The Buick Envision continues to evolve with each model year, offering compact SUV buyers increasingly refined features and technology. This comparison examines how the new Envision builds upon the foundations of its predecessors, highlighting the most significant changes across these three model years.

Design Evolution

Exterior Styling Updates

The new Buick Envision maintains the sophisticated design language established with the redesign but introduces subtle refinements. The front fascia features the distinctive Buick grille with minor tweaks to the intricate accents. The signature check-shaped LED daytime running lamps remain a standout design element, instantly identifying the vehicle as a Buick.

The middle Envision represented a significant design update over the previous model, featuring a more modern, sculpted appearance. It introduced a sleeker grille design and more pronounced body lines that conveyed a greater sense of motion even when parked.

In comparison, the older Envision featured a more conservative design approach that, while handsome, lacked some of the visual drama found in newer models. The evolution of these models shows the Buick commitment to creating a more distinctive and premium presence in the compact SUV segment.

Trim-Specific Design Elements

All three model years offer the same core trim structure: Preferred, Sport Touring (ST), and Avenir. However, each model year has brought increasing differentiation between these trims.

The new Sport Touring continues to emphasize its athletic character with 20″ Carbon Flash Metallic wheels, gloss black grille accents, and distinctive ST badging. The ST-embossed front-seat head restraints and flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel reinforce its sporty nature.

The previous Sport Touring gained more distinct styling elements to separate it visually from other trims, while the Avenir received exclusive design touches befitting its luxury positioning.

The oldest model had less pronounced visual differences between trims, with the Sport Touring package being more of an appearance option than a distinctly different trim level.

Technology and Infotainment

Infotainment System Advancements

One of the most dramatic differences between these model years lies in the infotainment system. The newest Envision maintains the groundbreaking ultrawide 30″ diagonal touchscreen introduced in the previous model. This sweeping display combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system into one integrated unit, creating a thoroughly modern cabin experience.

The middle model represented a revolutionary leap forward from the previous Envision, which featured a much smaller 10.2″ touchscreen. This transformation completely changed the vehicle’s interior feel and technological capabilities.

Both newer models feature built-in Google technology, providing seamless integration with Google Maps and Google Assistant, and access to apps through Google Play. The oldest model relied on the previous-generation infotainment system without these integrated Google services.

Connectivity and Interface

The new Envision refines the wireless smartphone integration introduced in the previous model, with smoother operation of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad has been repositioned for better accessibility and charging efficiency.

The middle model marked a significant upgrade with its comprehensive digital cockpit approach, while the previous Envision maintained a more traditional layout with physical gauges and a separate infotainment screen.

All three model years include QuietTuning technology with active noise cancellation, but the newest models feature improved algorithms that more effectively reduce road and wind noise.

Interior Comfort and Design

Cabin Layout and Materials

The new Buick Envision maintains the spacious interior dimensions of the previous model, with both offering generous rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity. The latest model introduces new interior colour options and subtle refinements to the material quality, particularly in the Avenir trim.

The middle Envision represented a complete redesign of the interior compared to the previous model. The dashboard was reimagined with the ultrawide screen as its centrepiece, creating a more open and contemporary feel.

The oldest model featured a more conventional interior layout with a center stack dominated by the touchscreen and climate controls. While well-designed, it lacked the cutting-edge presentation of the newer models.

Premium Features and Amenities

The top-tier Avenir trim continues to offer the most luxurious features, including quilted perforated leather-appointed seats with ventilation and heating functions. The massaging driver seat, panoramic moonroof, and hands-free programmable power liftgate with LED logo projection remain hallmarks of this premium trim.

The middle Avenir trim gained additional luxury touches, while the older model offered a more limited set of premium features. The progression shows the Buick commitment to elevating the luxury Envision credentials, particularly in the flagship Avenir trim.

All three model years offer dual-zone automatic climate control, but the newer models add an Air Quality Indicator and automatic air recirculation features not present in the older models.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Powertrain Configuration

The new Buick Envision continues with the proven 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in previous model years. This engine produces approximately 228 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, providing a good balance of performance and efficiency.

The middle model retained this powertrain, as did the previous Envision, which also used the 2.0L turbocharged engine. Across all three model years, the engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

One notable difference is that while front-wheel drive was standard on the oldest model, with all-wheel drive available as an option, both the newer Envisions come standard with intelligent all-wheel drive featuring an active twin-clutch system across all trim levels. This change reflects a recognition of all-wheel drive as a key feature for compact SUV buyers in northern climates.

Ride Quality and Handling

The new Envision features subtle refinements to the suspension tuning, building on the prior improvements. These changes provide a slightly more composed ride over rough surfaces while maintaining the engaging handling characteristics.

The previous model received updated dampers and revised steering calibration, resulting in more precise handling and improved ride comfort. The progression shows the Buick commitment to refining the driving experience with each model year.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Advanced Safety Features

All three model years come well-equipped with advanced safety features, but the technology has evolved significantly. The new Envision maintains the comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver-assistance technologies introduced in the previous model, including:

• Blind Zone Steering Assist
• Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking
• Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
• Side Bicyclist Alert

The middle model represented a significant advancement over the previous Envision in terms of safety technology. While the oldest model included essential features like forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking, it lacked some of the more sophisticated systems standard on newer models.

Driver Assistance Capabilities

Both newer models feature more advanced driver-assistance systems. The newer models include enhanced adaptive cruise control that operates more smoothly in stop-and-go traffic and provides more natural acceleration and braking.

The Head-Up Display offers more information and better visibility than the system available in the oldest model, providing drivers with critical information without requiring them to look away from the road.

Practicality and Utility

Cargo Space and Flexibility

The new Buick Envision maintains the practical cargo dimensions of its predecessors, offering approximately 714 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,570 litres with the rear seats folded. This capacity remains consistent across all three model years.

All three model years feature 60/40 split-folding rear seats, but the newer models offer a more refined folding mechanism that creates a flatter load floor when the seats are down.

The hands-free programmable power liftgate with LED logo projection, standard on Avenir and available on other trims, provides similar functionality across all three model years, though the system has been refined for more reliable operation in the newer models.

Interior Storage and Convenience

The new Envision offers thoughtfully designed storage solutions throughout the cabin, building on the improvements. The center console provides generous storage space, with strategically placed USB ports for device charging.

The previous model introduced a redesigned center console with improved cupholders and a more accessible wireless charging pad. The oldest model had adequate storage options but lacked some of the clever solutions found in newer versions.

Trim Levels and Equipment

Preferred Trim Highlights

The entry-level Preferred trim has seen progressive improvements across these model years. The Preferred trim includes, as standard equipment:

• Ultrawide 30″ diagonal touch screen
• Google built-in
• Bose 9-speaker premium audio system
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Head-Up Display
• 18″ machined alloy wheels

Last years model introduced many of these features as standard equipment, representing a significant upgrade from the previous Preferred trim, which had a smaller infotainment screen and fewer standard premium features.

Sport Touring Distinctive Features

The Sport Touring trim maintains its sporty character across all three model years, with the latest model including:

• 20″ Carbon Flash Metallic wheels
• Gloss black grille accents
• Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel
• ST-embossed front-seat head restraints
• Perforated leather-appointed seats with leatherette inserts
• Alloy sport pedals

Last year’s Sport Touring offered similar features, while the older model had less distinctive sporty elements, particularly in the interior appointments.

Avenir Luxury Appointments

The flagship Avenir trim showcases the best of what Buick offers in each model year. The new Avenir includes:

• Panoramic moonroof
• Quilted heated and ventilated leather-appointed front seats
• Massaging driver seat
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Hands-free programmable power liftgate with LED logo projection
• 20″ Pearl Nickel wheels
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Universal Home Remote

Facts About the Buick Envision

Does the new Envision come standard with all-wheel drive?

• Yes, both the newer models come standard with intelligent all-wheel drive featuring an active twin-clutch system across all trim levels.

What is the most significant technology upgrade in the newer Envision models?

• The ultrawide 30″ diagonal screen represents the most dramatic technology upgrade, completely transforming the interior experience.

Did the engine change between the oldest and newest Envision?

• No, all three model years utilize the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing approximately 228 horsepower, though with minor calibration refinements each year.

Which Envision model first introduced the Google built-in technology?

• The middle model was the first to feature built-in Google technology, providing seamless integration with Google Maps and Google Assistant, and access to apps through Google Play.

What safety feature improvements were made in the newer Envision models?

• The newer models added several advanced safety features not available on the oldest model, including Blind Zone Steering Assist, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, and Side Bicyclist Alert.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.