This week we look at the 2022 Buick Envision which is technically a compact SUV, but for me, it is more of a mid-sized entry. It seems longer and wider than any compact I’ve ever been in.
The Envision comes in three trim levels: The Preferred is the base model, in the middle is the Essence, and then there is the top-of-the-line Avenir, which is the model I am reviewing.
Exterior
I love the looks of this SUV, it’s more aggressive than you’d expect from Buick with a sculpted hood, very sculpted side panels, a rear spoiler, and some terrific 20” nickel plated wheels that are part of the Avenir package.
Powertrain
Under the hood you’ll find a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine that is turbocharged. It is putting out 228-horses and 258-pound feet of torque, plenty to make this SUV get up and go. It is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles, but I was never inspired to use them. This one is front-wheel drive, but All-wheel is available.
Interior
Moving to the interior, it is upscale with leather seating, minimal stitching around and mostly soft touch materials.
There are colorful gauges to the left and right and a driver info center in the middle that is operated from controls on the heated, leather wrapped steering wheel.
High on the dash is a 10.2” touchscreen. From there you control all audio, Bluetooth, the Navigation system, Wi-Fi hotspot, vehicle settings, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A swipe to the left operates the apps, OnStar, inside air quality, climate, the terrific HD cameras, SiriusXM and more. The system is fast and simple. You can if you choose to scroll through from a round knob near the screen. You can also voice activate Alexa for whatever you need.
The flow-through center console is gloss black and well laid out with two large cupholders, a sliding cubby with USB ports and a power outlet. There are buttons there, the most important of which is to turn off the start/stop system. One button is for drive modes that include Snow & Ice, Touring, and Sport. Honestly, I didn’t find a big difference between Touring and Sport.
I am a big fan of the shift buttons. One push for park, and you pull the buttons for reverse and drive.
The back seat is roomy for two, possibly three people. It has air conditioning vents, more USBs, and a fold down center armrest. Leg and head room in the back seat are surprisingly good.
Utility
The cargo area is generous with 52.7 cubic feet of area with the back seats folded down.
By the way, the back seats fold completely flat to make a massive area.
Features
Standard features include: Remote start and keyless entry, 8-way power driver and passenger seat with lumbar, automatic temperature-controlled air conditioning, power tailgate, and LED headlights.
Safety
On the safety front, you get front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear park assist, and the Teen Driver monitoring system.
Options
Options total $4.080 including the technology package ($1,965) which includes a head-up display with traffic sign recognition, Bose 9-speaker stereo, park assist, HD radio, HD Surround Vision. There is a panoramic moon roof for $1,450, and a $200 safety package which includes lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot alert.
In a sign of the times, there is $50 credit because the heated and cooled seats are not operable, even though the switches are there and light up. The chips will be retrofitted when more microchips are available.
Ride and Drive
All things considered, this China-made imported SUV is a premium-almost luxury-SUV that drives and handles very well, is really quiet inside as Buick is known for, and is the perfect size for people who don’t want an SUV that is too small, but don’t want anything too large either.
Visibility all around is really good and the acceleration surprised me.
What You'll Pay
Fuel economy is good at 24 city, 31 highway, and 26 overall. MSRP is $45,305 which is a very good price by today’s standards, especially for the top-of-the-line model.
- What I liked most: The price and interior quietness.
- What I would change: Those heated seats would have been nice this morning!
- MSRP: Base Price: $39,850. As equipped, S45,305
- Fuel Economy: 24 City/31 Highway/26 Combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 6,000 miles.
- Weight: 3,932 pounds/5,180 pound GVWR.
- Spare Tire: 17” spare with a steel wheel.
- Length-Width-Height: 182.5” long/74.1” wide/64.6” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.1 gallons with the filler on the passenger side.
- Official Color: Rich Garnet Metallic.
- Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds.
-
2022 Envision in a few words: A great driving 5-passenger SUV that offers outstanding value.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance, courtesy transportation, and free first maintenance visit.
- Final Assembly Location: Yantai ETDZ, China.
- Manufacturer's website: Buick
