The Buick Encore is dead. Say hello to its replacement, the Buick Envista, a larger crossover designed to make the model more premium than the one it replaces while maintaining a place as the affordable entry to the Buick lineup.
While the old Encore (not the Encore GX, which was just refreshed) was not very exciting, the Envista has a flashier design. With its design language taken from the Wildcat electric concept, this is one of the best-looking Buicks in decades. Expect the rest of the lineup to adopt this look over time, though maybe not with the Envista's super-sleek rear roofline. Both 18 and 19-inch wheels are available, which is absolutely massive in this segment.
The 2024 Buick Envista is also stylish inside, with colourful stitching, embroidered logos, and 19 inches of screen under a single bezel. That includes a digital instrument panel and an 11-inch centre screen with Buick's latest interface. Buick claims this is the largest screen in its segment. The Envista will also have some neat stitch patterns on the seats, and Buick says it will have "carefully curated touchpoints."
The new Envista will only offer front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. That's part of a move to help keep it "one of the most affordable premium SUVs in the segment." It will be powered by a 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that makes 136 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
The Buick Driver Confidence Package will come standard on the 2024 Envista and includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot alerts, and adaptive cruise control.
The Avenir, Buick's top trim, will also be offered with special logos, wheels, and finishes. It also will add a special rear suspension link meant to improve handling.
The 2024 Buick Envista will start production next month and hit dealers in the summer. Pricing should follow, but expect numbers on par with the $29k starting price of the 2023 Encore GX.
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