Review: 2021 Buick Envision Essence

In 2016, the Buick Envision made its debut at the North American International Auto Show going on sale later that year. It was initially offered with all-wheel drive featuring a 2.5L four-cylinder with 197 horsepower and a turbo-charged 2.0L version that produced 252 horsepower. Today, as Buick releases its all new updated second generation Envision to hopefully capture more of its share of the hot SUV segment, it appears on paper that the new changes should allow them to accomplish this goal. The short list of changes would include a suite of standard safety features including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert. The Envison will now offer four different trim levels as well to give buyers a wider choice to match their style. There will be the base model, Preferred, Essence, and for the first time the premium Avenir trim.

The all-new 2021 Envision is a tremendous opportunity for the brand. With strong, differentiated designs, and a combination of advanced technologies and premium appointments, it will stand apart in one of the industry's most competitive segments.

Duncan Aldred, Vice President, Global Buick and GMC

The vehicle trim level of my press loan test model was the very successful and capable Essence that had the new 2.0L turbo I-4 engine which produces a healthy 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine also features a direct injection system to accomplish the horse power numbers. The inline turbo is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control that drives the all-wheel drive electronically controlled twin-clutch system. This transmission is so versatile that it will allow the driver to choose on-demand options with the turn of the selector knob for the proper drive mode depending on the drive conditions. The options are Tour, Snow/Ice, and Sport on FWD models and Tour, AWD, Snow/Ice, and Sport on AWD models.

I had to make a run to Houston the week I had the Essence, so I was able to really test out the new inline-4 turbo with an 8-hour round trip interstate run. I was very impressed by how responsive and quick this vehicle was in the typically aggressive Interstate 35 traffic. It really held its own. For the trip back to Dallas, I drove a few back highways and even a couple of farm-to-market roads through the middle of the state to get a sense of how good the MacPherson strut front suspension and the five-link independent rear suspension was tuned. Both performed flawlessly giving me a high sense of confidence and then couple that with the electric power steering system and the 18" machined aluminum wheels with Charcoal Metallic finish the Essence not only looked sharp it responded better than average.

The new Envision is purposefully designed with safety and driver assistance technologies to help monitor the vehicle's surroundings and alert the driver to potential hazards and, in some cases, take action to help avoid a threat. The Buick Driver Confidence Plus package offers nine standard active safety features, including:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Forward Collision Alert
• Following Distance Indicator
• IntelliBeam, Auto High Beams
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Park Assist

Additional available driver assistance technologies include HD surround vision, enhanced automatic parking assist, adaptive cruise control, head-up display and more.

The new Envision was redesigned to build on its already successful track record to reach a bigger share of the fast-growing compact SUV segment; so in my opinion, if Buick can get the word out about this quality redesign, it will most definitely allow them to take market share they desire. The all-new 2021 Buick Envision is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $32,995 (including destination, excluding tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment).

About Buick

Buick is an international modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors and thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models in North America and China. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick, on Instagram, or at www.facebook.com/buick