Buick had the biggest percentage jump in sales in 2023 for parent company General Motors, and building on that success has introduced a new Euro-sleek, moderately priced, small SUV crossover three-trim Envista for 2024.

Arriving in dealerships in mid-2023, Envista joins Buick’s four-model lineup as its entry-level vehicle and least-expensive option. (Buick ceased building sedans in 2020, and today sells only SUVs and crossovers, including the Envista, Encore GX, Envision and Enclave.)

Envista is the first model to fully incorporate Buick’s modern new design of a forward-leaning nose above a wide mesh grille, a low profile, arched fenders, sculpted sides, chrome-surrounded upper windows, and wing lighting above LED lamps. It will compete in the hotly contested compact non-sedan market with Hyundai Venue, Kia Soul, Chevrolet Trax, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Outlander and VW Taos.

Buick calls Envista a premium crossover, whereas the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a small station wagon and says it averages 30 miles per gallon, consuming 3.3 gallons of gas per 100 miles.

Consumer Reports rated Buick the best U.S. brand in 2023 and rates it above average for reliability.

Our test vehicle

The vehicle we tested was an eye-catching sight—10-spoke Pearl Nickel 19-inch wheels mounted on the Ocean Blue Metallic, top-trim Envista Avenir featuring above-base Preferred and mid-level Sport Touring (ST) trims.

Our Avenir had a sole option offered, the advanced safety package for $795. The option is a must for buyers, as it includes adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, heated mirrors and alerts for rear cross traffic, lane changes and blind zones.

The well-sized cabin mimics the modern exterior Avenir styling with quality materials, such as perforated leather seats featuring colorful stitching, Avenir badging on head restraints, and a textured cloth-like dashboard topping.

Nike-like swoops define our vehicle’s doors with small storage trays and map pockets with cupholders. The steering wheel is heated and flat-bottomed.

The ergonomic, multi-functional 11-inch infotainment touchscreen was easy to reach and intuitive to use, pairing with the 8-inch digital driver automobile info display.

The audio system worked well with quiet tuning when desired, and voice recognition was good. Navigation was available only by using phone apps mirrored on the touchscreen.

A deep tray under the dashboard climate controls has charging ports and wireless charging.

Second row seating space is surprisingly ample for this size vehicle. Seats fold down 60/40 flat to create a large (for the category) cargo area, with a compact spare tire and small storage tray. The liftgate is powered.

The test drive

Easy to enter and smooth to drive thanks to its Watt’s linkage anti-sideway motion suspension system, our tester rode comfortably with its long wheelbase and light weight, negotiating city curves and turns nimbly and responsively using front-wheel drive. (All-wheel drive is not available.)

The turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine is not quick, but it was adequate getting underway and held its own on the highway with conscientious passing and a six-speed automatic transmission (no manual paddles).

When the vehicle is turned off, the dashboard display gives a reminder to check the rear seat if its rear doors were previously opened.

Envista Avenir’s first maintenance visit is complimentary, limited warranty is three years/36,000 miles and powertrain warranty covers five years/60,000 miles.

Buick defines the Avenir badge as combining comfort, technology and premium features at an affordable price.

Overall review

LIKES: Looks, ride, handling, price, fit and finish, quiet, mileage, brand reliability  

DISLIKES: Only phone apps provide navigation, visors don’t extend, would love more power

BOTTOM LINE: Great small compact SUV for family’s first purchase, price competitive with high-end look and reputation for reliability.

Car fact file