Not as big as the Enclave or as small as the Encore GX, the 2022 Buick Envision Essence is a small luxury SUV that offers plenty of bang for the buck. Since the Envision was completely redesigned in 2021, this year’s Envision is unchanged.
With seating for five, the Envision comes in three trim levels: Preferred, Essence and Avenir. This review will focus on the Essence trim level.
With spiffy equipment like heated steering wheel and front seating, hands-free liftgate and 10.2-inch touchscreen, the Essence trim level gives plenty of comfort and sound extras.
There are also a couple of optional package trims: Technology Package 1 and Sport Touring package both of which were included on my test model. The Sport Touring package adds some exterior flourishes and interior features, while the Technology Package 1 gives extra safety and tech features such as surround-view camera, nav, Bose nine-speaker audio system, HD radio and front-parking sensors.
A turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides 230 horses and is mated to a nine-speed automatic tranny. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available. My model was equipped with front-wheel drive. Expect to get 24/city, 31/highway and 26/combined mpg.
The interior of the Envision is luxurious without being fussy. The center stack is easily reached by the driver and is simple to operate with a sharp output on the 10-inch touchscreen. There are plenty of adjustments in the front seats to make even the fussiest driver happy, but the backseats can be a bit cramped for the taller among us.
The Envision is a very smooth riding car. Most road imperfections are rendered moot with its comfort-forward suspension. Noise is also dampened, with most wind and road noise eliminated.
Even without the reassuring engine growl, the Envision makes quick work of acceleration when the pedal is engaged. Take it on a curvy road and the vehicle will handle the turns with little body roll.
