2020 Buick Envision

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Rating6.2

Ranked #15 in 

SUV
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$31,995 - $43,600
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Quiet and comfortable ride quality

Pricey for its class

New 9-speed automatic transmission

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard

Thick pillars create blindspots, obstructing visibillity

Refined and more powerful engine

Extensive list of extras to pick from

Mediocre fuel economy

Redesigned front and rear end

Powertrain lacks enthusiasm

Specs & Features

$31,995

price

197 hp @ 6300 rpm

horsepower

192 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.5L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Sitting between GM's dominant brands and the luxury Cadillac division, Buick has been in the 'Premium' automotive territiry for a very long time now. Even with a design language what some would term as a bit orthodox, its the brands emphasis upon premiumness and comfort that makes it popular among the masses.

Launched in 2016, the Buick Envision was no exception. With a well balanced exterior proportions, seating for five, smooth ride quality, and its upscale interior, along with a healthy bunch of modern features, the Envision gained its momentum in a very short span of time. Adding further flavor to its widely acclaimed recipe, the Enclave gets some significant updates for its 2020 model year.

Buying Advice

We would go for the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine powered trims like Premium and Premium II. The reason we avoid the 2.5-liter engine is because it lacks smoothness and offers below average performance.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Buick is one of those few brands which know exactly where their strength lies. The envision is certainly not something outstanding in its class. All the appreciation it receives is because of its ambition of delivering on multiple fronts at the same time. With the updates for the 2020 Enclave being more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, designers at Buick, knew exactly what they had to do.

The new 2020 Buick Enclave gets a new and more powewrful engine, a new transmission, redesigned exteriors and revised standard vand optional feature list. The updates though, surely dont create new benchmark for the class, instead, allow the Envision to gain better grip and stand more strongly among its competition which includes the Hyundai Santa Fe, Acura RDX, Jaguar F-Pace, Volvo XC60, BMW X3, and the Lincoln MKC.

Features
5.0/10

There are five trim levels to pick from, in the 2020 Buick Enclave line-up, with prices starting at $31,995 for the base 1SV, going all the way upto $43,600 for the top Premium II. The base trim comes as a front wheel drive only model, while the Preferred and Essence can be equipped with optional all-wheel drive. The lower three trims are powered by the familiar 2.5 liter 4-cylinder, while the Premium and Premium II models get the new 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, pumping out 252 horses and they also feature standard all-wheel drive.

Trims

Envision (1SV)

Preferred

Essence

Premium

Premium II

MSRP

$31,995

$35,250

$37,550

$40,700

$43,600

Key Features

Reclining/Sliding second-row seating

Adds to 1SV -

Adds to Preffered -

Adds to Essence -

Adds to Premium II -

 

Push-button start

Rear park assist

Leather upholstery

Forward collision alert

Heated and cooled front feats

 

QuietTuning technology

Rear vision camera

Heated leather wrapped steering wheel

Lane keep assist with lane departure warning

Head-Up display

 

60/40 Split-Folding rear seats

Smartphone connectivity

Heated rear seats

LED headlamps

Self levelling headlights

  Daytime running lights Hands-Free power liftgate Rear cross traffic alert 2.0 Liter turbo 4-Cylinder engine Automatic parking assist
  Post-collision safety system Universal Tablet Holders Blind spot warning accident avoidance system 9- Speed shiftable automatic transmission Ventilated and cooled front seats
  8- way power adjustable and heated front seats Collapsible cargo area organizer Buick infotainment with navigation Rear locking differential and Center limited slip differential Driver seat thigh extension
        Bose Premium 7-speaker audio System  
        Front and rear Parking sensors  

We Recommend

We recommend picking up the Premium trim. At a price of $40,700, the Premium not only is aptly loaded with all the goodies you need, but it also gets the 252 hp 2.0 liter turbo engine that makes it stand more closer to its competitors.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

With the base engine, the 2020 Envision SUV returns 22 mpg in city and 29 mpg on the highway. This is good figure as per the expectation. Although, there's nothing special about it as majority of competitors offer similar fuel economy. On the other hand, the Premium and Premium II trims that comes powered with turbocharged engine return 20 mpg in city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Model

Buick Envision 1SV suv

Hyundai Santa Fe SE suv

Acura RDX suv

Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv

Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv

BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv

Lincoln MKC suv

MPG (city)

22

22

22

22

22

23

20

MPG (highway)

29

29

28

27

29

30

27

MPG (combined)

25

25

24

24

24

26

23

Range (miles) (city/highway)

381/502

414/545

376/479

477/586

414/545

396/516

314/424

Tank Capacity (gal)

17.3

18.8

17.1

21.7

18.8

17.2

15.7

Interior
7.0/10

Interior design and materials are up to entry-level luxury car standards. Forward visibility is excellent, but the thick rear roof pillars will obstruct the rearward view. There's plenty of space in the rear seats for three adults, and the slide/recline function should keep them comfortable.- Edmunds

Interior Seating and Comfort

Inside, the Envision offers the curvy theme with organic shapes appointed over the dashboard. Buttons and switches are integrated by function. Models with active safety tech and parking sensors have their controls fixed close to the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment.

Moreover, Buick's been using plastic fake wood panel that gives it a budget car appeal. There is no shortage of legroom in the front seat, and there is enough thigh support to keep you comfortable on a long trip. The rear seats meanwhile slide as per the need of passenger. The noise cancellation system cuts outside noise.

Model

Buick Envision 1SV suv

Hyundai Santa Fe SE suv

Acura RDX suv

Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv

Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv

BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv

Lincoln MKC suv

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

40.0/57.0/40.9

41.2/59.1/44.1

39.6/59.7/41.6

37.8/

38.0/58.2/41.5

41.1/57.6/40.3

39.6/56.0/42.8

Second

(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38.5/55.8/37.5

39.2/58.3/40.9

38.3/56.6/38.4

37.5/

38.0/56.3/38.0

39.1/56.0/36.4

38.7/55.3/36.8

Interior Features

  • Buick Infotainment System with 8" diagonal color touch-screen
  • Audio system feature, 6-speaker system
  • USB ports
  • SiriusXM Radio trial
  • Active Noise Cancellation
  • Seats, front bucket (STD)
  • 60/40 split-folding sliding and reclining rear seat
  • Heated driver and front passenger seats
  • One-touch flat-folding rear seat
  • 8-way power driver and front passenger seats
  • Seat adjuster, front passenger 8-way power with power lumbar
  • Cup holders, 2 in front console, 2 in rear armrest
  • Power outlets, 4 auxiliary with covers, 12-volt includes 1 front, 1 inside console, 1 rear seat and 1 rear cargo area
  • Map pocket, driver seatback
  • Map pocket, front passenger seatback
  • Charging-only USB ports
  • Retained accessory power power windows, audio system and moonroof remain operational after ignition is switched off for 10 minutes or until a door is opened
  • Floor mats, carpeted front
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Steering-wheel mounted controls
  • Windows, power with driver Express-Up and Down
  • Power windows
  • Windows, power, rear with Express-Down
  • Universal Home Remote
  • Cruise control
  • 4.2" diagonal color Driver Information Center
  • Head restraints, 4-way adjustable, front, up/down, fore/aft
  • Head restraints, rear, outboard seats, adjustable (up/down)
  • Door locks, power programmable with lockout protection
  • Keyless Open and Start
  • Keyless Start, push button
  • Remote Start
  • Remote panic alarm
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Air vents, rear console
  • Theft-deterrent unauthorized entry system
  • Defogger, rear-window electric
  • Inside rearview auto-dimming mirror
  • QuietTuning
  • Sunglass storage, overhead
  • Lighting, interior ambient located on instrument panel and front door trim
  • Shift knob, leather-wrapped

Infotainment

The 2020 Buick Envision comes loaded with an array of high tech feature and the IntelliLink infotainment system is very responsive. The on-screen menus are navigable and intuitive. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that lets you link your phone's app directly on the touchscreen. Standard infotainment feature includes:

  • Wi-Fihot spot
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Two USB ports
  • Bluetooth
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Cargo Space

The 2020 Buick Envision offers 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, and 57.3 cubic feet with them folded. The rivals offer better cargo capacity in comparison to the Envision. Still, the rear seat slide and fold so that you can increase the cargo space as per your need. The low cargo floor also makes easy loading and unloading of items. A hands-free power liftgate is offered as standard.

Model

Buick Envision 1SV suv

Hyundai Santa Fe SE suv

Acura RDX suv

Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv

Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv

BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv

Lincoln MKC suv

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

26.9

35.9

31.1

33.5

28.7

28.7

25.2

Exterior
5.0/10

The 2020 Buick Envision's fluid styling outside contrasts with a simple interior. - carconnection

Dimension and Weight

The Envision's 184-inch length is on the short for a compact crossover SUV, but its 108-inch wheelbase is better than most competitors. Those dimensions make the Envision look low. Swoopy lines make it look larger though. This year new HID and LED headlight designs and revised grille detailing ensure its bold outlook.

The 2020 Buick Envision comes with a waterfall grille along with swoopy lines in the front that gives it an understated elegance making it look cooler and well proportioned. At 74.4 inches from side to side, the Envision appears narrow in comparison to some of its competitors.

Model

Buick Envision 1SV suv

Hyundai Santa Fe SE suv

Acura RDX suv

Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv

Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv

BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv

Lincoln MKC suv

Curb weight (lbs.)

3755

3591

3783

3870

4109

4034

3823

Length(in)

183.7

187.8

186.8

186.3

184.6

185.9

179.2

Width(in)

72.4

74.4

74.8

81.5

78.7

74.4

73.4

Height(in)

66.8

66.1

65.7

65.0

65.3

66

65.2

Ground clearance (in)

N/A

7.3

5.7

8.4

8.5

8.0

N/A

Wheelbase (in)

108.3

108.9

108.3

113.1

112.8

112.8

105.9

Track width (in) F/R

62/62

64.3/64.7

64.2/64.7

64.6/65.1

65.1/65.2

63.8/64.4

62.4/62.5

Exterior Feature

  • 18" 10-spoke painted aluminum wheels
  • Tires, P225/60R18 all-season blackwall
  • Wheel, 17" (43.2 cm) steel spare
  • Tire, spare T145/70R17 SL blackwall
  • Heated power outside mirrors
  • Automatic delay headlamps
  • Headlamps, projector beam, high intensity discharge (HID)
  • Automatic on/off headlamps
  • Fog lamps
  • LED taillamps
  • Glass, acoustic, laminated windshield
  • Glass, deep-tinted
  • Glass, laminated front doors
  • Wiper, rear intermittent
  • License plate front mounting package
  • Door handles, body-color with chrome strip
  • Hands-Free Power Liftgate

Safety
5.0/10

Both the safety test agencies have tested the 2020 Buick Envision and it has performed well in the crash test. The NHSTA awarded Envision a five star overall but a four star for rollover and frontal crash protection. The IIHS meanwhile rewarded it with a Top Safety Pick.

In terms of reliability, the Buick Envision comes with a 4 -year / 50,000-mile warranty and a 6 -year/ 70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Safety features

  • StabiliTrak, electronic stability control system with traction control
  • LED Daytime Running Lamps
  • 10 airbags
  • Airbag, Passenger Sensing System sensor indicator inflatable restraint, front passenger/child presence detector
  • OnStar & Buick Connected Services capable
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable
  • Buick Connected Access capable
  • Rear Vision Camera
  • Rear Park Assist
  • Seat belts, 3-point, driver and front passenger height-adjustable, includes pretensioners and load limiters
  • Teen Driver
  • Door locks, child security, rear, electrical
  • LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren) for child safety seats in all rear seating positions
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Tire Fill Alert
  • Horn, dual-note

Competition
8.0/10

Buick Envision vs. Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 drips with Swedish attire inside-out. But there's more to the XC60 than just design style. It's also packed with technology and Volvo's legendary safety features. Marks against the XC60 come from higher interior noise levels and a small cargo capacity. It alos gets expensive than the Buick in higher trim levels.

Buick Envision Vs Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is one of the best selling SUVs in the segment. It offers better cargo capacity and more cabin volume than its Buick rival. It is also more athletic on wheels and offers better ride quality. The RDX also offers more ground clearance than the Buick and is a better off-roader. It is however $1,600 pricier than the Buick Envision but it makes those extra bucks worth.

Buick Envision vs. Lincoln MKC

In terms of style, the Lincoln MKC certainly looks similar to an entry-level luxury crossover. And on the comfort part, the MKC offers complete joy while drive. But it lags behind the rival in driver assistance package and engine performance. Still, for life in a suburban culture, the MKC is worth a test ride.

Final Verdict

The 2020 Buick Envision is a good SUV and is worth considering for a long run. The SUV offers good amount of luxury features. However, the carmaker has used simple plastic all around which brings a bit of disappointment. On the pricing front, the Envision is priced similar to the Lincoln MKC and the Acura RDX. The premium trims are as expensive as the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. Thanks to the quiet interior and features, the car leaves its mark forever.

Trims

    1SV
    $31,995 onwards
    • Exterior temperature display
    Preferred
    $33,500 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 197 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 192 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.5 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    Essence
    $35,800 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 197 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 192 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.5 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    Premium
    $40,700 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 9A
    • Horsepower: 252 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.6 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg
    Premium II
    $43,600 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 9A
    • Horsepower: 252 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.6 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$31,995- $43,600

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.2

Horsepower

252 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$37,800- $47,900

Gasoline

7.29

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,950- $55,900

Gasoline

7.75

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$44,095- $55,095

Gasoline

6.64

237 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,800- $35,700

Gasoline

6.61

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

203 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,885- $36,835

Gasoline

7.36

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

177 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$25,000- $40,600

Gasoline

7.12

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

203 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,820- $28,890

Gasoline

6.11

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,275- $39,575

Gasoline

7.32

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$37,250- $55,850

Gasoline

6.91

268 hp @ 5600 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

2020 Buick Envision vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.5 sec16.3 sec-
    5.8 sec14.4 sec132 mph
    6.1 sec14.1 sec-
    6.4 sec15.0 sec135 mph
    2020 Audi Q5

    Ranked #3

    6.4 sec14.9 sec126 mph
    2020 BMW X3

    Ranked #4

    6.5 sec15 sec118 mph

    2020 Buick Envision vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg17.3 gal.380.6/501.7 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/448.8 mi.
      26 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.
      27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg14.8 gal.399.60/488.40 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg14 gal.392/476 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg14.5 gal.377/478.5 mi.

      2020 Buick Envision vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        183.7 in.72.4 in.66.8 in.6.2 in.108.3 in.
        189.6 in.74.9 in.66.1 in.7.8 in.112.5 in.
        188.9 in.76.1 in.65.6 in.8.4 in.113.1 in.
        187.8 in.74.4 in.66.1 in.7.3 in.108.9 in.
        186.7 in.74.8 in.65.7 in.5.7 in.108.3 in.
        186.3 in.76.2 in.65 in.8.4 in.113.1 in.

        2020 Buick Envision vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          26.9 cu.ft.100.6 cu.ft.57.3 cu.ft.
          33.5 cu.ft.145.7 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.
          19.4 cu.ft.-56.5 cu.ft.
          31.4 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.65.1 cu.ft.
          21.5 cu.ft.102.5 cu.ft.50.5 cu.ft.
          33.5 cu.ft.104 cu.ft.65.4 cu.ft.

          2020 Buick Envision vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            17.1 cu.ft.26.9 cu.ft.57.3 cu.ft.
            15.1 cu.ft.18.5 cu.ft.56.5 cu.ft.
            65.7 cu.ft.12 cu.ft.65.7 cu.ft.
            43.8 cu.ft.39.2 cu.ft.75.8 cu.ft.
            -34.4 cu.ft.70.1 cu.ft.
            95.4 cu.ft.33.5 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.

            2020 Buick Envision vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1500 lbs.1315 lbs.3755 lbs.
              5291 lbs.1293 lbs.4217 lbs.
              5291 lbs.1550 lbs.3870 lbs.
              4500 lbs.1000 lbs.3590 lbs.Jeep USA
              4409 lbs.1585 lbs.4035 lbs.
              2020 Audi Q5

              Ranked #4

              4400 lbs.1058 lbs.4034 lbs.

              2020 Buick Envision SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              0

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              10

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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