2019 Buick Envision Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Buick Envision has only been around for a few years (since its debut in 2016, to be more specific), but it has made a splash since it landed on the market. This SUV is not exactly the most powerful in its class, nor is it the one with the largest amount of cargo space. However, Buick has given the 2019 Buick Envision a bit of a boost over the previous model years.

A 6-speed automatic transmission gets paired up with either a 2.5-L 4-cylinder (on the base 1SV, Preferred, and Essence trims). However, there is a brand new 9-speed automatic transmission that comes with the 2.0-L turbocharged engine (on the Premium and Premium II trim levels). The 2.5-L feels rather underwhelming and only generates 197 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-L, on the other hand, is able to get 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is enough to convince quite a few buyers to upgrade to the Premium and Premium II.

Despite the issues inherent in the 2.5-L trim levels, they all have some good qualities. All of these vehicles are relatively well-equipped, and even the line-topping trims are not exceedingly expensive. For what you get, the Buick Envision makes for a pretty sweet deal. Of course, there are other SUVs out there that have stronger powertrains that provide for smoother and faster acceleration rates. But the Envision does have a lot going for it, especially on the higher trim levels.

So, which trim level is the right one for you? Should you stick with one of the 2.5-L trims, or would you benefit more from upgrading to the Premium or Premium II? Read on through to the end of this comparison review so that you can gain a clearer idea of which 2019 Buick Envision trim level is the best fit for your needs.

Compare the 2019 Buick Envision 1SV vs Preferred Trims. What is the difference?

At the very start of the 2019 Buick Envision line-up we have the 1SV trim level. In addition to the 2.5-L 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, mechanics on the 1SV include high performance brake lining, an electronic parking brake, a front-wheel drive drivetrain, stop-start engine control with an override capability, a hidden turned-down exhaust, the StabiliTrak system (which is composed of electronic stability control and traction control), and front MacPherson struts with rear 4-links for the rear suspension.

On the outside, the 1SV comes with standard 18-inch 10-spoke painted aluminum wheels, HID headlights with automatic delay and on/off functions, fog lights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, a hands-free power lift-gate, and a rear intermittent windshield wiper. You can take your pick from six different body paint colors, and the tri-color Buick insignia is placed front and center on the grille.

Inside of the 1SV, you will find a good amount of standard features. There is a 4.2-inch driver information display, heated driver and front passenger seats that are 8-way power adjustable, a 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seat, active noise cancellation, a total of four cup holders (two up front and two in the rear), power door locks and windows, dual-zone automatic climate control, 4-way adjustable head restraints, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror, and a steering wheel wrapped in leather. Keyless entry and push-button start come standard as well. Also, if the standard upholstery does not appeal to you, there is an option for upgrading to a cloth and leatherette seat trim combination in a light neutral tone. The Envision also has Buick's exclusive QuietTuning technology, which works to stop unwanted noise from entering the cabin.

On the multimedia side of things, the 1SV receives quite the lengthy list of features. There is a 110-volt power outlet, a 12-volt outlet, and four auxiliary outlets. 4G LTE WiFi hot-spot connectivity is also standard. The Buick Infotainment System comes complete with an 8-inch touchscreen display. Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, and a USB port all come as part of this system. Additionally, OnStar and Buick Connected Access can be set up on the 1SV. A trial for SiriusXM Satellite Radio is standard. Many of the controls are mounted onto the steering wheel for easy access.

With regard to safety features, you do get a rear-view camera and rear park assist on the 1SV. A remote panic alarm, anti-theft system, and the Teen Driver system are also included. There is a three-channel programmable universal home remote that allows you to control your home's security system, automation devices, and garage door from the comfort of your vehicle.

Of course, if the 1SV is too basic for you, the Preferred trim does have a bit more to offer. On the outside, you get more optional equipment, such as 19-inch bright aluminum wheels that have pockets painted in Midnight Silver, the Active Package (which has a Trailering Package wrapped into it), assist steps set in the body's paint color, splash guards for the front and rear, a panoramic power moonroof, the Roadside Safety Package, and wheel lock.

The inside of the Preferred opens up more optional features as well but does not do much with tacking on more standard features. Optional add-ons include the Buick Interior Protection Package, Cargo Package, a cargo net, the Interior Luxury Package, premium carpeted floor mats, a retractable shade for the cargo area, and universal tablet holders. All of the safety and infotainment features that you can find on the 1SV are also standard on the Preferred, so there is quite little in the way of change between these two trim levels.

Compare the 2019 Envision Preferred vs Essence Trims. What is the difference?

The Buick Essence does provide quite a few more standard features than the Preferred trim. It has upgraded 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, and roof-mounted chrome side rails that come equipped on the exterior. There are options for adding roof rack cross rails and the Road Trip Package. This package contains the roof rack cross rails and all-weather floor mats.

The Essence has a few upgrades inside of the cabin as well. The rear outboard seats get standard heating, as does the steering wheel. The driver's seat also gains memory settings. The Essence trim does get upgraded upholstery, from cloth to perforated leather seats. Also, you get upgraded from dual- to tri-zone automatic climate control. An option opens up for an infotainment system with navigation built in. You can choose from light neutral, dark galvanized, or ebony perforated leather seats if you would like.

There are a few more safety features that get included on the Essence. A rear cross traffic alert comes standard. A lane change alert with a side blind zone alert is there to assist you with safely changing lanes by letting you know when another vehicle is hovering in your side blind spot.

Compare the Envision Essence vs Premium Trims. What is the difference?

The Premium trim level marks the biggest upgrade in the line-up. This trim level nabs you the more powerful 2.0-L turbo engine and new 9-speed automatic transmission - a pairing that drivers will likely enjoy over the powertrain found on the three lower trim levels. In addition to the improved powertrain, the Premium comes with standard all-wheel drive. A dual outlet exhaust, electronic locking rear differential with a twin clutch, and HiPer strut front suspension are all mechanical upgrades that can be found on the Premium.

On the outside, the Premium has quite a few changes as well. It rides atop 19-inch aluminum wheels, has bi-LED headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. You can opt for the Envision Appearance Package, which equips the bright aluminum wheels painted in Midnight Silver and the molded assist steps.

The cabin of the Premium is given a 110-volt power outlet, and it boosts the 4.2-inch driver information display to an 8-inch one. The sound system also gets upgraded to a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system with rich sound quality that pumps throughout the interior.

Lane keep assist with a lane departure warning gets added to the list of standard safety features on the Premium trim. The Safety Alert Seat sends pulsing vibrations from the seat bottom to the driver instead of inundating them with auditory warnings. A following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and parking sensors for the front as well as the rear all get thrown into the mix.

Compare the Envision Premium vs Premium II Trims. What is the difference?

Of course, the line-topping Premium II trim represents the height of technology in the 2019 Buick Envision line-up. It has the same mechanical set-up as the Premium. However, it does add the option for equipping forward automatic braking. This means that, if the system detects a potential crash while following a vehicle, it will apply the brakes if the driver does not do so in a timely fashion.

The exterior of the Premium II receives IntelliBeam technology. This system will turn your high beams on or off in accordance with the surrounding traffic it detects. When the sensors detect that you are coming up on the taillights of a vehicle in front of you or senses the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, the system will turn off your high beams. It turns them back on once those vehicles are no longer detected.

If you want built-in navigation, that comes standard on the Premium II's infotainment system. This GPS system is easy to use, but if you do not wish to use it, you can switch to using the navigation app on your smartphone. Either way, using navigation on the Premium II has a short learning curve. Also, other interior features include a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, and manual thigh support on the driver seat.

If you want more driver aids than those that come standard, you can choose to equip the Driver Confidence Package. This gives you adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera (instead of the regular rear-view camera), and forward automatic braking. Automatic parking assist comes included on the Premium II. This system helps you with perpendicular and parallel parking by automatically steering you into the selected parking spot and issuing text commands for what you, as the driver, need to do.

Final Thoughts

It should be pretty obvious by this point which 2019 Buick Envision trim level best suits your needs. While the three lower trim levels are the most affordable and get better fuel efficiency with their standard front-wheel drive drivetrain, the Premium and Premium II are the trim levels that most car enthusiasts will recommend.

Not only are the Premium and Premium II loaded with more standard (and very helpful) features, but they share a solid powertrain that helps get the Envision up to speed with rapidity. The overall ride quality is much smoother, too, thanks in part to the upgraded front suspension. Give the Premium or Premium II a test-drive, and they might just sell themselves.