The 2024 Buick Envista ST is debuting in Canada as a beacon of affordability and elegance in the subcompact SUV class. At a price range of CAD 30,500 to CAD 38,500, the Envista ST is positioned to attract a diverse demographic, including young professionals, students, and families beginning their journey. This vehicle promises to deliver a perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality without breaking the bank.
Exterior Design and Aesthetics
The Envista ST captivates with its modern and dynamic design. The vehicle features a sleek coupe-like sloped roof, a design choice that enhances its visual appeal and contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. This model boasts a longer wheelbase, which is not just a stylistic choice but a functional one, as it provides ample space in the rear seats. Such space is particularly beneficial for families, making it easier to fit child seats and offering comfortable seating for longer rides.
The Envista's front fascia is characterized by its bold grille and sharp LED headlights, which contribute to a forward-looking aesthetic that aligns with Buick's contemporary design language. Moving to the side, the smooth lines and sculpted body panels lead to an equally polished rear end featuring distinctive taillights.
Refined Interior and Comfort
Inside the Envista, the interior seamlessly combines functional ergonomics with a touch of luxury. The central console is streamlined and designed for ease of use. It features well-organized climate controls and a straightforward layout that enhances driving ease.
The vehicle includes an 11-inch touchscreen, central to the Envista's infotainment system, and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. While the digital dashboard and controls' design is user-friendly, the digital instrument cluster could see responsiveness and display size improvements. Supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system omits built-in navigation, leaning on the contemporary preference for using smartphones for GPS functions. Additional comforts such as a heated steering wheel, leatherette seats with blue stitching, and a sunroof offer extra comfort and a premium feel that are uncommon at this price point.
While not flawless, these features create a cohesive and functional cabin environment, well-suited for daily commutes and longer trips alike.
Engine Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Envista is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Despite being among the least powerful in its class, the car performs adequately in urban settings thanks to its well-tuned torque availability. The six-speed automatic transmission, eschewing the typical CVT in similar vehicles, enhances the driving experience by providing smoother transitions and a more engaging drive.
The suspension is finely tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth ride that balances comfort with responsive handling. While there is some body roll during tight turns, the vehicle generally maintains a composed and stable demeanour.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is critical for Canadian drivers. The Envista ST posts a respectable estimated consumption of 7.8 L/100 km combined, though, in practice, we observed a slightly higher rate of 8.6 L/100 km. While not groundbreaking, this efficiency is decent, offering cost savings at the pump and making the Envista ST a reasonable choice for daily commuting and weekend adventures.
Competitive Analysis
In the bustling arena of subcompact SUVs in Canada, the 2024 Buick Envista ST carves out a niche for itself by blending semi-premium features with affordability, setting a competitive stance against notable rivals like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Chevrolet Trax, Ford Bronco Sport, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos, Kia Niro, Subaru Crosstrek, and Honda HR-V.
The Buick Envista ST not only competes favorably in terms of price but also stands out with its stylish design and a well-appointed interior that straddles the line between mainstream and luxury. This makes it an attractive proposition for those seeking a blend of value and upscale features without venturing into luxury SUV pricing.
Advanced Safety Features
The Envista is equipped with an array of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and optional adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. These features enhance its family-friendly credentials and ensure it remains a safe and reliable option for everyday driving.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the 2024 Buick Envista ST represents a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment, offering an attractive mix of features at a price point that undercuts many of its competitors. With its stylish design, ample space, and various modern amenities, the Envista ST is poised to capture the hearts of a broad audience, making it an excellent choice for those starting or looking to upgrade without a significant financial burden.
Buick has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Buick Canada. The above is a recollection of our personal opinion of the car referred above.
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