The 2023 Buick Envision is making a bid to shake up your idea of luxury. Daring to challenge the titans of the compact SUV arena, it's not exactly ready to claim the throne, yet it does offer a unique blend of attributes. This is the SUV for the discerning driver, one who appreciates a distinct middle ground between mainstream and high-end luxury. The Envision's exterior elegantly wraps a cozy cabin furnished with upscale features and materials. Under the hood, a 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine purrs to life, ensuring at least one thing — your journey won't be slow. But don't expect a wild ride — the Envision stays true to Buick's 'comfort-over-performance' ethos. If all you seek is a quiet sanctuary with a plush ride, your chariot awaits. For those whose tastes are a little more refined, the rest of the compact luxury SUV class beckons.
The interior materials may fall short of luxury expectations. It is shy on cargo space. Some consumers feel it's overpriced. Charges are applied for most color options. Some users reported a less than ideal ride over bumps.
Read on to learn more about the 2023 Buick Envision.
The interior design of the 2023 Buick Envision is a blend of class and comfort. The model comes in three trim levels, but the Avenir truly stands out, boasting features that competes head-on with rivals such as the Q5, X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-class. The Avenir elevates luxury with its quilted leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a massaging driver's seat providing a premium driving experience. While the Preferred and Essence models are not to be overlooked, offering a wide range of standard features themselves. The interior space is comparable to its predecessor, cleverly designed to maximize passenger comfort despite a slight reduction in overall length from the previous model. However, this has led to a modest reduction in cargo space, accommodating 21 carry-on suitcases with the rear seat folded, compared to the previous limit of 26.
The 2023 Buick Envision sports an exterior that's as assertive as it is elegant. Its dynamic profile is characterized by a sleek, contoured shape that's both aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing. The streamlined design is punctuated by distinctive accents such as the boldly designed signature grille flanked by LED headlamps. These sophisticated illuminations not only optimize visibility but also add a touch of modernity to the vehicle's front facade.
The Envision's graceful stance is enhanced by its sculpted wheel arches, housing 18-inch aluminum wheels as standard, with the option to upgrade to 20 inches for an even more prominent look. The rear view is equally impressive, boasting LED taillights and a hands-free power liftgate that adds a layer of convenience to the aesthetic appeal. In sum, the exterior of the 2023 Buick Envision exudes a harmonious blend of boldness and sophistication, underlining Buick's commitment to delivering an SUV that straddles the line between mainstream and luxury.
The SUV is powered by a 228-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This sturdy powerplant pairs with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, providing an ample and satisfying push for most driving scenarios. Front-wheel drive comes standard, underscoring its practicality in various road conditions. However, for those seeking additional traction and handling prowess, an all-wheel drive is available as an option across all three trims. While the Envision might not rival the sporty dynamics of luxury competitors like the Audi Q5 or BMW X3, its engine offers a well-balanced performance with a focus on comfort and efficiency. It delivers sufficient power for city commuting and highway cruising, with a peppy character that feels lively around town. But, make no mistake, the Envision's powertrain is designed with an aim for serene and composed rides rather than high-speed thrills.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2023 Buick Envision presents reasonable numbers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the front-wheel-drive Envision model achieves an estimated 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. Opting for the all-wheel-drive variant results in a slight dip, with the numbers dropping to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These figures make the 2023 Buick Envision a decent choice for those seeking a balance between luxury and fuel economy.
The 2023 Buick Envision comes with a suite of standard driver-assistance features that help to instill confidence in the driver. These features include an automated emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. More advanced options, such as adaptive cruise control and a head-up display, are available as additional features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not yet published crash test results for the 2023 model at the time of writing. However, previous models were well-rated, and it is expected that the 2023 Envision will follow in these footsteps, providing assurance to prospective buyers about the vehicle's safety credentials.
The 2023 Buick Envision is a charming blend of reliability and style, carving an admirable niche between mainstream and luxury SUVs. Its snazzy interior, particularly in the Avenir trim, boldly holds its ground against competitors such as the Q5, X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-class. Meanwhile, the exterior beautifully marries boldness and sophistication, making a statement before you even step inside. Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine provides a solid experience for city commutes and highway cruises. While it may not deliver heart-thumping thrills, it offers smooth, comfortable rides, making it an ideal choice for the "luxury lover on a budget". Fuel efficiency is pretty decent for an SUV of its class, and the standard suite of safety features adds a reassuring layer of confidence to every drive. However, the Envision does lose some points for its cargo space, which, although decent, falls a bit short compared to its predecessor.
In conclusion, would we recommend the 2023 Buick Envision? Absolutely, especially if you're a fan of 'affordable luxury'. It's a vehicle that offers a taste of high-end comfort without breaking the bank, and despite a few downsides, it's a ride that checks many of the right boxes. But remember, it's not about the destination, but the vehicle that gets you there – and the Envision promises a journey worth embarking on.
