As a brand that has moved all its eggs into the crossover basket, Buick has a lot riding on the release of its all-new 2021 Envision.
In a media event timed to coincide with the vehicle’s release to the public, Buick shares details and pricing information for the new Envision, which gets overhauled styling, updated tech and safety features and upscale options.
Powering the entire ’21 Envision line is a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. that produces 228 hp and 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque. It’s mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional and brings with it a twin-clutch feature that can shift power between wheels where traction is needed most.
The 2021 Envision, assembled in Yantai, China, is arriving at dealers now and can be configured on Buick's website. The base Preferred trim carries a starting price of $32,995, which includes a $1,195 destination charge. The mid-range Essence trim starts at $36,995, and the top-level Avenir starts at $42,395. Pricing includes white paint, but all other colors are a $495 upcharge.
The new Envision comes equipped with selectable drive modes that include Tour, Snow/Ice and Sport for front-drive models and Tour, AWD, Snow/Ice and Sport for all-wheel-drive models.
The new vehicle’s styling is more muscular and striking than previous designs. Where earlier Envision models featured smooth, rounded lines, the 2021 overhaul results in a vehicle with strong, straight lines and a lower, wider stance.
Buick says each trim has a unique design that sets it apart from the others. The Preferred and Essence trims are available with a Sport Touring Package that adds 20-in. wheels and gloss-black accents. The range-topping Avenir trim gets its own exclusive grille design, 20-in. wheels, clear turn signals and a special Rich Garnet paint color.
Inside (below) is a welcoming, comfortable cabin offering passengers rich materials and a quiet ride. The center stack and all displays, controls and buttons are oriented toward the driver for better visibility and less distraction in operation. Buick replaces the traditional gear lever with an electronic pushbutton system to select gears.
The dual-wing center armrest allows one passenger to open the storage space without disrupting the other front passenger’s arm position, and the Envision features covered storage below the instrument panel for inconspicuous hiding of valuable items.
The top two Envision trims feature an air ionizer and air quality indicator. The system helps purify the air and also can display an air quality rating on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. All trims get Buick’s QuietTuning, which uses active noise cancellation and strategically placed acoustic insulation to keep the interior quiet.
In a first for the brand, Buick offers a 10.2-in. (26-cm) infotainment touchscreen in the ’21 Envision. It replaces the standard 8.0-in. (20-cm) unit and supports wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration.
A full suite of advanced safety equipment is available, which includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warnings, blindspot monitoring, forward collision alert, following distance indicators, auto high beams, rear cross-traffic alert and rear park assist. Available safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, head-up display and more.
