Photo: Buick
Buick today unveiled the successor to the Encore, which was discontinued after the 2022 model year despite proving fairly popular in Canada.
Called Envista, this brand new entry-level crossover will launch in the summer, sharing many design cues with the refreshed 2024 Encore GX that will arrive in late spring, but featuring a sportier, coupe-like body style.
Three trim levels are available: Preferred, Sport Touring (ST) and Avenir. The second stands out with many black accents, while the last one combines a single-tone exterior with chrome bits. All of them illustrate Buick’s new global design language and wear its new logo.
Photo: Buick
We quite like the thin, wing-shaped headlights and taillights, as well as the upper window trim that extends into the rear section to emphasize the Envista’s low-slung profile. The sharp-looking wheels are 18 or 19 inches in size depending on the model.
More Passenger Space and Connectivity
Inside, the Buick Envista is miles ahead of the late Encore, taking a page from the 2024 Encore GX with a so-called Virtual Cockpit System. The VCS features 19 diagonal inches of high-definition screens under one sheet of glass, comprising an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen and a configurable 8-inch instrument cluster, both angled toward the driver.
The latest version of Buick’s infotainment system provides a sleek new layout, customizable home screen and easily accessible vehicle categories. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Photo: Buick
The flat-bottom steering wheel gives the Envista interior a sporty touch, just like contrast stitching and logos on the seats. Meanwhile, Buick says the longer wheelbase results in more legroom for front and rear passengers, rivaling some larger crossovers in that department.
An available power liftgate provides access to the cargo area, which can fit 586 litres of gear. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats increases cargo capacity to 1,190 litres (about 200 litres short of the Encore) and accommodates objects up to 7.5 feet long diagonally.
Just One Tiny Engine
Similar to the next-generation 2024 Chevrolet Trax, the new Buick Envista makes do with a turbocharged 1.2-litre triple-cylinder engine. Output and torque are rated at 136 hp and 162 lb-ft., respectively, which is a significant drop from the old 1.4-litre four-cylinder (155 hp, 177 lb-ft.).
The six-speed automatic transmission is carried over, but don’t look for an AWD option as the Envista comes with FWD only. Buick says average fuel consumption should be around 7.8 L/100 km (NRC rating not available yet).
Photo: Buick
On a positive note, safety and driver assistance are well covered. In Canada, all models will come standard with technologies such as Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
“When you consider all the Envista has to offer, from its stunning design, standard technology and premium affordability, it’s going to be hard to find a better package in that area of the market,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president of Buick-GMC.
The 2024 Buick Envista will enter production in May and go on sale this summer. Canadian pricing is not specified yet, but naturally it will undercut the Encore GX, which currently starts at just over $26,700.
Keyword: All-New 2024 Buick Envista is a Sportier-Looking Encore Successor