By: Peter Gregorian
March 15, 2024
Buick has long been synonymous with timeless elegance and luxury. While once renowned for its classic sedans, the brand has evolved with changing consumer tastes, now prioritizing the development of affordable crossovers and SUVs. The launch of the Envista in 2023 marked Buick’s foray into a new era, introducing its youngest and most entry-level nameplate. We extend our gratitude to General Motors Canada for granting us the opportunity to experience the first-ever 2024 Buick Envista Sport Touring and explore how it fits within the brand.
Even without stepping into the vehicle, it’s immediately clear that this is not your grandfather’s Buick. The Envista Sport Touring is poised to appeal to a new segment of buyers, specifically young professionals seeking a practical, efficient, and safe vehicle without sacrificing style or breaking the bank.
Badged as the “ST”, a mid-range trim, the Envista ST brings a touch of European flair to its exterior design, adopting a sleek ‘coupe-esque’ hatchback profile. This stylistic choice elevates the Envista’s aesthetic, imbuing it with a premium look that belies its affordable nature and distinguishes it from its competitors in the segment.
Incorporating sportier elements including gloss black trim, mirror caps, mesh grille and optional high gloss black 19-inch wheels sets the Envista ST apart from the Preferred and Avenir trim levels. Despite the test model being finished in Ebony Twilight Metallic, which somewhat understates the enhancements of the ST trim, the blacked-out aesthetic complements the car’s sporty demeanor admirably. Subtle chrome and brushed silver trim accents provide tasteful contrast, adding to the overall visual appeal.
The interior of the Envista ST blends various materials to create a comfortable cabin environment. Leatherette seats, featuring ‘ST’ embroidery on the headrests, are complemented by high-touch areas adorned with textured vinyl and contrasting ‘Santorini Blue’ stitching. Surrounding the center control stack is gloss black trim, accented by patterned brushed silver plastic in other areas of the interior. Despite some plastic touchpoints, the cabin remains well-insulated, providing a quiet and comfortable cruising experience, likely attributed to Buick’s QuietTuningTM technology with Active Noise Cancellation.
In terms of ergonomics, the heated front seats offer decent support but could benefit from additional thigh bolstering. Despite this, they provide ample warmth on their highest setting. The flat-bottomed leather-trimmed steering wheel adds a sporty touch to the cockpit while enhancing accessibility to and from the driver’s seat. Both the 11-inch touchscreen and single-zone climate controls are conveniently positioned within the driver’s reach, though the placement of buttons for the driving assistance systems feels somewhat sporadic.
Buick adopts a ‘less is more’ approach to the infotainment system. The touchscreen display is crisp, clear, and fluid, complemented by a lightweight, clutter-free, and intuitive user interface. With support for both wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connectivity is seamless, with no observed stutters or lags during testing, whether plugged in or connected via Bluetooth. While the audio quality is clear, it may lack depth for audiophiles seeking a richer sound experience.
The Buick Envista shares its platform with the Chevrolet Trax, equipping it with the same 1.2-litre turbocharged, straight-three engine paired to front-wheel drive. Despite its modest three-cylinder motor producing 136 horsepower, the powertrain proves more than capable for urban commuting and highway driving, thanks to its forced induction and 162 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission feels well-suited to the low-displacement engine; however, at times it seems unsure of the appropriate gear to be in.
While the absence of all-wheel drive may concern some consumers, the correct snow tires complemented by the Envista’s additional ground clearance delivers confidence when traversing across snowy terrain. The suspension, though tuned for sportier handling which can make the ride feel stiff at times, mitigates harshness thanks to the optional Watts Link rear suspension. The Envista impresses with its quick-ratio steering, delivering exceptional maneuverability in tight spaces, however, at times can exhibit torque steer which can be unsettling.
Despite its powertrain, the Buick Envista delivers fuel economy figures comparable to four-cylinder counterparts in its segment. EnerGuide estimates place it at 8.4L/100 KM in the city and 7.4L/100 KM on the highway. Real-world figures; however, were observed around 10L/100 KM across mixed driving conditions, particularly on winter tires, owing to its smaller motor and the need for turbocharging to propel the 1,388 kilogram (3,060 pound) vehicle.
The Envista comes generously equipped with a suite of safety systems, including a smooth and responsive adaptive cruise control with traffic stop and start functionality. Opting for the Convenience Package II enhances the vehicle with additional features such as a power liftgate – though notably without a rear windscreen wiper; wireless charging capability, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Meanwhile, the Buick Convenience Package, which includes the 19-inch wheels and Watts rear suspension, also introduces a power moonroof to the Envista’s list of amenities.
In terms of pricing, the 2024 Buick Envista remains competitive. The base Preferred trim starts at $29,830, while the Sport Touring trim begins at $31,130, and the Avenir trim at $34,730. The Envista ST, as tested, included several options such as Ebony Metallic Paint ($495), the Buick Convenience Package ($1,195), and Convenience Package II ($700), bringing the total price to $33,520 before taxes
The 2024 Buick Envista Sport Touring works hard to deliver commendable value at its price point. Despite the absence of all-wheel drive, its attractive design and unique form factor distinguish it from other crossovers in the segment. Admittedly, the hatchback design may slightly compromise overall cargo space, but sometimes style takes precedence over sheer utility. With its competitive pricing, well-appointed interior, and array of safety features, the Envista proves to be a compelling choice for discerning buyers seeking a blend of affordability, style, and functionality in their next vehicle.
