The 2024 Envista Compact Crossover Ushers a New Design for Buick

It may be surprising that Buick, an innovator in sub-compact crossovers and an early provider of premium 3-row crossovers, has not had a compact crossover, the most popular vehicle segment in the country.  That changes with the Envista, a premium but quite affordable compact crossover.  Buick enters the market in a big way spearheading a new design language inside and out that will likely be followed by other Buick models.  All of us at Valley Buick GMC look forward to the arrival of this exciting model.

All-New Buick Design

In terms of size, the Envista is larger than the Encore GX and smaller than the Envision, but in terms of design, it sets an entirely new path for Buick.  Well, maybe not entirely, as the Envista adopts the language first previewed on the Wildcat EV concept coupe shown last year.  The Envista has the same front-end design that begins with a hood sloping down to become the front’s leading edge. Below is a forward-leaning angular grille intake flanked by bright trim with almost hidden headlights nestled in the corners. Above the leading edge are long, sleek LED DRLs and a new interpretation of the Buick’s tri-shield logo.

The Envista profile shows it to be Buick’s most car-like crossover yet with a long, low profile, body color for the fender flares, rocker panels, and trim, and a fastback sloping roof set by chrome trim. The rear echoes the front design with slim LED tail lights and a prominent display of the new logo. 

“The Envista represents a pure expression of Buick design,” said Sharon Gauci, executive director of Global Buick-GMC Design. “This is not your average small SUV. With its unique proportions, modern stance, and sleek form, the Envista takes Buick’s sculptural beauty to the next level.”

The Envista will enter the market with three trim levels. It begins with the Preferred trim with 17-inch alloys but with an 18-inch wheel option. The aggressive-appearing Sport Touring (ST) has distinctive black-finish 18-inch alloys with a 19-inch option and can optionally trade the rear torsion beam suspension with an independent Watt’s link design. The top-level Avenir comes standard with independent rear suspension, rides on nickel-finish 19-inch alloy wheels, and offers premium features expected with the Avenir name. 

Premium Interior Design

Thanks in part to a generous 106.3-inch wheelbase, the Envista has a spacious cabin with more rear legroom than the segment leader. Inside, one immediately notices the Ultrawide Infotainment Display, which encases both the 8-inch digital driver information display and a class-leading 11-inch center control screen. Below are hard controls for the most commonly used climate and audio functions. Climate control vents and other dash details are elegantly accented with pewter finish trim. 

There are other premium touches inside, such as Avenir and ST logos embroidered on the head restraints of their respective trims and a pewter-finished steering wheel with a flat flat-bottom both for ease of driver access as well as a premium appearance. Standard on all models is the Buick Driver Confidence package which includes the following:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• IntelliBeam auto high-beams
• Forward Collision Alert
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Following Distance Indicator
• HD Rear Vision Camera 

Smart, Efficient Drivetrain

The Envista will be powered by an updated version of the 1.2L turbo inline-3 found in the Encore GX connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is expected to be rated at 136 horsepower with 162 lb-ft of torque.  Revisions include enabling the turbocharger to reach its peak torque at a lower rpm for a lively driving experience. Combined mph is expected to be 30 mpg.

“Compared to previous generations of our 1.2L 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 development engineer, Buick Envista.

Surprisingly Affordable

Second to its design, what may be most surprising about Envista is its pricing.  Starting MSRP is $23,495 for the Preferred trim. The Sport Touring starts at $25,195, with the top-ranging Avenir starting at $29,695.

“Buick helped define the small SUV segment in 2012, and we’ve continued to make our offerings even more competitive since. The all-new Envista is going to shake up that segment once again,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, Buick-GMC. “When you consider all the Envista has to offer, from its stunning design, standard technology, and premium affordability, it’s going to be hard to find a better package in that area of the market.”  

The 2024 Envista is not only an exciting Buick new model in a very popular segment but also an important signpost of what we can expect from future Buicks.  The 2024 Envista is planned to begin production in June and reach Valley Buick GMC and other dealers later in the summer.