Buick is introducing its newest SUV - the 2024 Envista small crossover. Buick says it's designed to be both premium and affordable. The gas-only model will serve as the gateway to the Buick SUV lineup.
Buick calls the 2024 Envista one of the most affordable SUVs in the segment and says it's designed to have the utility and room of an SUV with the riding dynamics of a sedan.
“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 lineup will start from $23,495 and comes in three trims: Preferred, Sport Touring and the range-topping Avenir.
Buick says the sporty and sleek SUV will be the first of its vehicles to fully incorporate Buick’s new design language first introduced on the Wildcat EV concept last year. This includes the new face of Buick, featuring a low-profile silhouette and forward leaning nose with Buick's new emblem mounted on the body above the grille, a tribute to past Buick vehicles.
Bright trim precisely incorporated around the glass. Both the headlamps and tail lamps feature Buick’s updated signature wing lighting with a thinner and more crisp form.
“The Envista represents a pure expression of Buick design,” said Sharon Gauci, executive director, 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 ST trim is the sportiest and will thus feature all-black 18-inch wheels as standard, though 19-inch are available. Avenir comes standard with 19-inch wheels.
Buick says the interior is spacious with a lot of natural light thanks to long windows. The automakers says material and technology advancements allowed designers to maximize interior space. Also thanks to its long wheelbase and efficient layout, Buick says the Envista offers legroom often seen in much larger vehicles - and in fact more legroom than any prior Buick small SUV.
Technology wise you'll find a 19-inch Ultrawide Infotainment Display made up of combined LCD screens. Like the 2024 Encore GX, the Envista has a segment-leading 11-inch-diagonal infotainment screen. Buick's updated its infotainment system too to enhance the user interface design, voice recognition and multimedia applications.
The cabin features colorful stitching and embroidered head rest logos depending on the trim. A flat-bottomed steering wheel is standard across the lineup. Buick says it's also equipped with the brand's QuietTuning system to prevent unwanted road noise.
A 40/60-split folding second row allows for storage of items up to 7.5 feet long (diagonally). An available Power Liftgate opens up to 20.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 42 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The SUV will come standard with the Buick Driver Confidence package which includes six active safety and driver assistance technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beams and more. A high-definition Rear Vision Camera is also standard.
Other available safety and driver assistance technologies include Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The lineup shares a 1.2-liter Turbo engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Buick expects it to deliver 136-horsepower with 162 pound-feet of torque. The automaker says the engine's turbocharger allows it to reach peak torque much faster and maintain that for a longer RPM band, for great responsiveness and driving engagement.
“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.
A Watts Link suspension system is standard on the Avenir trim and available on ST.
“An array of advanced chassis and suspension technologies contributes to the nimble and precise handling of the model,” said McLane.
The Envista is expected to offer a GM-estimated 30 mpg combined.
The 2024 Envista is expected to enter production in May and go on sale this summer. The Preferred trim starts at just $23,495, with Sport Touring starting at $25,195 and Avenir starting at $29,695.
Photo Credit: Buick.
