Review: 2024 Buick Envista Avenir Delivers Sporty Style On A Budget

I spent the past week in Los Angeles visiting family, and it was the perfect opportunity to test out the all-new 2024 Buick Envista Avenir. Now I’ll admit, I didn’t quite know what to expect going in, as Buick’s lineup hasn’t exactly been known for pulse-raising design lately. But let me tell you, this one stopped me dead in my tracks when they pulled up in it. That’s a Buick?!

With its coupe-like silhouette, sleek proportions, and aggressive stance, the new Envista looks more Lamborghini Urus than soccer-mom crossover – especially from ten feet away if you’re a little near sighted. And with a price tag that starts under $30K, there’s a lot of value baked in here. But once you get past the head-turning design, it’s not without its compromises.

Striking Style That’s a Departure for Buick

Let’s start with the obvious: this is easily the best-looking Buick in modern times. The low-slung roofline, stretched proportions, and Avenir-exclusive touches like the gloss-black mesh grille and 19-inch nickel-finished wheels give it a sporty, premium presence you just don’t expect from this brand. If the mission was to shed Buick’s “retiree rental car” image and win over younger buyers, mission accomplished.

Even the new Buick badge, now a minimalist three-shield logo, had people talking.. including my mom, who asked me why there was a “Monster Energy logo” on the back of the car. 😀 Say what you will, but that’s proof Buick is trying something bold here.

A Premium Cabin Without the Premium Price

Inside, the Envista Avenir punches well above its weight. Materials and finishes feel upscale for the price, with soft-touch surfaces, contrasting stitching, and a flowing dashboard design that gives the cabin a light, airy vibe. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s enough legroom in the back for adults, even if the sloping roofline cuts into headroom a bit.

The tech setup is also impressive for this segment. Buick’s new display layout, with an 8-inch driver info screen and a crisp 11-inch central touchscreen housed under a single pane of glass, looks great and is easy to use. A heated steering wheel is a surprising but welcomed addition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, along with a wireless charging pad, multiple USB-C ports, and more.

That said, I did run into a few hiccups. Wireless CarPlay, in particular, was hit-or-miss during my week with the car, randomly disconnecting at times, which quickly turned from a minor annoyance into a major frustration, being that I was relying on it for navigation since I’m not from California.

Small Engine, Smaller Expectations

Here’s where the Envista shows its budget-friendly roots: under the hood. All trims, including the top-spec Avenir, come with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine making 136 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. That’s… not much. In fact, it’s less powerful than the outgoing Encore that it replaces.

For city driving and light commuting, the setup is fine – it’s smooth, reasonably quiet, and fuel-efficient (delivering 28mpg city / 32mpg highway). But when you need to merge onto the highway or pass at speed, the lack of power is noticeable. It’s not dangerously slow, but it’s definitely not spirited either. And with no all-wheel drive option available, the Envista leans more toward “stylish urban runabout” than “go-anywhere crossover.”

Ride, Handling, and Daily Comfort

Despite the modest output, the Envista delivers a composed, comfortable ride. Steering is light and predictable, body motions are well-controlled, and the suspension honestly does a great job soaking up rough pavement (of which there is plenty in LA). Around town, it’s nimble and easy to maneuver, and on the highway, it cruises quietly and confidently.

Honestly, if you’re not expecting hot-hatch levels of fun, you’ll likely appreciate its balance of refinement and everyday usability.

Utility and Practicality: Style Has a Cost

The Envista’s sloped “SUV-coupe” design gives it a distinctive profile, but it also eats into cargo space. While there’s a decent amount of room behind the second row, the trunk opening is shallow, and taller items are a no-go thanks to that steeply raked rear glass. If you’re hauling big boxes or bulky gear regularly, this could be a dealbreaker.

Ironically, my mom bought a four-foot plant from Home Depot, and it wouldn’t fit in the trunk (maybe it would have with the security shelf removed, but I wasn’t about to deal with that in a busy parking lot), so we had to place it on the floor in the backseat.

Bang for Your Buck

Here’s where the Envista Avenir redeems itself: value. Starting at around $28,600, it undercuts many rivals while offering a level of style, tech, and comfort that feels more expensive. Factor in solid fuel economy (around 30 mpg combined), a smooth ride, and Buick’s improved design language, and you’ve got a crossover that punches way above its price tag, as long as you’re realistic about its limitations.

And if your budget is a little tighter, you can always opt for one of the lower trims. The Envista Preferred starts at just $23,495, while the Envista Sport Touring starts at $25,195.

Final Thoughts: A Stylish Statement With a Few Asterisks

The 2024 Buick Envista Avenir is a bold step forward for the brand. It’s easily the most eye-catching and youthful vehicle in Buick’s lineup, with design that turns heads, an interior that feels more premium than it should, and a price that’s tough to argue with.

It’s not perfect – the underpowered engine, finicky wireless CarPlay, and compromised cargo space are clear tradeoffs. But for buyers prioritizing style, comfort, and value over outright performance or utility, the Envista is a compelling choice. Think of it as a fashion-forward urban crossover that delivers a surprising amount of luxury without breaking the bank.

What do you think of the 2024 Buick Envista Avenir?