It was pretty easy to forget the first-generation Buick Envision with its boring styling. Well the good news is that the second-generation 2022 Envision is a completely different crossover, which has dialed up the styling, giving it a classier look.
Starting with the outside the 2022 Envision looks far more luxurious than its predecessor. The sleek styling makes it look more like a baby Enclave and that’s a good thing. The sculpted body looks great and more of what you’d expect from a luxury crossover. The styling is also helped thanks to its lower and wider body that makes the new Envision look sportier, to help it compete with other compact crossovers, like the Acura RDX and Volvo XC60.
The improvements don’t just stop with the exterior, since the Envision’s interior has also received a major redo. The dashboard looks sleek and premium with its integrated infotainment screen and piano-black trim. The quilted pattern on the leather seats and wood on the door panels are also a nice touch. Giving the interior a closer look we do see a bit more plastic than we expected, but either way the interior is a major improvement.
The Envision is packed with tech features, like an available 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection. The interior also gets USB-A and USB-C ports. On the safety front, the 2021 Envision comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors and automatic high beams.
Under the hood there’s just one engine available, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, that’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The previous Envision offered two four-cylinder engines, but the new engine’s power lands between those two. All-wheel drive is optional. The Envision is rated at 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive version is rated at 22/29/25 mpg.
Around town the Envision picks up speed with ease, but we wouldn’t call it sporty. The four-cylinder gets the Envision moving with ease, but it’s not as fun as the outgoing turbo. The nine-speed automatic shifts are smooth, while the steering is a bit too light. Fortunately most buyers won’t notice the light steering. The Envision’s suspension places more emphasis on comfort than sport with its smooth ride that keeps you from feeling most of the road’s imperfections. The only downside is that the soft suspension also allows a bit more body roll than we’d like.
The pricing for the 2022 Buick Envision starts at $33,140, including destination. The Essence trim level starts at $37,165 and the top spec Avenir starts at $41,415. All-wheel drive is an $1,800 option.
The 2022 Buick Envision is a major improvement over its predecessor with its more stylish exterior, improved interior and comfortable driving experience. The Envision is ready to get noticed.
