Introduction

The compact five-passenger 2020 Buick Envision is the first America-badged crossover SUV to be assembled in China. 

With the pleasantly-styled Envision, Buick hasn't changed much for the new model year, apart from updated touchscreen infotainment software. Once again, the Envision comes in base, Preferred, Essence, Premium I, and Premium II trim levels. 

Two distinct 4-cylinder engines are available. The 2.5-liter base inline-4 is rated at a modest 197 horsepower. Mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it comes with either front- or all-wheel drive. 

Premium trim levels get a 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4. More refined than the non-turbo, it sends power to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic. 

Unlike most contemporary rivals, Buick has not made active-safety technology standard on the Envision. Forward-collision warnings are standard at Premium level and up. An extra-cost Driver Confidence option package for the Envision Premium II adds adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitors are included with Essence trim. 

Crash-test results have been good, but not flawless. The NHTSA awarded the all-wheel-drive Envision five stars overall, but only four stars for the frontal collision. Rollover prevention (a calculated figure) also was rated four stars, which is typical for taller vehicles. 

The IIHS gave the current-generation Envision 'Good'? scores in each of its instrumented crash tests. Headlights have not been evaluated, while ease of child-seat use earned a “Marginal” rating. Even with the appropriate option, frontal crash prevention was rated only “Basic.”. 

Lineup

Prices do not include $1,195 destination charge. 

The base Envision ($31,995 with front-drive) comes with the 2.5-liter engine, heated power-adjustable front seats, a sliding second-row seat, keyless ignition, 18-inch wheels, and 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 

The Preferred ($33,500 with front-drive, $35,250 with all-wheel drive) adds rear parking assist. The Envision Essence ($35,800 with front-drive, $37,550 with AWD) gains perforated leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and blind-spot monitors. 

Both the Envision Premium ($40,700 with all-wheel drive)and Premium II ($43,600 with AWD) adopt the 2.0-liter engine. The former has active lane control, forward-collision warnings, and Bose audio. The latter has navigation, a head-up display, heated and cooled front seats, automatic parking assist, and 19-inch wheels. 

Walkaround

Even though its styling is pleasing, the curvaceous 2020 Envision is somewhat generic. It tends to blend into the background rather than stand apart. For many crossover-buying families, that's not a drawback at all. 

The Envision's large headlights, for instance, are gracefully-shaped but easily forgettable. Slab-like bodysides make the Envision look bulky and roomy. The Premium trim level moves up to 19-inch wheels, but the 18-inchers on other versions are better at absorbing bumps. 

Interior

The Envision interior is pleasant in tan or black. Its relatively narrow cabin might make the Envision seem a touch out of place on wide American boulevards, but four passengers fit without crowding. Adding a fifth adult is more of a challenge. All Envisions except the base model can be fitted with a moonroof. 

Standard cloth and synthetic leather upholstery is good in quality, but the soft leather in Essence trim and above is more impressive. Not only are the heated front seats supportive, they power-adjust in a wide array of positions-even in lesser trim levels. 

Second-row passengers benefit from decently large door openings. Once inside, the rear bench is high enough to provide good knee support. 

Organic shapes make up the uncluttered dashboard. Climate-control buttons sit low, but that's not a major distraction. 

Buick's infotainment system responds quickly and functions admirably, but its 8.0-inch touchscreen is mounted high on the dash. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard. 

Cargo space is ample, though liftover to the load floor is on the high side. With rear seatbacks upright, an Envision can hold 26.9 cubic feet of cargo. Folding them down expands space to 57.3 cubic feet-significantly smaller than many rivals provide. 

Driving Impression

Buick's Envision rides comfortably and handles gently. Even with the smooth and spirited 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4, response to the throttle is careful and measured. 

Of course, that's likely just right for most crossover SUV buyers. A relatively sedate demeanor seems fitting, especially when accompanied by the feel of quality. The turbo engine works well with Buick's 9-speed automatic transmission. 

The non-turbo engine is another story. Abundant sound-deadening makes it reasonably quiet, but 197 horsepower isn't quiet enough to haul a two-ton crossover with ease. The less-potent engine can struggle during highway passing, but its 6-speed automatic delivers smooth shifts. 

With 18-inch tires mounted, the Envision promises a soft, composed ride. Comfort isn't compromised too much with the 19-inch rubber on upper models. 

Quick steering melds with gentle handling in an Envision, which feels pleasantly confident even when zipping along winding roads. Steering feel may be minimal, but that's typical of crossover SUVs. 

No Envision is especially frugal with fuel, and the thirsty turbo versions demand premium-grade gasoline. Turbo-4 models are EPA-rated at just 20 mpg city, 25 highway, 22 combined. The non-turbo base engine does better: 22/29/25 mpg with front-wheel drive, but dipping to 21/27/24 mpg with all-wheel drive. Most turbo-powered competitors are EPA-rated at 24 to 26 mpg combined. 

Summary

The 2020 Buick Envision has an innocuous but pleasant personality. Performance is comfortable and predictable. Lesser trim levels offer better value, but automatic emergency braking isn't standard on any version-so be prepared to spend more. 

 

Driving impressions by Andrew Ganz, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report..