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2023 Buick Envision Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

2023 Buick Envision Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: Preferred vs Essence and Avenir
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

What 2023 Buick Envision Trim Should You Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

The 2023 is the perfect SUV with a touch of class, a lot of luxury, and more refinement than imaginable. If you're looking for a way to transport up to five passengers in style, make the new 2023 Buick Envision your go-to SUV model. Aside from its undeniable style, the 2023 Buick Envision is also tech-savvy, safety-driven, and fuel efficient. Beautiful and practical, the new 2023 Buick Envision is a top option for those interested in a new SUV purchase.

Consistent in quality and dependable in its design, the new 2023 Buick Envision remains the same staple in this automaker's lineup that buyers have come to know and love. A turbocharged engine allows the Envision to easily glide down city streets but also turn up for routes along highways. This luxury compact SUV also comes with smartphone compatibility, like Apple Carplay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity and entertainment on-the-go.

In fact, the accommodating cabin and luxury interior design are what set the new 2023 Buick Envision apart from the competition. It simply offers a level of class and refinement that can't be found in most other SUVs, at least not until you reach the more costly, upper trims. No matter which trim you decide to go with in the new 2023 Buick Envision, you'll always be comfortable and able to travel in style. Now, let's take a closer look at exactly how the three trim levels of the new 2023 Buick Envision differentiate themselves from one another.

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

To begin our comparison of the 2023 Buick Envision trims, let's start with the base model Preferred trim and the mid-level Essence trim. These two models are identical in areas that really make a difference, like power and safety. Under the hood of the Preferred and the Essence Envision you'll find a capable 2.0L Turbo EcoTec four-cylinder engine as standard. This standard motor is also accompanied by a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.

For convenience, a stop/start engine control system is also standard on both trims, as is an electronic stability control system, known as Stabilitrak. Trailering provisions are also standard, and trailer hitch integration is available on both the Preferred and the Essence trim.

There are a few mechanical differences in the Preferred and Essence trim, though. Continuous Damping Control is available in the Essence, which optimizes the Envisions suspension for an enhanced driving experience. Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking that works with Forward Collision Alert is also an available upgrade for the 2023 Buick Envision Essence but not the Preferred.

In terms of design, the 2023 Buick Envision Preferred sets the pace for the two other trims of this modern SUV. It incorporates 18-inch aluminum wheels with a Light Charcoal Metallic Finish, daytime LED running lamps, and heated power outside mirrors. On the inside, the Preferred boasts a standard 4.2-inch driver infotainment center, an 8.0-inch touchscreen to accompany its Buick Infotainment System, and an HD Rear Vision Camera.

The Essence trim takes it up a notch in its design elements, adding in standard heated seats for drivers and passengers, standard dual zone automatic climate control, and a 10.2-inch color driver infotainment center touchscreen. In the Essence trim you can also opt for an available Technology Package I or II, a Sport Touring Package, or a Premium Seat Package, which are unique for this trim. Also, the Essence adds in available LED headlamps with increase functionality and standard 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with Light Silver Metallic finish.

Most of the safety features of the 2023 Buick Envision Preferred are also shared with the Essence. However, the Essence does add in extra available options for an upgrade. Features like automatic emergency braking, a following distance indicator, and forward collision alert are standard on both trims, as are front pedestrian braking and an HD rear vision camera.

Yet, if you want additional safety features you'll have to go with the Essence to gain access to HD Surround Vision, Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, and Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking.

As you can see, both the 2023 Buick Envision Preferred and Essence are well-equipped and upscale in a very similar way. Although you'll find more available upgrades in the Essence, the Preferred sets some solid groundwork for mechanical, design, tech, and safety features to be built open.

Compare the Essence vs Avenir Trim Levels. What is the difference?

There are three trims in the new 2023 Buick Envision, so the Essence represents the median model while the Avenir is the top tier trim for this compact SUV. The Essence has already added to the base features of the Preferred trim, so we expect great things from the Avenir that adds onto the standard features of the mid-level Essence.

You'll be pleasantly surprised to find that the 2023 Buick Envision Avenir offers standard Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking and Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, whereas the Essence offers these attributes as an available upgrade. These enhancements replace the standard equivalent of these features that are found in the Essence. The HD Surround Vision upgrade, however, adds in extra camera views and incorporates additional optional equipment for those interested in this upgrade.

In terms of design, you'll find that many of the available upgrades of the 2023 Buick Envision Essence become standard in the Avenir trim. These standard design features include a panoramic power moonroof that opens up to the sky above, Technology Package II that incorporates adaptive cruise control and a welcome light sequence among others, and all-season tires. Also, LED headlamps with enhanced functionality are standard for the Avenir, which improves the look of this SUV and visibility during your drive.

Moving on to the interior details of the 2023 Buick Envision, the Avenir includes upgraded features like a 110-volt power outlet, heated rear outboard seats, and ventilated driver and passenger front seats as standard. Wireless charging is also standard, which improves continuous connectivity and reduces the cluster of cords present within Envision's cabin. A universal home remote is also standard, allowing users to customize their Envision to the security and settings of their own home.

For those in search of advanced technology, the 2023 Buick Envision Avenir has the most benefits to offer that are also the most inclusive. A Rear Camera Mirror with a washer ensures you'll always have the best view of the area behind your Envision SUV, while a Head-Up Display shines instant vehicle stats right onto the windshield of this SUV. Standard HD Surround Vision and HD radio are also upgrades that Avenir owners can enjoy. The Avenir is also the only 2023 Buick Envision trim to offer a 10.2-inch infotainment screen with navigation as a standard amenity.

For the most part, the safety amenities of the 2023 Buick Envision Preferred vs. the Avenir don't yield many differences. Aside from Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking and Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist being made standard instead of available, the Avenir mimics the same safety elements as the mid-tier Essence does. These include features like standard Teen Driver, Safety Alert Seat, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a LATCH System, to name a few. this proves that the 2023 Buick Envision was designed to be as safe and secure as possible for all passengers, regardless of the selected trim level.

Final Thoughts

With just a trio of trims to choose from in the new 2023 Buick Envision, you'd think it would be easy to pick the one best suited for your travel needs. Yet, it isn't that simple in this modern, compact SUV. This is because each trim has plenty of amenities to appreciate. Each one is also just as bold and attractive as the rest. The differences among the Preferred, Essence and Avenir trims of the new 2023 Buick Envision lies in the smallest details. Yet, to some, even these minor variations are enough to make them sway one way or another.

Overall, our opinion is that the mid-level Essence is the best trim option for the 2023 Buick Envision. While all the trim selections are competitive, Essence offers the most flexibility at the best price. In the Essence trim, you'll find all of the standard amenities Preferred has to offer. It also adds in some upscale attributes as standard, but furthermore, it offers several available upgrades that make it more competitive with the top-tier Avenir trim.

So, if you like the price tag of the median Essence but want a few available features that are standard in the Avenir, you can opt for those upgrades without being met with the increased price tag of the Avenir. Now, the top-tier Avenir trim may be the perfect option for some buyers. But for the most part, the majority of buyers would be happy with the standard features of the mid-level Essence with a few amenity enhancement options. This perfectly balances customization potential and affordability.

There is a special market space for the entry-level Preferred and the top-tier Avenir, too, though. The Preferred is a great selection for those who enjoy an upscale look with an affordable price tag. In fact, the standard features of the Preferred compete well with other luxury SUV models.

Similarly, those who want all the bells and whistles in their new, luxury SUV will enjoy the standard amenities of the Buick Envision Avenir. All of these trims are worthy of your attention. Yet, each one stands out to a different type of buyer. The subtle differences between each trim, though, are enough to make a buyer easily move from one to the other without noticing much of a difference.

So, again, overall our top trim choice in the 2023 Buick Envision is the mid-level Essence trim. Yet, you really can't go wrong with any 2023 Buick Envision model. This compact SUV is well-equipped, upscale, and affordable in a way that attracts buyers from every corner of the market. So, take a look at the differences between the Preferred, Essence, and Avenir trims of the new 2023 Buick Envision, and find the model that speaks to you. Regardless of your choice, you won't be disappointed in this luxurious and attractive compact SUV model.


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Previous Year Trim Configurations:

2022 Buick Envision Trim Levels