BUICK ENVISION Archives — Auto Trends Magazine

Crossover utility vehicles are the top choice for many consumers these days.
The Envision is the middle of three Buick SUV models.

Historically, Buick has served as GM’s premium brand, delivering a slew of car models of distinction. Today, Buick maintains its position between Chevrolet and Cadillac, but its model line and sales are skewed heavily toward utility vehicles.

The Buick marque has successfully adapted to changing consumer tastes, delivering three SUVs to consumers: Encore (subcompact), Envision (compact/midsize), and Enclave (midsize, three rows). Yes, the LaCrosse sedan and Regal hatchback and wagon remain, but the first model is in its final year, while the future of the Opel-supplied Regal is uncertain.

Auto Trends received a 2019 Buick Envision for testing in July, a model offering naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Two transmission choices, front- and all-wheel drive, and five trims are available. The Envision rolled out in 2017 and is GM’s first made-in-China utility vehicle sold stateside.

Buick offers your choice of 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

2019 Buick Envision Overview

The 2019 Envision’s five trims include Envision ($31,995), Preferred ($35,250), Essence ($37,550), Premium I ($40,700), and Premium II ($43,600) trims. Add $1,195 for the destination charge. Choose the optional all-wheel drive, which is available in the Preferred and Essence trims and your cost rises by $3,255. The two top trims supply standard all-wheel drive.

Most models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 197 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. This engine works with a six-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 252 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Buick pairs this engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Competing models include the Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, Lincoln Corsair, and the Jaguar F-Pace. We also think a few of the top-trim versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, and Nissan Murano are worth comparing.

A Matter of Style

From stem to stern, the 2019 Envision wears its Buick skin well. The front fascia is punctuated by the brand’s emblematic grille, which is offset by tear-dropped-shaped headlamps. A broad lower grille opening is honed in by available fog lamps.

Along the sides, the beltline rises to intersect with the gently falling roofline. Deep body sculpting and painted aluminum or alloy wheels impart gracefulness. From the rear, the clamshell liftgate features wraparound tail lamps. On some models diffuser-like trim with dual-exhaust ports raises the styling quotient.

Supportive, yet comfortable seats adorn the front. The split-opening center
storage compartment is where you’ll find the USB ports.

Inside, the cabin isn’t especially roomy, delivering sufficient room for four or five in a pinch. You’ll sit tightly in the back with two others if you dare. Otherwise, we recommend upgrading to the Enclave or moving over to the GMC Acadia, which is usually sold in the same showrooms as Buick.

The Envision features a layered dashboard, a broad center console, and sculptured door panels. You’ll find a variety of materials in place, including a long slab of imitation wood across the dashboard, with leather trim on some models. The brown and beige interior of our test model was certainly attractive, something we would expect Buick to deliver.

All models come with keyless entry and push-button start, a reclining and sliding second-row seat that also folds, full power accessories, power-controlled and heated front seats, and air conditioning. Cloth and imitation leather seats are standard. Some models feature leather seats. Other upgrades include a heated steering wheel and heated outboard rear seats.

Safety and Technology

Both the NHTSA and IIHS award the Envision with favorable crash test ratings. Indeed, the NHTSA assigns its top 5-star rating to this SUV.

But there is some disappointment with the Envision and that is its available driver-assist safety technology. Like other premium brands (not just GM), most of the advanced technologies available today cost more and are optional on the top trims only.

These features include adaptive cruise control and forward automatic braking, which are bundled with a surround vision camera as part of a $1,545 Driver Confidence Package. Mainstream brands such as Toyota offer many driver-assist features as standard equipment or at least deliver packages available across the model line.

The cabin features a mix of soft-touch, imitation wood and cloth or leather materials.

Other driver-assist features such as lane keep assist with lane departure warning and forward collision alert are standard beginning with the Premium I trim. The Premium II trim adds a head-up display.

Buick equips the 2019 Envision with a six-speaker audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen display. OnStar safety and security features, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility come standard. Most models have two front USB ports. Available equipment includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, and a pair of rear charging-only USB ports in the rear center console.

On the Road

Our test model had the turbocharged engine. It is offered in a variety of applications across various Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac models.

We were pleased by the amount of power supplied — from step-off acceleration to passing performance. With a little lag of note, this turbo spools quickly and convincingly. It offers an excellent substitute for a V6.

Steering is precise and evenly weighted. The Envision shines on the straightaways and holds its own on curvy roads. Braking is firm, the ride is comfortable and the interior is quiet — the latter trait is a Buick standard.

The available upgraded powertrain includes this turbo engine matched with a
smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.

Credit GM with building a wonderful and modern 9-speed automatic transmission. It works seamlessly in the background and is hardly noticeable, which is what customers want.

As for the base engine, we think it’ll suit the majority of shoppers, but it offers just a 2 mpg edge over the turbo. Thus, opting for more power supplies the performance benefit you may want and brings in all-wheel drive as well. The latter does, of course, supply an extra measure of stability when power is sent to all four corners.

Auto Trends Recommends

We think starting your search with the Preferred trim is the right way to go. This model adds a hands-free power liftgate and rear part assist. We also noticed that as of this writing, the Preferred trim carries a generous discount, lowering its price below the base model.

Choose all-wheel drive if you live where winter conditions prevail. Of course, if you want all of the available driver-assist technologies, you’ll have to pay for it by selecting the top-trim model and related safety package. But only choose this if you can negotiate by bringing your final cost close to $40,000.

Most models have a power liftgate, which supplies access to nearly
27 cubic feet of standard storage space.

2019 Buick Envision Specifications

Buick	2019 Envision
Segment	Small crossover
Base Sticker Price	$33,190 (including a $1,195 destination charge)
Price as tested	$49,030
Engine No. 1	2.5-liter, inline-four
Horsepower	197 @ 6,300 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	192 @ 4,400 RPMs
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Engine No. 2	2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-four
Horsepower	252 @ 5,500 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	295 @ 3,000 RPMs
Transmission	Nine-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,755 to 4,083
Wheelbase (inches)	108.3
Length (inches)	183.7
Width (inches)	72.4
Height (inches)	66.8
Headroom (f,r…inches)	40.0, 38.5
Legroom (f,r…inches)	40.9, 37.5
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	57.0, 55.8
Hip room (f,r…inches)	54.4, 53.1
Storage (cubic feet)	26.9/57.3
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	1,500
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	17.3
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	22/29/25 (I4); 20/25/22 (turbo) city/highway/combined
Manufacturing Plant	Yantai, Shandong China

See Also — Sportback Performance: Buick Regal GS

2019 Buick Reatta — The Buick Cascada is the brand’s first convertible since the Reatta.

Almost since its debut in 2016, the Buick Cascada seemed destined for early cancellation. For one, the market for cars, especially convertibles, was especially limited. Further, the Cascada was also the product of Opel, a company now no longer owned by GM, but by Groupe PSA, the maker of Peugeot, Citroen and other Euro-centric brands.

The competition was never fierce as few manufacturers participate in the drop-top arena. Early on, the Cascada battled with the now-discontinued Volkswagen Eos, along with the Audi A3 Cabriolet and BMW 2 Series convertible. Some might have thought the Cascada would fill the domestic void left by the Chrysler 200 Convertible, which was last produced in 2014. But its impact was negligible.

GM says that 2019 is the last model year for the Cascada. Slow sales are only part of the reason why this model is set for cancellation. We’ll uncover the reasons why and explore everything you need to know about the retiring Cascada:

1. From Opel, With Love

The Buick Cascada is also sold as the Opel Cascada throughout Europe. GM owned Opel from 1929 to 2017, and occasionally turned to its German subsidiary to supply models for the U.S. market.

We’ve seen Opel models sold as Saturns and even the Cadillac Catera utilized an Opel product. Buick has been the main beneficiary all along, especially in recent years as both the Cascada and Regal lines are courtesy of Opel.

Despite the end of Opel ownership, GM still relies on its former subsidiary and may continue to do so.

2. Just One Powertrain Choice

The front-wheel-drive Cascada comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.

It is also the only powertrain choice and not a very strong one, given this model’s two-ton weight. It earns 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which isn’t especially inspiring given this vehicle’s size.

3. Mainstream, Premium or Luxury?

GM doesn’t call Buick its intermediate brand, although in many ways it is. Chevrolet and Cadillac serve as the bookends for GM, while Buick (and GMC) occupy the middle ground.

The Cascada’s handsome exterior and quiet cabin with the roof up are two of its strong suits as well as its long list of standard features. But the cabin seems cluttered, sits just four people, and this Buick lacks certain advanced driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking.

4. One of three Buick car models.

Take a look at Buick and you’ll find Encore, Envision, and Enclave crossover utility vehicles. Together, these three models comprise more than two-thirds of the brand’s sales.

That leaves three Buick car models to fill out the product line. Besides the Cascada and Regal, Buick sells the large LaCrosse sedan, and that model will come to an end before 2019 closes. Sales fell by nearly 23 percent last year, with just over 15,000 units sold. Sales increased by about 22 percent in 2018 as Buick rolled out new designs.

Interestingly, the Regal is also supplied by Opel, but will likely live on. Currently, Buick offers this midsize model in sportback and wagon versions, the latter similar to the crossover designs that have captured consumer interest.

5. Tepid sales, at best.

In 2018, Buick sold just 4,628 Cascada units, down from 5,595 a year earlier. In its first year, Cascada sales tallied 7,153 units.

The sales drop isn’t surprising as it follows a consumer-wide trend away from car models.

6. Opel cancels the Cascada.

GM may be canceling the Cascada, but it starts with Opel, which markets the model under the same name. Opel builds the Cascada at a factory in Poland and says that it is ending production there in response to slow and declining sales.

Thus, the Cascada cancellation is ultimately a PSA Groupe decision, not GM. Still, this gives GM an easy “out” as they depart the segment.

The China Connection

With the Opel connection shrinking, where will Buick turn for future models? Likely, they’ll continue to offer their share of GM-derived models that they share with Chevrolet and GMC.

But, they have another source that already supplies the Envision: its China operation. A cursory look at the brand’s China lineup shows hatchbacks, sedans, and crossovers, along with vans. Should Buick need additional product going forward, it may tap its China operation to supply the same. Of course, tariffs and geopolitical tensions may have some say in limiting that.

BUICK ENVISION

Upscale SUV: 2019 Buick Envision