2021 Buick Envision Looks More Upscale But Costs $1700 Less

• The redesigned 2021 Buick Envision, which is built in China, has reached dealer lots in the U.S. after its debut in mid-2020.
• Changes to both interior and exterior give the compact crossover a more upscale appearance than the outgoing model.
• The Envision starts at $32,995, a $1700 price drop from the previous model year.

After very little news since the 2021 Buick Envision made its debut in May 2020, the redesigned compact crossover is now reaching dealer lots in the United States. The 2021 Buick Envision, starting at $32,995, underwent a complete redesign for this model year, including a much more upscale appearance inside and out and a new powertrain. The Envision is intended to compete against the Acura RDX, the Infiniti QX50, and the Lincoln Corsair, all of which have posh intentions and all of which start over $35,000.

More on the Envision

• 2021 Buick Envision Gets Attractive Redesign
• 2021 Buick Envision Specs and Trim Levels Revealed
• 2021 Buick Envision Looks as Good Inside as Out

The new Envision, which is built in China, is a front-wheel-drive crossover, with AWD optional. It's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, teamed with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The new engine is less powerful than the optional 2.0-liter inline-four from the 2020 model, which made 252 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, but beats the 193-hp 2.5-liter inline-four that was the 2020 base engine.

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The interior of the 2021 Envision gains a much sleeker appearance to match the exterior. The Envision comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment display, the same size as last year, but now offers an optional 10.2-inch display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability come standard on the Envision. Features including wireless charging, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel are optional.

For 2021, Buick has cut back on the number of trims offered on the Envision to just three: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir. The Avenir starts at $41,395, while the mid-level Essence starts at $36,995. The top Avenir model comes with diamond-quilted leather seats, 20-inch wheels, heated rear seats, and navigation. The standard Driver Confidence Plus safety tech includes automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and enhanced park assist are optional.

Colin Beresford, a born and raised metro Detroiter, has been surrounded by the auto industry his entire life. For most of his formative years, he didn’t know who in their right mind would drive anything but an American-made car. He’s passionate about all the ways that people get around, even if it doesn’t involve a car or a driver. What he looks for in a vehicle is simple: it needs to be able to get him where the skiing, climbing, backpacking, or fly fishing is.