in this small SUV. Enthusiast site Autoblog set out to find the answer as part of their ongoing series of checking the cargo capacity of various models. Before going any further it is worth pointing out that Autblog’s author describes the Envista as a “great car” and “Easily the most surprising thing I’ve driven this year”. 

The Envista’s specifications show it as having 20.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks up, which is what all of Autoblog’s cargo capacity tests entail. The figure is consistent with other sub-compact SUVs, suggesting that the Envista may trade some height for depth in the cargo hold. But “20.7” doesn’t immediately tell you what will fit, which is what Autoblog set out to find.

The Test Baggage

Autoblog’s official cargo loader and scribe James Riswick always starts with the same set of luggage to provide the best comparison from vehicle to vehicle. They consist of two roller suitcases that at 26 x 15 x 10 (length, width, and depth in inches) would have to be checked in on a flight. This is followed by three carry-on bags, two of them at (24 x 15 x 10) and the third slightly smaller at 23 x 15 x 10. If there is still room, he will add another 21 x 12 x 12 overnight bag.

Knowing When to Remove the Cargo Cover

The biggest lesson learned is that if you know you will be carrying a lot of cargo, you should remove the hard cargo cover. With it in place, the three largest bags will fit. However, with the cargo cover removed, all six bags can fit, which came as a surprise to the author. He sums things up by stating that “…when you pair this cargo capability to its equally surprisingly back seat leg- and headroom, the Envista is a surprisingly practical vehicle despite those sleek, curvaceous looks and low price.”

The model provided to Autoblog was the Sport Touring model, but obviously, the cargo capacity applies to all models including the Preferred model which has a base MSRP of just $22,400. Even at that price, the model includes an 11-inch infotainment screen, an 8-inch digital driver information center, automatic climate control, 17” alloy wheels, and the Buick Driver Confidence suite of safety and driver assistance technologies among many other features. If a compact, sporty crossover that has a surprising level of passenger and cargo room for way less than the average new car cost appeals to you, visit Valley Buick GMC and check out the Envista for yourself.