Gallery
Pros
Cons
The 2025 Buick Envista marks the second year of this model after it effectively replaced the Encore last year.
That makes it the entry point for the Buick brand, with a car-like front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration compared to the Encore GX that’s available with all-wheel drive (AWD). The Envista starts in Preferred trim at $30,999, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,100, and finishes with the Avenir at $35,799. Tested here is the mid-range Sport Touring at $32,199. A number of options, including convenience features, a suspension tweak, and its Ocean Blue Metallic paint, brought this one to $35,409 before taxes.
Styling 8 / 10
The Envista is sleek and well-proportioned, although the sharply-sloped roof steals some headroom and cargo capacity. This tester’s Ocean Blue Metallic paint is a $495 option, while the 19-inch black wheels and sunroof are part of a $1,195 package. There’s no rear wiper, which it needs. I didn’t really miss it on a previous drizzly drive, but heavier slush during this wintertime test made me long for one.
Inside, the metallic dash trim echoes the angles on the Envista’s nose, while the dash is dominated by a curved 11-inch screen incorporating the infotainment and digital instrument display.
Safety 6 / 10
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2025 Buick Envista four out of five stars overall in crash testing, including four for front crash. The non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it the highest “Good” in its small overlap front crash, and the original moderate front crash; but in the updated moderate front crash test, which now also assesses potential injury to a rear-seat occupant as well as to those in front, it rated “Poor.” In the updated side crash, which simulates being struck by a large SUV, it rated “Acceptable.” It also rated “Marginal” for its headlight performance.
Standard driver-assist features include emergency front braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, rear-seat reminder, automatic high-beam headlights, and the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles.
Features 8 / 10
All trims include that 11-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats and steering wheel, cargo a privacy cover, and single-zone climate control. The step up to the midrange Sport Touring brings larger wheels, along with faux-leather upholstery and gloss-black exterior trim. Moving to the top Avenir brings a power sunroof, power tailgate, 19-inch wheels, a wireless charger, and rain-sensing wipers, all of which are optional on the Sport Touring. Unique to the Avenir are auto-dimming mirrors, perforated leather upholstery, and a rear-seat centre armrest.
User-Friendliness 9 / 10
Although you only get single-zone climate control — and I would have expected dual-zone in a Buick — the controls for everything are simple and easy to use, including the conventionally-operated gear selector. It’s possible to switch the look of the digital instrument display but, very oddly, one of the designs doesn’t include a fuel gauge. Entry and exit are also easy, and the relatively low liftover into the cargo compartment simplifies the task of loading it up.
Practicality 7 / 10
As mentioned, that swiftly-sloping roof cuts down on cargo volume; and at 586 L with the rear seats upright, that’s less than competitors including its taller-roofed corporate-sibling, the Chevrolet Trax. There’s still enough room for smaller items but taller cargo could potentially be an issue. If you carry something bulky like a dog crate, take it on your test-drive to be sure it’ll fit.
Comfort 8 / 10
A longer drive wasn’t an issue with the supportive front seats. Legroom both front and back is among the most generous in the segment, but headroom isn’t — especially in the rear seat with that raked roofline. The ride is smooth, with all but the worst bumps soaked up before they reach the cabin.
Power 8 / 10
Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder engine making 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Most rivals use an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which doesn’t always produce the best performance with a very small engine, and so Buick uses a six-speed automatic. Around town, it helps give this vehicle a peppy feel off the line; but those three cylinders lose their breath when asked for more power. Plan your highway passing with care: as the saying goes, the Envista can get you into trouble, but not as easily out of it.
Driving Feel 9 / 10
Beyond the power restrictions of its engine, the Envista is a well-balanced model that responds well to steering input. It’s not sporty, but it handles everyday driving better than expected. Standard on the Avenir, and optional on the Sport Touring tested here, is a Watt’s link rear suspension, which improves handling by reducing lateral movement and increasing rear stability. All Envista trims are front-wheel drive-only. The Encore GX has a slightly larger engine and offers AWD, although it’s actually a marginally smaller vehicle overall.
Fuel Economy 8 / 10
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the Envista at 8.4 L/100 km in the city, 7.4 on the highway, and 7.9 in combined driving. In my bitterly-cold week with it, I averaged much higher at 9.1 L/100 km. It takes regular-grade gasoline. The Envista’s fuel consumption is higher than many rivals but only by decimals, where the gas-powered Toyota Corolla Cross is supposed to be good for 7.4, and the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona are both rated at 7.6, all with front-wheel drive. (They’re all available with all-wheel drive, while the Corolla Cross is offered with a hybrid powertrain, and the Seltos and Kona can be had with punchier turbo motors.)
Value 7 / 10
The Envista got a price hike of around $2,000 this year, and that plus its market positioning — a bit higher than mainstream, not quite premium — means you have to shop around, especially since many rivals offer AWD. While the Envista runs from $30,999 to $35,799, the Kia Seltos starts at $27,695 in FWD and $29,695 in AWD; and the Hyundai Kona at $28,449 and $30,449 for FWD/AWD. The Toyota Corolla Cross in FWD begins at $29,850 and it’s $38,140 in AWD (all prices including delivery).
The Verdict
You could also look at other General Motors (GM) offerings, where the Chevrolet Trax shares the Envista’s engine and platform but runs from $26,799 to $30,999, and is a very satisfying little vehicle also; while the Buick Encore GX has a front-wheel trim at $33,149 but also offers AWD starting at $35,159. The 2025 Buick Envista has its good points but it’s also a crowded segment, so be sure to look at the competition when you’re making your decision.
