2021 Buick Envision review // This is a Buick?? 

Bought a 2021 Essence black on black with panoramic roof, chose FWD. I’ve had it for 3 months and are very pleased with everything this car offers. The push/pull shifter is awesome I do not miss the big protruding shifter. The quiet and smooth ride is outstanding. Love this Buick.

Wow, I still can’t believe the amount of hustle you guys have. Thanks for giving us great content consistently! You guys are awesome!

Yes made in China, yes some people do freak out... but Zack already said JD Power consistently ranked Buick top 10 quality brands last 10 yrs! Not sure what else to freak out about, and this Envision looks great 👍

Yasssss Andrea! I am with you on the sunroof comment.! Why people buy cars without them blows my mind ! If you don’t want to use it close the shade and it doesn’t even get in “the way.” But when it is in use it’s a gem!

I purchased this exact car recently. I must say it is an amazing car. Better than a chevy and more of a value than the thousands more they want to charge for a similar competitor. The gear shifter is one of my favorite things about this car. It took me about 2 days to get used to it, but now it is so much easier and faster than a traditional shifter. Plus it gives you more room in the center. The only gripe i have is the hill start assist, it really is a problem. I think an update could fix it though. Also, it seems to like to hold gears, especially going downhill. I dont like going downhill at 3000+ rpm in a car that redlines at 6. Maybe another software update? Other than those two things, i dont regret my purchase and would recommend it to anyone who wants more luxury than a chevy, but doesnt want to pay cadillac prices.

When I thought of Buick, my mind still with those LeSabre, Park Avenue, Roadmaster, Century and Regal in the 90s. Fast foward to today, I have seen more Buick in a Chinese city for one hour more than in Vancouver for a year. Its like a Chinese rather than American brand. Another great review.

All I can say about the outside of this Buick is WOW! Great video as always 😁

This is a great little SUV. Helped my mom buy one back in the spring. We lucked out and found a dealer who was willing to do a GMS factory deal in an age of markups everywhere. Also got 0% for 36 months instead of paying cash. She got the "base" Essence model but it has the ST sport package with plenty of equipment. They detuned the engine for MPG. Which is fine in the age of $6 gas. It still has plenty of power. I had a 455hp Camaro until recently. The deep metallic red with blackout ST styling looks great!

I'm seriously considering a Buick Envision. My cousin has had a Buick Verano for 8 years and hasn't had any problems. She uses it for work and play and loves it. I've been in it and, aside from its small size, love it. The Envision is the perfect size between and Enclave and Encore. I currently own a '19 Kia Optima EX 1.6T with 106,000 trouble-free highway miles. I have 3 more years till retirement and want something that'll get through those years and many more after, with no commuting. Since we plan to relocate I want something almost paid off by the time I buy a new house so only my monthly payments will be on my credit report and not a new purchase under 2-3 years. The Envision looks like it'll be a fine choice. Thanks for this review.

Just stumbled across this video and could not agree more. I bought an Essence with the technology package including a sunroof in early March. The ride overall is great, fuel economy as published or better. Seats very comfortable and enough storage space for all your vacation travel needs. My only negative is that the 20 inch wheels that come with the tech package have low profile 245/45 tyres which amplify some of the bumps along the road.

I bought this car 3 months ago and I love it... my interior is creamy white and my car is a Smokey grey...

Another great review! Didn't realize Buick's reliability was that good. Something to consider.

We got this one in the Essence ST trim with sun roof in white. It really looks great with the blackout grill and 20" wheels. So very happy with it.

I must admit that the Buick Envision is an eye catcher! I happen to notice it more and more and it gets my attention every time I see someone driving it. I have a 2016 Nissan Murano that I enjoy driving but if I had to make a another purchase it would be the Envision for sure!

if you don't like a sunroof, keep it closed all the time the future car owner will most likely be influenced by presence or not of the sunroof

My first car was a Buick too! '98 LeSabre Limited. Also, it's so nice that they brought back the colours in the tri-shield; really speaks to an era of Buick when they weren't just re-badged Opels.

i actually prefer the push button shifters over the old school traditional ones. I got used to them with my MDX and it's really easy to get used to it.

Appreciate this review about the Buick Envision. The 2.0 liter turbo I-4 generates 228 hp and 258 lb-fr torque paired to the nine-speed transmission. We too quickly forget of the super-slow 4-cylinder powertrains of the 1980s including the 2.5L Iron Duke in many GM vehicles. The Iron Duke pumped out 90 horsepower!

Wow! What a great looking SUV! The exterior is amazing!

I'm one of those people that don't want a sunroof simply because I park under trees and the drain holes get plugged up often. Guess where the water goes.

I learned on a Buick and my first car was a hand me down Buick Century coupe. This looks so much better! Thanks for the review.

Own an XT5 right now and this fall I'll be seriously considering the Envision. What a nice looking SUV. The most comfortable SUV I've ever owned is a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. Say what you will about how that looked, but it was the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned and for it's size the cargo volume was cavernous. I'd buy another Buick no problem. The 4 cyl is my only hesitation, but I also own other vehicles with gobs of horsepower so I'll just drive something else if I want to move. This would be for family trips and heading to the cottage, so no need to go super fast.

Andrea has her sales hat on! Thursdays are ur only day off? Great content. The SUV is Looker, but I don't think it will put a dent in the market. Also the build location, as u see turns off some folks. Reminds me of another gm product which left Ontario for somewhere else, right after we throwd $$$ to help Oshawa plant. Cheers

Just for the record. I have been using a push button shifter for 3 years and I love it now. It's definitely my preference now. I know also that there's been a question of craftsmanship from China. I've watched reviewers that deal with mechanical more so and that seems to be the consensus. Mexico, Korea,US and Canada are preferred

Thank you, excellent review. I've been looking at the 2023 Buick Envision Avenir for the pass week and finally decided to purchase one. The only regret I have is the missing Blind Spot Indicator due to the chip shortage. The Buick Envision kinda looks like my current vehicle on steroids which is a 2020 MB CLA250 with the AMG appearance package. I love my CLA but we have recently purchased some e-Bikes. and need a hitch bike carrier. Actually, we were out biking 2 weeks ago on a bike path that passed in front of a Buick car dealership were the Envision made me do a double-take look, literally. I was so impressed by its appearance that I took a few pictures to remember which model it was and to check it out online. To be honest, Buick was never on my radar screen, I was thinking of purchasing a new MB GLA but the Buick Envision Avenir styling at it price point is an irresistible SUV.

Zach is soooooo Spot on with the typical car buyer . I am NOT a Typical Car buyer , where I need to know everything about my purchase: The suspension, the engine HP / Torque , the AWD system , etc.... I do read the Car Manuals...

I think the front looks very similar to the new Venza, Beautiful looking car!

not your old man Buick anymore forsure

My good friend just tested this vehicle on Tuesday. Its was a ST Version like your. My friend loved it. It has the same color as your tester and same interior. He is buying it and will be picking this up this Friday. He has has the panel roof option. I went with him, I like it a lot too. Great review I will sent him your video.

I am with Zach. I have had several vehicles with a sunroof and I never use them. I don’t consider them worth the additional cost. I really like the looks of the Envision, but I wish that it had more cargo area.

You guys are so marvelous !!! Very good report. Have you noticed that a lot of clues in this car are very similar to the European Opel/ VXH Grandland X? The Grandland is based on a PSA (now Stellantis) powertrain but the styling has been done while Opel was still under GM's control. ( I worked on that car before my retirement) . So the grill, the headlamps, the rear lamps, the dash, the seats, the steering wheel are very similar. Salut from Paris where Spring is there finally.

Picking up a 2023 Essence this week, thanks for the review, can't wait to pick it up!

Oh I have been waiting for y'all to do this review. I have narrowed next vehicle down to the Envision, Rogue, or Sorento.

Yeah back then most Buicks were made in the States and the dependability study is for US owned vehicles. Also the brand doesn't do well in North America so if their sales are low they will have LESS issues per 100 vehicles.

Zach with the smart "I like you" answer... No wonder he was able to buy the manual Cayenne lol

Thank you for this video.. This vehicle is on my list for new vehicles (Avenir trim model).. I too like the look of it.. I like how the centre console/dash turns towards the driver.. I only ever had one vehicle in my life that the dash did that (Plymouth Laser)... I am not a sunroof fan. sorry Andrea.. lol..

I love your videos. Great job! Keep it up

Beautiful tidy design, minimal overhangs, sporty elegance. I just wish GM would stop handcuffing Buick and give them more freedom with their line up. I could really see them as a cheaper competitor to Audi. They need their own power unit identity. More power, a performance line. Using those harsh hamster wheels from Chevy does not project a sport luxury image. Great video thank you.

This 2021 Envision looks the part and smokes the Acura RDX in 30-50 mph, 50-70 mph and best the 60-0 mph stopping 15-feet shorter in Car & Driver testing. Such good price too!

Thank you for the fantastic video. I used to have a top drawer Verano Turbo [that thing was a stealth rocket!]. Classic Buicks were Always about restrained, gracious, elegance. I hope you both have an opportunity to test a fully dressed Avenir model. That car is very much on my radar! Many Thanks, Graham

Thank you! There is Garnet Avenir in my garage, the features and price and your review made the decision easy for me, the ambient lighting on the dash at night is unexpected. I have received many compliments on this car, thanks again ☺

Thanks, zack/andrea, & congratz zack on your promotion to Motoring 21!!

This actually has Opel face. Since Opel doesn't come to the North America, GM figured something out! Btw, I love sunroof!! Big one!! I enjoy the sunlight!!

One added note is that Buick/GM didn't blink at paying an import tariff to bring these into the US, so that's really a good thing for the economy to help offset offshore manufacturing.

Avenir in metallic maroon. Almost bought it but the Mrs. thought it was just a bit too big.

Another great review and Wow, that Buick is Gorgeous! 🤩🤩

This is one of the very few cars where I like both the front and rear design. Most cars have a nice front design and ugly back or vice versa.

Now this is a Buick for today. They just need to update their logo and then this would present like a cooler brand.

Another great informative video! Surely appreciate it! Within my budget I can afford the base trim with the sport package. For the money, in your opinion, is it worth the base trim?

Buick gave up selling traditional cars (they claim that only SUV's sell). Yet all the other car companies have no problems selling traditional cars. Why can't Buick get their act together and sell cars as well?

The engine cover says TURBO on it. You know that’s serious.

Excellent review, this GM product will be a good seller, especially looking like it does for the amount that GM is selling it for. Don't forget the deals that GM offers on financing! I am glad you also brought up the reliability scores.

Hey Andrea & Zack - A great video review as usual, thanks. You guys just crank out these videos non-stop - Amazing! I visited and test drove a 2021 Buick Envision Avenir last month. The exterior styling is very nice indeed - especially finished in Satin Steel Met. - but the interior leaves quite a lot to be desired, imo. Unfortunately the bean counters concentrated most of their efforts on the interior. The center console armrest totally lacks padding and is as hard as a tabletop! A few other areas in the interior fare no better. I found the engine to be noisy and largely lacking in power. And why wouldn't rain sensing wipers be available on a premium/near-luxury vehicle equipped with the top-most trim? I wanted to like this vehicle, but I find myself loving the Tucson Ultimate Hybrid a whole lot more!

Looks good Buick. I do think there’s some North American made models that I’d personally prefer. Also, I’m mixed on sunroofs…why not get one? Cost and headroom. I had one on my last Ram and it was closed 99% of the time. Great review btw :-)

I don't know why this is being compared with the XT5. This cars direct sibling is the XT4.

Zack, have you sat in the back ... is there enough room to sit ‘behind yourself’ without your knees right up to the seat back? As much room as the RDX? Rear seat room is important to me ... and I don’t want to get a larger SUV if I don’t have to. RDX and Tucson or on my list so far. :) This vehicle in the ST trim looks beautiful. I’d get it in red or white in this trim with the panoramic roof like you both describe near the end of this video. I’m 6’6” and my twin daughters are almost 13 and getting taller and taller.

My borderline OCD approves those impeccably manicured tall shrubbery in your B roll driving footage.

I agree with Zack, a sunroof is a total waste of money. I have had my car 3 years and have never opened the sunroof.

I love my 2022 Buick Envision!

I worry about spilling drinks on the gear buttons

Yes, that floating dash is thanks to the push-button gear shift.

Great review! And good answer Zach at 9:02. I noticed you have not reviewed any of the Encore GX yet. Hope you would do one with the 2024 model coming up.

I enjoy your explanations of the beautiful vehicle! Keep up the Amazing Job, you guys are Fantastic, ❤ You

I learned to drive in a 60s Plymouth Valiant with a push button shifter. So easy. Just push a button. You have both learned to use touch screens but still have troubles with pushing D for drive & P for park. ? Is it really harder then pushing the lease button on a the gear selector and then running thru the selection and landing on the correct gear. Time to stop acting like its such a hassle. Easy and looks better. Love the channel. Easy Top 5 car channels on RU-vid. Keep up the good work.

Buick has these days one problem, the badge design. They have to bring it up to date as KIA did with the new logo. Thx for the review guys.

Let’s be real. The Chinese saved Buick and it’s a good thing. If it was American designed, Buick would be down under years ago.

Great review, as always. The car does look good, but when will manufacturers stop with the piano black? It’s so annoying.

I loved my 2001 Buick Rendezvous until the transmission went out at 30,000 miles. I have been driving Cadillacs for the past 10 years. An equally priced 2021 XT5 is $10K more expensive. I have been searching for a replacement for my 2019 XT5 lease. Thanks for this review.

I would of loved the power on this car but dam can i say that i love this car.. just got me a 2021 Buick envision Avenir and i love it! Came from a grand Cherokee its a lot smaller but million times more comfortable..

Loved the review guys. Always of great production quality. I would however put the Cadillac XT4 in the comparison rather than the XT5. Cheers!

I looked at a 2023 Buick Envision Avenir, overall a really nice looking vehicle expect for the amount of interior shiny black dollar store plastic for a MRSP of $49k.

I worked on this vehicle and power isn’t everything. The previous GM 2.0T with RPO LTG has more power based on the numbers but there was more turbo lag. The newer 2.0T with RPO LSY, which is what you find in the new Envision, XT4, and CT4/5 for example, has less power than the LTG so people naturally complained. But, this motor has a different turbo that spools earlier in the power band for better response since majority of people are not revving out their Envision to redline. For the majority of customers, better response down low is more usable than 4000+ rpm.

Wow... Very nice. I was wondering though how much space does the front seats have? My husband is 6'5 and Im wondering if he would fit comfortably?

Love this car! It looks great! And awesome review. I will say that I'm not the biggest fan of JD Power studies- I just feel like 3 years isn't a good timeframe to assess reliability.

Well I went to a Buick dealership to test drive the Envision Essence with the Sports package. 20"" wheels,.blacked out. Very nice looking car on the exterior. I gave it an 8 1/2 on curb appeal. Opened the door and got inside. Seats trimmed in red, ( Sporty). My wife made a gesture when I asked her how did the seats feel. She never says yes when she likes something, she just gesture. At this point I'm really thinking about trading. For some reason I got out of the car and opened the back hatch with a kick of my right foot. The hatch popped open. Here's where me and my wife started debating. I felt the cargo cabin was the same size as our Corsair. She felt it was smaller. There was a spare tire to boot. Cargo space gets an 8 from me. So far so good. I took it upon myself to sit in the back seat to see if it was rommy. There was more space than our Corsair. AND, the seats were leather wrapped. Our Corsair has hard plastic backing, with a net to put magazine in. The Envision rear seat pockets were all leather. Very soft feeling sitting in the rear seats and the front seats. I touched the console, the dash. Very quality and firm material. The LCD made the entire interior coupled with those plush leather seats. Got to give the interior 10. Had my wife not come with me, I would have come home in a Envision Essence. We took if for a test drive on the tollway and I see where the 7.1 second time in the 1/4 mile. Oh my, those gears were shifting nicely was I put my foot to the pedal. This vehicle feels much nicer inside than my Corsair. The material around the dash and console is thicker or insulated and soft to the touch. Lots of piano black. The drive felt like the XT4. It was ok. Not bad. I started asking questions to the salesperson about what this sport package. I was looking for the Heads up display. Didn't have it. What really hurt me was when we got to a stop light and I took my foot off the brake thinking the car would hold. It kept rolling. Didn't have stop/ start tech. No overhead garage door opener. 🥴A great sun roof. That's not a big thing for me. The rep explained that the Essence with the tech inside that I was looking for has not come in due to the chip shortage. But the Envision Essence with the average tech package is a winner. My wife is giving the option to trade. When they get the tech versions I LL revisit Buick. It's a much different feel than our Corsair. Our Corsair interior seating is hard and the driver headrest is not adjustable and I just want to remove it.😆. The Corsair rides better, and has 22 more hp which you can feel the differences on the highway. We'll see.

Good review, Buick is making strides, but behind in hybrid tech. I went with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum. My dad loved Buick's I'm just too young to turn into him LOL.

Michael Franzese on the left? I’m SOLD on this Buick!

Is this on the same platform as the Chevy Equinox?

How is it in snow would you recommend snow tires

Hello great white north from Tucson. I have owned a 2015 caddy srx since new, have loved this car and planned to buy another one.Last week we got home from a 7500 trip to maine and back. My caddy always sends me reminders for oil change, so just for kicks I looked at inventory.I saw a 2021 Cinamon deep metallic clear cot St black out trim 20 inch blacked out black rails. The color was amazing, 2lt turbo would like more power to go with it, loaded with all the tech compared to caddy. Even though no sun moon roof, so didn't care 23,000 miles 1 owner had to buy it Thanks enjoy your reviews. Also like mazda 5&7.Also Alfa Romeo Stelveo

I think my hangup with being built in China is that I associate Chinese made goods with cheap. They're cheaper because the quality is cheaper. That may not always be true but that's the stereotype. I think there's also angst of taking a famous American brand and making it overseas. The Envision isn't the only "American" car to be made outside the US but I think the fact that its China, where most manufacturing has already gone, makes it extra painful. My Chevy and my Dodge were both built in Canada but I don't mind seems how Canada has standards where they pay their workers and have environmental regulations. The Envision does look good, I just don't like the idea of moving manufacturing overseas to a somewhat hostile country where you don't have to treat workers as well or deal with as much environmental regulation.

Ref your comment about where this vehicle is built…china….and how some are “freaked out” about that, i would posit that it is not so much the fact the vehicle is made there but that money flowing into Chinese coffers thru foreign companies, i.e. we the taxpayers/consumers, allows the chinese government to threaten its neighbours and bully other nations, as Ottawa well knows. Geo economics and geo politics go hand in hand.

Guys need to do the 2023

Funny I just got this exact same setup but with a moon roof 😂 and did a full limo tint it looks amazing also wrapped the door handles in black. Really sharp ride in that color and St package.

My mother in law just got the too of the line model with a 3 cylinder engine & I love that vehicle but it needs twin turbos to cut out the turbo lag but they lease every car for the last 17 years force years and she has OCD & when her leases go back her cars are the best used cars & I suggest people lease thus car as opposed to buying it due to the turbo charged 4 Cylinder. But a 9 speed will be hunting for gears or will stay in a lower gear to keep the revs up to drive the turbo charger defeating tgr whole purpose of trying to get better gas mileage

If it was you guys making the purchase would you purchase this 2021 envision or the 2022 Tucson hybrid?

Car brand/make has changed so much in my lifetime...there's almost no real distinction anymore...especially with cuv/suv...( even though I drive a '19 volkswagen tiguan and love it...)

Does it have 360 deg view ?

Andrea you ask why would you not want a sunroof ? well there more inclined to leak that's why folks kind of steer away from sunroofs. While the rubber seals do keep the majority of the water out, panoramic sunroofs rely on water drainage channels within the roof of the vehicle to keep the water out. These drainage channels can become clogged, potentially creating a leak, these drainage channels can then overflow and leak water into the cabin. Now mind you they are a lot better than their predecessors but they can potential leak and damage the interior. For that reason, I personally would not purchase a panoramic sunroof. I'd rather be on the safe side of that equation. It's too bad they didn't offer a v6 with this platform. I think if they did they would've certainly found a market for it. One thing I can say whether Buicks been made in China or not, I know one thing buick makes a great vehicle. I've owned many and they've always made strong reliable vehicles in my opinion so I would've second guess buick its been a favorable choice for many for good reasons. The only reason why their made the Buick in China is because Chinese and Japanese love buicks to them the buicks are like Lexus to us. That's why? they've choose to manufacture this suv in China.

very good job on taking the exterior pics Zack👍🏾

It's made in China, and Zack thinks we're freaked out about the quality issues. Typical cbc watching nice Canadian.

Why would someone not want a panoramic sun roof? Here's the answer. First off , It's a want, not a need. Not to mention possible issues with leaking. Here is the real reason. We live in Bakersfield (Central Valley) California. Even though we park in a garage, Many people don't. It's 100 degrees, up to 108 to 110, 3 month of the summer. Can you even imagine how hot a car gets inside in a parking lot for even 30 minutes. A sun shade is not much of a help. We need all the insulation we can get. We do have a regular sun roof because that's the way more expensive cars are. We never, ever open the sun shade or roof. Besides even though we can afford anything we want, I'm a conservative person. Not going to spend $1800 for a piece of glass in my roof.

Am I reading the Buick website right, they are deducting $25.00 for removing the heated steering wheel? that is absolutely crazy for the Canadian market. I also see that if you want an integrated garage door remote you have to buy a $2,995 package, it makes no sense whatsoever.

Andrea, does this Envision compare to the Standard Corsair

Thanks for the sunroof comments I just ran outside and mine was open 🤨🤨 I’m just about asleep. Since more cars are starting to be made in China my work in the plastic manufacturing industry is almost all China based companies. They are coming on strong no matter what people say 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ thanks for the sunroof reminder 👍👍👍

Gave you a thumbs up, because well, you guys rock! But as soon as you said CHINA, the show was over.

Buick Envision S VS Volkswagen Tiguan L I am currently working in China and I want to buy a car. Which car is better between the two? I'm thinking about it. Both models are gasoline. The price of the car is similar. The ‘Envision S’ I'm trying to buy is not the top version, so the interior is just black. The bright color is so pretty ㅠㅠ I am short of money. And fuel efficiency is not very good. ‘Tiguan’ has a good car, but Volkswagen is said to have turned the invisible parts into cheap ones to make up for the big losses it incurred last time. The interior Envision is stylish and the Tiguan feels neat and well organized. I think they are both pretty. Please give me some advice~~^_____^;;

"...Pulling 0.84 average lateral g on the skidpad and putting up a 27.1-second figure-eight lap at 0.63 average g puts the Envision(2021) in good standing with the competition. The Acura RDX zipped around the bends almost as quickly, in 27.3 seconds at 0.62 g, and the Corsair 2.0 used 27.7 seconds at 0.67 g. Cousin XT4 recorded 26.3 seconds at 0.66 g....Needing only 116 feet to stop from 60 mph is a shade better than the XT4's 118 feet and is also better than the 2021 Acura RDX SH-AWD, which needed 120 feet, and the Lincoln Corsair AWD, which needed 126 feet... " Motor Trend

Test drove it. Didn't feel underpowered.

How does this Envision compare to the standard Corsair.