The Best New Small "Sedan" In America Is... A Buick? 2024 Buick Envista Review 

The infotainment system screen shape, yeah, it's not called the Hannah-Barbera style. It's called Mid Century Modern and it is an amazing touch by the Buick design team. Thank you Buick for daring to have fun! That's what automotive design should be all about.

Took delivery on Thursday of an Avenir in Cinnabar red... it's an amazing vehicle for the price, and the powertrain is hardly a slouch. 75mph is attained easily, and without strain... and it rides 2,400-2,500rpm at that speed. The seats are probably the most comfortable I have ever had, it is very quiet inside with a hint of road noise from the rear hatch area but not objectionable. The infotainment is pretty good, I got used to the system quickly and the transitions aren't too slow... sound wise, it's funny I think it sounds better than the 10 speaker Harmon/Kardon my Forester had. Buick has a winner here, I think it's the right car for a lot of people for a great price and just look at it! Thanks for the great review, Alex... it definitely played a part in my decision.

I see a lot of similarities between the Trax and this Buick. Still a nice car for the price. On another note, I really appreciate the way you do you're comparison on vehicles. Straight talking, no goofy background music and very creative learning. This is the way a car sales person should be selling you a car. I just watched your video about the new Trax and now the Buick. Awesome 👍.... keep us posted on New cars..... thanks 👍.

Would be cool if you could do a head to head comparison between this and the trax, so that people can get a good sense of everything you're getting for the extra money.

I've got a trailblazer with the 3 cylinder turbo. I can vouch that these feel much livelier than you would think.

Very nice car and good review. Thanks for reviewing this inexpensive crossover coupe for what it is - an inexpensive crossover coupe - and not reviewing it as if acceleration and 10/10th handling would be important for it's target demographic. So many reviewers out there just don't get the target market for cars and think everything should go 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and handle like it's on rails. That's not reality. That's not what most cars are designed for.

If I personally were to purchase this engine it would be in the Buick Envista! The Envista is a nicer looking vehicle in my eyes than the Trax! The Envista is very intriguing to me personally especially the smaller 1.2 Liter 3 cylinder engine linked to the high ft/lbs of torque making the 6 speed auto work well!

Gotta admit that it looks great! So much better than before. GM Korea is killing it! Keep in mind the price point! I think these will be assembled in Korea, which likely will lead to better quality than being made in Mexico (like most inexpensive vehicles). Personally, I’m not sure if I could live with that little power, (I don’t do drag races anyway), although I do think 3-cylinder engines actually sound good! (They sound better than most 4-cylinders.) I’m also worried about the long-term reliability. But if these turn out to be reliable, I might consider one of these.

I'm intrigued. As I get up in years I am genuinely becoming more interested in comfort and quiet than handling and thrills thru the accelerator. I would feel better if this was a 4-cyl, or a 3 w/hybrid, but I'm open I guess. Good job GM. Edit: thinking about it, I agree with the front resemblance to a Kona. This seems like a roomier Kona, with a nicer interior, and probably cheaper.

The oddly placed brake/turn lights in back in this vehicle (and a few others) are due to a regulation that came into effect after styling had been mostly locked. The issue is that with the trunk or hatch open, there must be lights that don't open with the rear lid so at night, if you have the trunk open on the side of the road, other drivers will still be able to see you with lights that remain stationary. There were a few horrific wrecks with cars that had lights that pointed towards the sky with the trunk open, so this new rule resulted in a few "bandaid" patches on cars that were very far along in development, and their refreshes or replacements will not have "fake" brake lights with secondary lights seemingly tacked on the lower rear bumper as an afterthought.

I actually really like the look of this, inside and out, and it has a good feature set. That engine just holds it back for me. I think a higher-powered 200-300hp 4 popper should have at least been offered for the ST. Though I imagine the single engine choice keeps the cost down across the board.

I actually enjoy some of the nod/homage to the past with the dash cluster. I personally love the idealism of that era (even if reality was anything but ideal). Buick has been doing this lately. Even in the German-built TourX, the slight wings incorporating the tail-lights and the body-side indent, and light green illumination of the dash (to me), gives a slight homage to the past (like a '56 Estate Special). It would have been nicer if the entire screen was active - but in this price category, I think people will "live with" the dual rectangular screens.

the "brake lights" not actually being the brake lights is a bad joke, typical GM decision

So, this is a way to get padded door and center console armrests plus a rear center armrest in a Trax. However, you lose the rear window wiper and get the more dangerous low mounted turn signals and brake lights. They just couldn’t build it with all the best features in on vehicle.

WHAT IS THAT!! 😮😮😮 Never thought I'd love to own a Buick.. but here we are 😮😮

Wow, Buick Envista looks unexpectedly good. I own Civic Hatchback, I am a fan of the 'Sportback' design. I don't mind a slightly-low back roof. This car seems very practical and we get a lot for the price, design and interior look quite nice as well. The top trim is under 30k, that is lower than Civic 😂

I think it's the new evolution to the sedan. It has the functionality of a SUV without being an SUV and some purchasers may prefer that. In many cases you don't need 4WD. Less money with all the bells and whistles. I do believe that the Trax and Envista are targeted to different buyers at a lower price which they can afford. I purchased a 2023 Encore GX and I find it a pleasure to drive. Hopefully the Envista and Trax will hit it's mark.

I'm getting Toyota Venza/Lexus RX vibes from this design. Alex looks like he lost some weight too!

I wish the four cylinder engine was available in the US. The 1.2 three gives me serious reservations on longevity.

Very nice Buick. Nobody does a review like Alex.

Its a lovely vehicle, just a weird mis-step that they didn't just utilize the LEDs they already have for the rear. Like the dumb design they did on the Bolts

This is a very beautiful sporty looking vehicle. Can’t wait to take it on a test drive ☺️👍🏾

Thank you for the comprehensive walkaround and first look. Disappointed in GM for combining the brake lamp and turn signal into a single incandescent bulb (!) at each rear corner. In 2023, I expect better.

Thorough review as always. A couple years ago I rented a Chevy Cruze and was surprised by the comfort and performance of the vehicle. However, mechanics I know warned me away from the 1.4 liter turbo as being unreliable. The Envista looks great but I would have similar concerns about a 1.2liter three-cylinder turbo. Can you shed anymore light on the likely durability of this engine?

I just sat in the driver's seat of this model and it was one of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat it.

I am disappointed with the 1.3 turbo engines. They drive around town fine - but jumping on a busy freeway has been a challenge for me (It was a rental and I didn't realize it was a 1.3 turbo - it takes a long time to get up to freeway speed)

I was interested until finding out it had one of those junk tiny turbo engines. No one is putting 200K on one of those. Shame. It is a decent looking car.

Really enjoy seeing the music you listen to on the head unit

If this is noticeably quieter than the Trax it's easily better value. Also the Envista has a softer armrest, the door panels in the Trax are rock hard.

I love value cars like this. Even if you’re a bit apprehensive on the reliability of something like this, you’re bound to easily get 100k with basic maintenance. If it goes to shit you can buy another one and own two for nearly the price of one of a lot of small suvs out there.

The heated seat control is a piano key switch. The manual shift button is a rocker. They are not "toggles"

Great review Alex as usual. I think you are the best U tube car reviewer by far ! Compared to the Trax 1RS is the Envista ST any quieter or more comfortable as in Canada the price difference is quite small.Cargo space is not an issue for me. I drive a 96 Park Ave Ultra with 24000 miles that I will keep. I"m 77 & have a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud,a Bentley Turbo R & a 2017 Genesis G80 3.8 awd sedan that I love but getting nervous about future possible issues as warranty is now up but only have 30000 miles & it's a bit big for me. I would like a smaller car for daily driver. Any help appreciated.

Another great car shopper review, love the detail, it’s what you do better than most. Cracked up at the Hanna-Barbera/national park sign reference, definitely saw that. Although I’m fine with it. Thank you for detailing the transmission performance, in these days of CVT‘s it’s nice to have a six speed that is properly geared and mated to the right engine. That is what gives each car specifically it’s performance level. I saw one of these at the dealer last week and stopped to look at it and thought the wife would really like it. So I’ve been watching reviews and you aleays give me the most information which is again, what you do best. Thanks.

The future of GM 3. Cylinder turbocharged motors, CVT transmissions and all plastic interiors got to love it

This is a really interesting vehicle, and appears to be very well done. I don't mean to criticize, but for me personally, the monologue block during the video is distracting and makes me choose between reading the monologue or relaxing and listening to you narrate the video. I much prefer a 3rd camera view, or just a 2-camera view without a blank box. It may just be me, however. :) Looking forward to more content!

Looks good. Won't be doing one though; my experience with Buick/GM and their dealer decades ago cannot be mended.

Alex your reviews are fantastic. I watch them for pure entertainment. Thanks so much!!

The lack of rear vents is a bummer for us with infants/toddlers/kids that have to sit in the back seat(s). Beyond that…It looks good! Even viable for a tall guy like myself.

One thing I can't stand is that this is an all new platform and the top trim Avenir still has halogen lights for the turn signals, interior lights, and probably more places. The base model mazda 3 at $22.5k comes wil LED everything inside and out, other manufacturers have no excuse if they're selling a car at or higher than that price.

If I'm honest, I have to admit I've been a bit snobby vs. American cars for a while (although I currently drive a 25-year-old Oldsmobile), since Asian vehicles offered such value, and I'm old enough to remember when GM thought they could sell us any junk they wanted to. But, this looks like a pretty nice car, especially for the money. For what it's worth, I really like the mid-century dash design. It's funky silly cool.

If you look at this as the modern version of a small sedan, this is brilliant. The hatchback configuration is WAY more logical than a traditional trunk. And I really like the styling; it is leagues better than the Japanese competition, which seems to think that "weird" is better than "attractive".

i bet that it can last at least three years

Great looking car.. GM small cars are a huge hit , can't find a Chevy Trax but plenty of Silverado on any Chevy dealer lot

Those wide tires you mention a few times will be a detriment in snow. I've experienced this living in Wisconsin. The low mounted brake lights are a turn off. Also, those bits of chrome and glossy black panels in the interior will provide for sun glare.

I ordered one a couple of months ago and it already got built! Can't wait to see it IRL.

There is one thing that I don't like about this crossover: the instrument panel. That tablet like thing looks cheap, the trax has a much nicer dashboard.

Congratulations on the weight loss Alex. I've been watching you for years. I like the two cam set up but the third screen needs some content even if it dont change or repeats specifications.

Is this for 95% of people who can't pay 80K Tucks/Suv

The screens do look a bit cartoonish but definitely a great deal cool review nonetheless 💯

Glad t see Buick offering a real world price along with a good design, however, no trailer hitch (for my bike), and , call me a pessimist, but dealers will probably raise the real world price if it is popular and in typical short supply.

"In the way back". I haven't heard that term since I was a kid. My friend used to say that when we road in her parents Caravan's. LOL.

I didn’t see Hannah Barbera until you called it. Lol But the entire dashboard is a homage to past Buicks. Good review. I’d love to have an Envista Preferred

I'm so glad you posted this. I was about to go car shopping, but I'm totally waiting to check out this Buick first. I just wish it didn't have that damn engine start / stop crap! It's a 3 cylinder engine... how much more gas do we really need to save?!?!?

This looks a lot better than the new Trax and it's even in the same price bracket?! I'm still getting used to everything being on a crossover/SUV platform now with these big wheels and ride height that was once only found in vans and trucks.

Beautiful CUV. Looks very premium outside. Inside, they definitely cut some corners to keep the price down, such as no rear air vents and sun visors that don't extend. Those should definitely be offered on at least the Avenir trim. I agree about the national parks sign shaped instrument bezel. It's tacky, along with those random chunky chrome bits on each end. I really hate that. The price is extremely competitive at $23,500 to start. I suspect the 2024 Kona will be around $26k comparably equipped if the 2024 Seltos is any indication. Those have gotten entirely too expensive. Hyundai/Kia have had too many reliability issues to be asking for higher prices than a comparably equipped Honda HRV. They are not more premium nor better quality. Time will tell, but I'm very leery about the Envista's reliability given GM Korea's track record.

It looks really good. A mix of x4 glc coupe

I'm a bigger fan of the 3 camera setup since it shows the steering wheel too while driving. Great review though Alex.

Man stop complaining about the small stuff. The car is awesome. So what if seat is manual and back storage is a cover. Give GM credit for great looking car and excellent price.

Your most value information was given during your ride. Thanks.

LOL Its funny you say " Hanna Barbera" b/c 1 of the things I like about the screen shape is it reminds me of The Jetson's. A mid century modern vibe. I have had my Envista Avenir for 2 weeks, and I tell ya the more I drive it the more I want to drive it. It has a nice Premium feel for the 31285. I paid. I am taking it on it's 1st 6.5 hr. drive back to Ct for Easter and i can not wait to see how it does on long trips. My only 2 gripes is I think for the Avenir at least the driver should have had express up on the window, and I think a premium sound system. Which is not to say the sound sucks, it doesn't. Just would have been nicer. I have also seen more than a few people checking it out at stop lights, and passing. It really is sharp. =) I traded in my 22 Encore GX and I haven't had any buyers remorse. 1 of my friends said he thinks it looks like a Mustang Mach E from the side. 🤷‍♂🚙

I wasted several minutes watching this to finally find out this vehicle has a three cylinder engine. No way am I going to buy a pos like that ! Former auto tech here.

Already see Trax on the road. they look nice

Totes looks like the Kona you’re absolutely right Alex

Lol, "National Park-Sign" instrument panel... I get it, there was an era where entrance signs to National Parks had this kind of shape. Overall, I think the term to describe the bezel shape might be Mid-Century Modern aka MCM -- which tends to have an upbeat, positive connotation. This is personal taste, but I'm kinda digging this dash look -- and the gently "wider at the top" theme relates to the dash config's in the Envision and Enclave as well. Definitely digging the straight-forward, comprehensive and open-minded content of the review in general. It might be worth noting these are manufactured by GM Korea -- or did I miss that in the review? PS: keep the internal monologue!

Give it air vents and a turbo 4 in the mid cycle refresh and im sold.

I INSTANTLY thought of the Hyundai Kona when I first saw the design for this and the Encore GX!!!

Please tell me this isn't another imported Buick made in China

A 2 liter engine would have been much better

Dash screens don’t bother me at all. This is the best Buick to hit the market in years IMO.

9:45 gems like this only found on AoA reviews! love it! :D

Ordered mine black on black Avenir.

It is good value expensive to maintain. Oil change 100 dollars synthetic. Tires are 200 each. Parts are pricey. 0 to 60 8 seconds. You want premium get envision or enclave 30k to 40k

Nice looking car

Hey, Alex! I think that the 2-camera look works if you put the camera facing you in the middle of the screen (but still at the top)

Awesome review again. Looks good. Looks like Hyundai Kona, which looks like Nissan juke and jeep

Nice job , thanks Alex. I like the car & think the screen is a nice quirky touch🥃

Best car reviewer on RU-vid.

I’m shocked at how decent looking the Buicks are for being a gm product.

I would have put the brake lights up, and turn signals down as that is what drivers are accustomed to, but it is a nice car.

dang. that is good looking and a good value at $25k well equiped.

Very stylish. It is great that smaller cars don't have to be substandard anymore.

"Hannah Barbara" "National Parks" Style Dual Screen. What? hahaha... What does that even mean?

That bezel is Hanna-Barbara, but it's all Jetsons. Hmmm and not a fan of it, myself. Great video, Alex . . . lots of information and the comparisons to similar cars/equipment is very helpful. I love the idea of the Envista, but I do wish you had an for the optional 1.3L out of the Encore GX/Trailblazer.

Love Hanna Barbara and the Jetsons.

11:22 You should sell that as an Advertising space! lol.

i love the spare tire.

It's a decent car for sure 😊

Yeah, but my only question is, can Shaq fit in it?

I like it, but I don’t understand what people like about these over sedans that offer a lot more for the money. You can’t say it’s all wheel drive because it’s not offered. So other than ride height, why buy this Avenir trim over something like a Kia Forte GT that has a lot more features like ventilated seats, rear air vents, better interior finishes, more horsepower, more fun, and a better warranty for less money? I just don’t understand the appeal of paying more money for less stuff, only to sit 2 inches higher.

A "premium" car shouldn't have what will probably be the least reliable engine in GM history. It will look great, smoking hot in fact, on the side of the highway. Google the GM 1.4T, then consider that this is set up much worse.

Hi Alex. I vote for the dual panel in car video. No car sickness for me! 👍🏻

Encore preferred…for my mom as she enjoys the higher seating position. Neither for me, not yet 65 years old.

The 2-cam set-up looks nice to me. The design of the dashboard screens does seem a bit flamboyant (compared to the rest of the vehicle), but it wouldn't bother me.

It's funny how your split screens don't match up. :) For $30k, sticking with the Seltos SX.

Apples and oranges, but it's giving me Integra with an Urus greenhouse.

You were in Ann Arbor! I noticed the Buick Event at the Holmes campus, but it wasn’t clear whether it was a customer or media event.

Like the car, like the look, hate the low hanging brake lights/signals.

It looks like a $40,000 vehicle. Nobody is going to know the bargain you got on this thing.

What stopping me from buying this is my bias against American vehicles. I'm a car minimalist, I do not want nor care about technology features. I also prefer cloth seats because of the heat, and I don't care about cheap interiors. I care reliability, price, and design in that order. How can I trust Buick? That price is amazing, and it looks great.

The 3 cylinder turbo is a no go from the get go. Even with the turbo its underpowered and sounds like a sewing machine. A V6 sound, you're joking! Buick should have offered a non turbo 4 cylinder, ...not everyone desires a turbo. The old standard Verano engine would have been better. Looks and style are A+, but the dash looks cheap, the the door and arm rest section looks cheap and no rear vents??? The older Verano had a more premium looking interior. Cost cutting is to be expected, but it's made in Korea for petes sake, Kia Seltos has a better dash and rear vents, Buick could and should have done better. If it had a better engine and some interor upgrades I'd really be interested, as it stands ... NOPE, ....PASS, ...BUICK TRY HARDER!