I thought Buick was dead, but Envista gives other SUVs a lot of money
I didn’t think Buick was still in the business of making cars, but the classic American car brand still has a few more cars in its current lineup. That might sound scary considering how powerful other automakers are, but Buick could be on the comeback trail.
After driving the 2026 Buick Envista for a week, I think it could end up being the model that saves the company. That’s because this compact crossover SUV is full of surprises and hits the mark in several areas, including an attractive $31,855 price tag in the Sport Touring FWD trim I exclusively tested.
I certainly didn’t have high hopes for it, which is why it’s so satisfying that it ended up impressing me in more ways than one.
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2026 Buick Envista: Details
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
2026 Buick Envista Sport Touring FWD |
|
Engine |
ECOTEC 1.2L Turbo engine 6-speed automatic transmission |
|
Fuel Economy |
28 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
13.2 liters |
|
Horse power |
it’s 137hp |
|
Wheels |
19-inch |
|
MSRP |
$26,100 |
|
Price Checked |
$31,855 |
2026 Buick Envista: Overview review
One of the first things that struck me about the Buick Envista was the pep after driving it. I didn’t expect it to feel as sporty as it did, but I was equally impressed with the 28.4 mpg fuel economy I achieved over 216.1 miles of driving. That’s actually better than the 28.2 mpg I got from the same-size 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited I recently tested.
Even though it falls short of the combined EPA-estimated 30 mpg, it’s still respectable for an all-gas compact crossover. You pay a little more upfront by choosing the Envista instead of a hybrid, but variable electric rates may change your mind. For example, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid I tested delivered a much higher average of 45 mpg, although it carries a higher price tag of $34,705.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
2026 Buick Envista Sport Touring FWD |
2026 Hyundai Kona Limited |
|
Price checked |
$31,855 |
$35,885 |
|
Total miles driven |
216.1 miles |
115 miles |
|
Average Fuel Economy |
28.4 mpg |
27.5 mpg |
|
Short distance fuel economy |
28.2 mpg |
32.4 mpg |
|
Long distance fuel economy |
35.4 mpg |
30.8 mpg |
2026 Buick Envista: My favorite
Smart, modern design
When I think of Buick, the last thing that comes to mind is modern and sporty design. I say this because of the ’80s and ’90s era Buicks I remember seeing growing up, but times have changed in a good way.
The Envista Sport Touring FWD has a modern aesthetic that rivals many other compact SUVs I’ve tested, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volvo EX30. But I will say that there is beauty and grace in Envista’s design. Specifically, its low-profile silhouette combined with the gloss-black mesh grille and high-gloss black accents give it a sharp, modern edge that effectively dispels the stereotype that it’s a big car.
Limited engine performance
I definitely have to recommend this trim because I wasn’t ready for the punchy power produced by its 1.2L turbo engine and 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox. Despite its 137-hp rating, the Envista punches above its weight and easily gets up to cruising speed. In an electric vehicle, the Envista Sport Touring FWD delivers a fun drive with plenty of low-end torque without feeling like the engine is working overtime.
It’s incredibly fuel efficient on the highway
Even though the Envista Sport Touring FWD fell short of the 30-mpg EPA combined rating, it did much better on the highway. In one of my long-distance tests that clocked in at more than 50 miles, I managed to average 35.4 mpg over that stretch — an unexpected result for a non-hybrid vehicle.
A decent price
Cost is without question one of the biggest factors for anyone looking to buy a new car. Thankfully, the entry-level Envista Preferred FWD trim starts at $26,495 – but it’s a barebones model. I’d still suggest looking at the Sport Touring because of the convenience features that come with the model I tested, such as heated seats, a power rear liftgate, a moonroof, wireless charging, and adaptive cruise control.
2026 Buick Envista: What I don’t like
An empty interior
With as much attention as Buick has paid to the exterior, I wish that same level of careful design was present in the cabin – but I find the interior a little dreamy. Although the leatherette seats feature a pleasant texture and are resistant to staining, the dashboard trim feels a little too thin for my liking.
I’m also not a fan of infotainment software that looks as primitive, minimalist as they come. However, the saving grace is that I can quickly switch to Android Auto or CarPlay for a more modern experience.
The cup holders are not in the background
Oddly, there are no rear seat cups – so passengers will be forced to hold their drinks instead. What makes this problem worse is the lack of additional storage in the middle of the universe. While there are small cubbies in the door panels, they don’t have the molded insets needed to secure a bottle or cup.
Limited headroom
Because the roofline swings sharply toward the rear, there is a noticeable lack of headroom in the rear of the Envista. This makes it a challenge for tall passengers to sit comfortably in the back seats; However, for a compact crossover, I was impressed by the amount of grooming the back row is still able to provide.
2026 Buick Envista: Verdict
A budget-friendly crossover that doesn’t look like one
Also, I can’t get over how amazing the Envista package is. While gas-powered cars are still in high demand, the 2026 Buick Envista is a rare breed in the automotive world: a budget-friendly crossover that doesn’t look like one.
In fact, it has successfully shed the reputation of being a big car, although it is not without its faults. If you value style, modern safety technology, and peppy functionality without a steep price tag, the Envista is an incredible choice.
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