Drive Time 2025 Buick Envision Avenger AWD
We have posted countless articles on various SUV/Crossover candidates to ponder. They are popular for ease of entry and exit, good driving characteristics and luxury appointments, while comfortably carrying cargo and passengers. Rest assured; this category is here to stay. With that, costs are all over the map, depending on your wallet’s comfort boundaries.
This is my 200th Drive Time feature. The most frequent question asked is “What are you reviewing this month?
My latest answer is “a Buick.” Friends and family responded with “Buick?” Yes, son, the February issue vehicle is a 2025 Buick Envision Avenir AWD SUV. And as you’ll read, this model ably competes with several high-line SUVs with a bounty of standard options and a relatively budget-friendly price.
The top-of-the-line 2025 Envision Avenir AWD is a refreshing option, with many standard opulent attributes combined with an attractive look, smooth ride, comfort, luxury and price. Let’s put it this way; several folks were pleasantly surprised when witnessing the Envision in person. It’s that eye-catching. All this for an unexpected starting price of $46,200 – tens of thousands less than several other premium SUV/Crossovers. Meet the new Buick, not like the old Buick.
Skin
Redesigned in 2024, our tester is mighty handsome in White Frost Tricoat (also check out the Brilliant Red). I’d even call it dashing. The silhouette is streamlined, especially with the low-profile roof racks, and there’s just enough chrome and black gloss trim to amplify the appearance. The shark-nosed front end, slivered headlights, cool grille, wide rear fenders and 20” Pearl Nickel Finish aluminum rims give the Avenir a classy and bold stance. The generous panoramic roof is standard.
Performance
The engine is a 2.0-liter Turbo ECOTEC four-cylinder with 228hp and 258lb-ft of torque. It’s peppy enough (0-60 in 7.3 seconds) for most consumers, and the nine-speed tranny shifts seamlessly. The Sport mode holds the gearing a bit longer, but you won’t notice much change in steering or suspension dynamics. That said, you can cruise in comfort on extended trips, as the Envision Avenir ably soaks up road imperfections with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adjusting on the fly.
Braking is sure, and there isn’t much lean cornering in normal driving. Driving modes include Touring, Sport or Snow/Ice, and there are paddle shifters to manually change gears. It feels planted and confident while delivering a small turning radius. In addition, all-wheel drive is now standard on the Avenir (but you must turn it on).
Gas mileage is 26 mpg overall and nearly 29 mpg on the open highway. The 16.1-gallon fuel tank offers a hefty range of 466 miles on regular fuel.
Cabin
For an entry-luxury SUV, the Envision Avenir provides excellent creature comfort for this price point. Softly padded and thicker materials provide proper insulation to keep cabin noise pleasantly quiet. Contrasting stitching gives it an upscale feel. Available lighter-toned interior provides a premium feel. The perforated leather-appointed power seats are heated, ventilated and include able lumbar support settings. They make for a comfortable long trip. A premium heated leather steering wheel feels lovely in your mitts. The back seats are also heated.
The expansive 30” information displays are driver oriented. The Avenir trim includes generous Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, the helpful Surround-View Camera, Navigation, Bose nine-speaker audio and Head-Up Display.
Accessing the volume control are two buttons on the back of the steering wheel and a knob next to the infotainment screen.
More standard features include hands-free power lift gate, heated side view mirrors, Adaptive Suspension, wireless charger, Adaptive Headlights, a handy Rear-Camera mirror to unobstructed viewing three lanes and Automated Parking. Note the side mirrors fold manually.
Rear leg and head room are generous. There is decent cargo room, with 25.2 cu.ft. of space with the rear seats up and 52.7 when folded down. Space for knickknacks is ample, as well. A full set of golf clubs fits horizontally in the rear.
It’s a surprisingly premium feeling ride given the plethora of standard options and price point.
Tech check
One of the enticing standard features is the massive driver-oriented contemporary designed 30” instrumentation/infotainment touchscreen panel. It’s a frequent conversation starter. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the Google Operating System are included, along with a handy phone charger.
Navigation maps are large, clear and easy to use, along with voice activation control to access locations hands-free.
Safety features are abundant and top notch. The Avenir includes automatic emergency braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, active lane control, 360-degree Surround Camera and rear parking sensors. Thus, the safety ratings are excellent, with enough nanny features to keep you out of harms way. In fact, it received a five-star rating in crash testing.
The 2025 Buick Envision Avenir AWD is a must-look when contemplating a beautiful exterior, creature comforts and loaded with tech at a reasonable price – which is obvious when seeing its robust sales figures (up 73% last year). Bravo, Buick.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: 2+
Curb Appeal: Whoa! That’s a Buick!?
0-60: 7.3 seconds
Gas Mileage: 22/28 mpg. Observed around 28 mpg on the highway
Must-Haves: No worries, as everything is included in the price
Warranty & Free Maintenance: 3yr/36.000 miles, 5Y/60K powertrain
Base Price: $46,200
Price as Tested: $48,195
Who Buys It? Those desiring good creature comforts and looks at a nice value
Finish Line: Better than one expects at this price point
Test-drive the 2025 Buick Envision Avenir AWD at Ewing Buick/GMC in Plano.