2020 Buick Envision Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
Families in the market for a new model SUV might find what they need in the 2020 Buick Envision. The five-seat vehicle has the luxury components Buick is known for along with the power and steering of a compact SUV. Yet, this vehicle model, introduced in 2016, has to compete with similar designs from numerous competitors.
How does it stand apart from the other compact SUVs? Furthermore, does it stack up to them when it comes to power and performance?
What's new for 2020?
Since it received a refresh during the 2019 model year, the 2020 Buick Envision features only minor changes. The biggest variations are with its color palette. The metallic silver and bronze alloys have been replaced with Espresso and Dark Moon Blue.
Besides color adds and removals, the only other change is to the front and rear splash guards for the LPO trim. While no longer standard, they are still available as a separate accessory purchase.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Buick Envision – The Pros
1. Advanced Active Noise Cancellation
One of the luxuries of the 2020 Buick Envision is its quiet interior. This is due to its QuietTuning active noise cancellation technology. Background noises of the powertrain and environment are minimized and blocked via several additions. These include triple door seals and acoustic laminated glass in both the windshield and side windows.
Furthermore, acoustic insulation is added to the dash and the hood to cut back on vibrations that come with driving on rough surfaces. Quiet-tuned tires and suspension further eliminate any distractions.
2. Fresher Air While You Drive
In addition to the standard cabin air filter, the 2020 Buick Envision incorporates an internal ionizer into its interiors. The technology offers two advantages to drivers and passengers.
First, it provides fresher air no matter the aromas outside. Second, the ionizer helps to reduce the accumulation of film on your windshield with a further cleaning of the filtered air.
3. A Wide Scope of Infotainment & Connectivity Options
The 2020 Buick Envision provides drivers and passengers with multiple points of access to gather information, find entertainment, and access the internet. It's 8-inch diagonal infotainment screen provides access to driving maps, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity for your phone and other smart devices.
As for remote access, the Envision is compatible with both Apple Play and Android Auto. Thus, there’s no need to plug into one of the interior’s multiple USB ports for internet access. Simply download or select the option from your smart device.
The greatest advantage to the Envision’s infotainment system is its built-in Wifi hotspot. There is no longer a need to search for a network when you are in a remote area. You just need to select the Envision’s hotspot option on your phone or tablet.
4. Expansive Cargo Space Options
Storage is crucial in a compact SUV, and the 2020 Buick Envision ranks at the top. With the second row of seats up, the vehicle provides 27 cubic feet of space for groceries and other small bundles. Once those rear seats are folded down, your storage capacity increases to over 57 cubic feet.
5. Automatic Consistency via Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control does more than simply set the engine to maintain a set speed. It actually uses built-in sensors and radar technology to maintain a proper gap between your Envision and the vehicle in front of you. This decreases the need for repeated breaking and accelerating when traffic slows. Furthermore, it maintains the quality of your brake pads and discs.
6. Stop/Start Technology to Increase Fuel Efficiency
You may have seen or heard vehicles that seem to restart every time traffic resumes or a light turns green. That's stop/start technology, and it's incorporated into the 2020 Buick Envision.
Under certain situations, the Envision automatically shuts down its engine. When you take your foot off the break, sensors detect the change and restart the motor. This saves fuel while you idle at a light or during traffic. However, if you aren’t interested in using the option, it can be deactivated by pressing a button on the dash.
7. Designed for Fuel Efficiency
Within the luxury SUV class, the 2020 Buick Envision ranks at the top when it comes to fuel efficiency. Front-wheel trims get 22 mph in the city and nearly 30 on the highway. The all-wheel version of the trim is also fuel-thrifty at 21 mph in the city and 25 on the highway.
8. Smooth Driving Experience
Regardless if you select a front-wheel or all-wheel drive model of the 2020 Buick Envision, you experience smooth handling on and off the highway. This is done with through some high-end technology.
First, when the SUV detects abnormal driving conditions, it automatically makes adjustments to the wheels. In turn, their traction is optimized to prevent slippage. Therefore, you maintain control when on wet or slippery roads.
Second, the SUV’s suspension is designed to maintain an even ride, particularly on uneven surfaces. Add in the Envision’s QuietTuning technology and driving across rough terrain may feel like you’re driving on a local highway.
9. Five-Star Safety
The National Traffic Safety Administration (NTSA) awarded a five-star rating to the 2020 Buick Envision for several reasons. One, it is well-protected should it be involved in a side or front-end crash. This is thanks to 10 air bags situated throughout the cabin’s interior.
Second, it comes standard with a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. If you have a teen driver, the Envision has built-in tools to minimize the risk of accidents.
Third, to increase the vehicle's security, owners can add features like a pre-collision warning system and blind spot monitoring. Used properly, all of the safety tools available can greatly reduce the risk of severe damage to your vehicle and its passengers.
10. A 360-Degree View
Another powerful safety tool available in the 2020 Buick Envision is Surround Vision. Displayed on the dash’s infotainment screen, the virtual image allows drivers to see a birds-eye view of their driving environment. The 360-degree images help you avoid nearby cars, blind spots, and other objects. It is also used to safely park in crowded lots and parallel spaces.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Buick Envision – The Cons
1. Not as Sporty as Other SUVs
Though the Envision comes standard with numerous luxuries, it doesn't reach further into being what it is -- a sports utility vehicle. Granted, it has the suspension and control required for simple off-road travel. However, it doesn't come with the requirements that make treks across rougher terrains more of an adventure.
2. A Basic Base Engine
The powertrain for the standard, Preferred, and Essence trims is a basic 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with approximately 190 horsepower. In other words, it's just as powerful as some luxury sedans within its price range. Should you want more horsepower and a turbocharged engine you need to pay more and purchase a Premium or Premium II trim. Yet, as this level, you sacrifice fuel efficiency for horsepower.
3. Difficult Child Seat Installation
The 2020 Buick Envision comes with two complete sets of LATCH connectors for car seats and a tether for the rear middle seat. Unfortunately, all of these are hard to find or can be confused with other hardware. This can make traveling with small children unsafe and distract you as you check on your tiny passengers every few seconds.
4. Dull Interior Design
Although the Envision comes standard with heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the rest of the cabin's interior is lackluster. It misses out on refinements like wood paneling or leather seats present in luxury compact SUVs made by other companies.
5. Not Fun to Drive
Overall, some drivers think the Buick Envision is not fun to drive. It's connectivity and storage advantages are drowned out by a simple interior and standard engine. Rather than being a powerhouse, the Envision has a problem passing other drivers on the highway.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition
The 2020 Envision faces steep competition from a market heavy in luxury SUVs. It comes out ahead in storage capacity and connectivity. Particularly with the built-in Wifi hotspot and four USB ports. Where it runs into problems is in its interior design and lackluster engine.
For instance, the GMC Terrain has the same power as the Envision. However, though it's not a luxury SUV, it has a better designed interior. On the power side, the Ford Edge offers two stronger engine types in its basic trims. One of them is a fuel-injected V6.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2020 Buick Envision is a good, reliable, compact SUV. If you have a family and want to ensure safety and comfort, then it’s probably the right vehicle for you. If you want both safety and a bit of power, then consider the Premium or Premium II trim. While their MSRP is higher than the base trim, it can provide some excitement.
On the other hand, if you want your base trim to be as powerful as the high-end ones, then you might want to look at other brands. Though the Envision's standard luxury items and infotainment are top line, the anemic base engine and plain interior can turn some drivers away.
