The Buick Envista is one of the models that has helped rejuvenate the brand in recent years. It’s a sleek-looking compact crossover that packs a whole lot into an affordable package, which delivering a comfortable and relatively efficient drive from its powertrain setup.
The top of three trims offered on the 2025 Envista, the Avenir is priced at $36,025 and our tester didn’t require any extras because it’s a very well-equipped offering from Buick. And compared to the other two trims in the lineup, it has some unique differentiators that allow it to stand out, which I will detail later.
Powertrain: As with my first test of the Envista, I was once again pleasantly surprised by the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine. While paired to an outdated six-speed automatic transmission, the engine provides plenty of pep to the small crossover, delivering 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.
While not the most fleet of foot in terms of performance, the Envista is a very good everyday driver in the city.
Although I missed the estimate fuel consumption figure by half a litre, the 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres returned after my week with the Envista was still pretty good.
Exterior: As mentioned earlier, the Avenir trim has some exterior features – other than the Avenir badge – that allow it to stand out.
That includes the Black Ice chrome grille and body-coloured lower front and rear fascias, as well as 19-inch aluminum wheels with a pearl nickel finish.
It also receives clear lenses on the rear lights and has a power liftgate, a welcome addition after the last test of the Envista and its manual liftgate.
These features only enhance what is already, in my view, a very nicely styled vehicle that draws your attention with its modern and clean lines. The red Cinnabar Metallic colour on our tester certainly didn’t hurt curb appear either.
Interior: The Envista Avenir’s cabin also stands out thanks to the lighter materials used, which not only brighten things up, but enhance the feeling of luxury with Pebble Grey seating along with ebony accents in the cabin.
Not only does the colour enhance the look, so does the distinctive front-seat stitch pattern and logo embroidered in the headrests of the front seats, which are heated. Oh, and there’s also a heated flat-bottomed steering wheel for a little sporty look even if the vehicle itself isn’t.
Also flooding the cabin with light is the Avenir’s large moonroof.
Overall, the Envista delivers a comfortable cabin, and while legroom in the rear is good, if you are taller, your headroom could be an issue.
Infotainment: The Envista has a standard 11.0-inch central screen, which houses not only the infotainment system, but many of the vehicle’s other controls. Thankfully, the menus are easy to navigate and operate, making it a good overall experience.
It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Avenir also includes standard wireless device charging.
Regardless of trim, you get a basic six-speaker setup, but I would like to see something a little more premium offered in the Avenir.
Drive: The overall drive of the Avenir is also differentiated by the standard Watts Link System rear suspension, which allows this trim to offer occupants a quieter and more insulated ride experience, minimizing the impact of road imperfections and noise.
A pleasant daily driver, the engine – while tiny – delivers exactly what the Envista needs and you never feel that you are missing the appropriate level of power, no matter the situation.
Conclusion: As with my previous test of this vehicle, the Envista proved itself to be a good contender in the segment. It is affordable, efficient and looks great.
The Avenir trim is packed with unique features to give it more allure, but the lack of an all-wheel drive system could cause some drivers to shy away from the Envista, however.
2025 Buick Envista Avenir
2025 Buick Envista Avenir
2025 Buick Envista Avenir
2025 Buick Envista Avenir
2025 Buick Envista Avenir
2025 Buick Envista Avenir
Price as tested: $36,025.00
Freight: $2,000.00
Configuration: Front engine/Front-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 1.2-litre 3-cylinder/ 6-speed automatic
Power/torque: 137 horsepower/ 162 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (50 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 7.9 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 8.4 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3
Website: Buick Canada