Quickies: A New Buick For A New Kind of Consumer

Buick was established 120 years ago as a mainstream automaker that made exceptional vehicles. 

We often forget this statement. To many of us, Buick represents the past. We often mock its owner base, the fact you can’t get a sedan anymore from them, rather the lore of the past – being the “doctor’s car” or the “banker’s hot rod” – no longer hold relevance in today’s automotive landscape.

But, what if I told you that everything you know about Buick will change with this one specific vehicle. 

The 2024 Buick Envista is the vehicle you never saw coming. It is a vehicle wearing a new iteration of the Tri-Shield badge that wants to make you forget about anything related to the brand.

What is an Envista? That’s another interesting question. From the way it looks, you could categorize this is a few ways. The fastback body is what confuses some demographers. Is it a coupe SUV? Or, a compact hatchback? Or, just some cool looking crossover?

Let’s dive into some facts. It shares its basic platform with the new Chevrolet Trax. They are also built at the same assembly plant in the Republic of Korea. They share plenty of components, but it is clear that the Envista is positioned for a different kind of consumer than the Trax.

Design-wise, the Envista owes a lot to Buick’s recent Wildcat concept. The front end has a sharp divide between its chrome grille and discreet headlamp units with the upper part of the nose housing the driving lamps and turn signals. That signature line continues slanted upwards towards the divide between the apex of the roofline and the rear panel of the liftgate crowned by a pair of vertical taillight units. 

The fastback roofline is devoid of a C-pillar glass. Yet, it seems there’s plenty of side glass space for solid vision. Finishing up this Preferred model are a set of standard 17-inch alloy wheels. In all, it is a very interesting look that is attracting plenty of new customers to the Buick brand. 

New customers to Buick? The brand wants a younger demographic. The Envista has a premium air about itself, which attracts younger, upwardly mobile consumers. Believe me, this is far from what Buick tried to fashion its compact Skyhawk back in the 1980s. 

It is also reflected in its interior. It is a modern place to be, with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster that is customizable for the information you need. The steering wheel is of the right size and thickness, along with tactile and logical controls. Not to mention, there is an actual shifter for the transmission – not a set of buttons. 

Next to the instrument cluster is an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen.  You get six speakers, wireless smartphone mirroring, and available device charging as part of the Envista’s infotainment package.

The Preferred model wears a nice cloth upholstery. The front seats were comfortable, while providing plenty of support. Rear seat space is not bad for average adults, but headroom is limited due to the sloping roofline. Open up the liftgate, and there is 20.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folded down the rear seats, and that space expands to 42.0 cubic feet.

Every Envision is powered by a 137-horsepower 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. This small, but nighty turbocharged driveline will get up to speed without any issues and cruises nicely on the highway. This is helped by its smooth-shifting transmission. 

In terms of fuel economy, the Environmental Protection Agency states that the Envista could average 30 MPG on a combined loop. 

The Envista will win you over with its smooth ride on the highway. The suspension does well in absorbing rougher roads. Cornering and maneuverability were well managed.  

You will find that the steering system offers up a sharp turning radius. Part of it is because of shorter length making turning around in tight situations a breeze. On-center feel felt solid when keeping within the lane. The braking system starts with a solid pedal feel. The Envista turned in solid stops in normal and panic situations.  In all, the Envista offers a solid driving experience – something that is expected from a Buick. 

Why is there so muss fuss about this 2024 Buick Envista. You get all of this for a price unexpected from a Buick. Pricing starts at $23,495 with a choice of three trim levels. Our Preferred tester came with a sticker price of $26,475. You can even get one with the highest, more luxurious trim – the Avenir – for under $32,000 with every option selected. 

The combination of price, efficiency, and utility is just scratching the surface when you consider the Buick Envista. In order for the brand to lower their average demographic age, you have to offer a vehicle such as the Envista. 

Consider this: The Buick Envista is exactly what the brand needs to attract younger consumers who are ambitious as they start off in their lives and careers. They nailed it in every way possible – price included. It might even be the next Buick for their traditional consumers – doctors and bankers, included. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Walser Buick-GMC, Roseville, Minnesota

All photos by Randy Stern