Revealed: Stylish Envision continues Buick's hot run

Buick hopes to continue its streak as General Motors Co.’s hottest brand with the introduction of the remade, 2024 Envision compact SUV.

The Envision adopts familiar family design cues inspired by the Buick Wildcat concept and builds on the brand’s popular Envista and Encore GX entry-level models. Inside, the Buick introduces a cinematic, largest-in-class, 30-inch wide screen, available Super Cruise driver assist, and standard all-wheel-drive.

Since its reinvention as an SUV brand a decade ago, Buick has been on a roll in sales as well as JD Power quality ratings. Also credit the affordable, $22k Envista and snappy naming strategy (all Buick models start with “En-“ including the three-row, flagship Enclave), which has helped attract younger buyers. The combo has culminated in a sales increase of over 60% in 2023, the best in the General’s brand lineup.

“Buick owners expect beautiful design, purposeful technology and safe, efficient vehicles,” said Buick chief Duncan Aldred. “Envision follows in the footsteps of the wildly popular Envista that launched last year and continues to build on Buick’s momentum.”

Envision leads with Buick’s distinctive front fascia with hood-mounted logo, “checkmark” LED headlamps and big lower grille to feed air to its 2.0-liter, turbo-4 cylinder engine. Standard all-wheel-drive comes across a simplified, three-trim lineup — Preferred, ST and Avenir.

Also standard are 18-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, intersection automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and bicycle braking, rear cross-traffic braking, HD Surround Vision, blind-spot assist and auto high beams. But wait, there’s more. A nine-speaker Bose Premium audio system and head-up display are also standard.

The Chinese-made Envision’s interior, however, is where the most striking changes have been made. The big, digital display, consistent with wide displays found in the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevy Blazer EV, stretches from the center console to the gauge cluster under one sheet of glass.

Google Built-in runs Envision’s touchscreen infotainment system for a familiar, smartphone-like experience. Consistent with a premium brand, interior trim choices include multicolor ambient lighting and Garnet/Ebony accents or Cool Gray/Slate Blue accents.

Envision’s drivetrain boasts a healthy 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque coupled to a sophisticated, rear, twin-clutch AWD system to push aside Michigan snows.

Look for the 2024 Envision at dealerships this summer starting at $37,295 for the Preferred model and topping out with the $48,395 Avenir.

Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne.