In the ever-evolving landscape of compact luxury SUVs, the 2024 Buick Envision Sport Touring AWD emerges as a compelling option for Canadian drivers seeking a blend of sophistication, performance, and practicality.

This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of the Envision Sport Touring AWD, exploring its design, performance, features, and value proposition in the Canadian market.

Design and Exterior

The 2024 Buick Envision Sport Touring AWD showcases a refined and modern exterior design that sets it apart in the crowded compact SUV segment:

• Distinctive Front Fascia: A bold grille adorned with the Buick tri-shield emblem, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with signature daytime running lights.

• Sport Touring Accents: Unique black mesh grille, body-color door handles, and dark finish 20-inch aluminum wheels that add a touch of sportiness.

• Sculpted Profile: Strong character lines and a gently sloping roofline contribute to an athletic stance.

Dimensions:

• • Length: 4,636 mm (182.7 inches)

  • Width: 1,882 mm (74.1 inches)

  • Height: 1,641 mm (64.6 inches)

  • Wheelbase: 2,779 mm (109.4 inches)

The Envision’s design language successfully marries elegance with a sporty flair, appealing to Canadian buyers who appreciate a more dynamic aesthetic in their luxury SUV.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside the Envision Sport Touring AWD, and you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its weight class:

• Premium Materials: High-quality soft-touch surfaces, available leather upholstery, and tasteful trim accents create an upscale ambiance.

• Spacious Layout:

  • Front legroom: 1,026 mm (40.4 inches)

  • Rear legroom: 998 mm (39.3 inches)

  • Cargo volume behind second row: 714 liters (25.2 cubic feet)

  • Maximum cargo volume: 1,492 liters (52.7 cubic feet)

• QuietTuning™ Technology: Buick’s signature noise cancellation system ensures a serene driving experience, particularly appreciated on long Canadian highway journeys.

• Infotainment:

  • 10.2-inch diagonal touch-screen display

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

  • Available Bose premium audio system

• Comfort Features:

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control

  • Available heated and ventilated front seats

  • Available heated steering wheel (a boon for Canadian winters)

The interior of the Envision Sport Touring AWD strikes a fine balance between luxury and functionality, catering to the discerning tastes of Canadian luxury SUV buyers.

Performance and Powertrain

Under the hood, the 2024 Envision Sport Touring AWD boasts a capable powertrain that delivers both performance and efficiency:

• Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder

  • Power output: 228 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm

  • Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,000 rpm

• Transmission: 9-speed automatic

• All-Wheel Drive System: Intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch rear differential, providing enhanced traction in varying Canadian weather conditions

• Fuel Efficiency (estimated):

  • City: 10.8 L/100km

  • Highway: 8.3 L/100km

  • Combined: 9.7 L/100km

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 61 liters

The powertrain offers a good balance of power and efficiency, making it well-suited for both city commutes and long-distance highway travel across Canada’s diverse landscapes.

Driving Dynamics

The Envision Sport Touring AWD offers a driving experience that aligns well with its sporty aesthetics:

• Suspension: MacPherson strut front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension, tuned for a balance of comfort and handling

• Steering: Electric power steering with variable assist

• Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS

• Drive Modes: Available selectable drive modes including Tour, Sport, and Snow/Ice (particularly useful for Canadian winters)

Canadian drivers will appreciate the Envision’s composed handling and comfortable ride, whether navigating urban streets or tackling winding country roads.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Buick has equipped the Envision Sport Touring AWD with a comprehensive suite of safety features, many of which come standard:

• Buick Driver Confidence Plus:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking

  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning

  • Forward Collision Alert

  • Following Distance Indicator

  • IntelliBeam auto high beams

  • Front Pedestrian Braking

  • Rear Park Assist

  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert

  • Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert

• Available Advanced Features:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control

  • Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking

  • Rear Camera Mirror

  • HD Surround Vision

These features collectively contribute to the Envision’s 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, providing peace of mind for Canadian families.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2024 Envision Sport Touring AWD is well-equipped to meet the connectivity needs of tech-savvy Canadian consumers:

• Buick Infotainment System: Intuitive interface with natural voice recognition

• Wireless Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot: Keeping passengers connected on the go

• Buick Connected Services: Remote start, vehicle diagnostics, and more through the myBuick mobile app

• Available Head-Up Display: Projecting key information onto the windshield for enhanced safety and convenience

Canadian Market Positioning and Pricing

In the Canadian market, the 2024 Buick Envision Sport Touring AWD is positioned as a premium offering in the compact SUV segment:

• Starting MSRP: $44,999 CAD (subject to change and excluding freight, PDI, and applicable taxes)

• Key Competitors:

  • Acura RDX

  • Infiniti QX50

  • Lincoln Corsair

While pricing puts it in the premium category, the Envision offers a compelling value proposition when considering its feature set and performance capabilities.

Trim Levels and Options

The Sport Touring AWD sits in the middle of the Envision lineup:

1. Preferred AWD: Starting at $42,799 CAD

2. Sport Touring AWD: Starting at $44,999 CAD

3. Avenir AWD: Starting at $50,899 CAD

The Sport Touring trim offers a good balance of features and value, with the option to add premium features through available packages.

Canadian-Specific Considerations

Several factors make the Envision Sport Touring AWD particularly well-suited for Canadian drivers:

• All-Wheel Drive: Standard AWD provides confidence in varying weather conditions, from snowy winters to rainy springs.

• Cold Weather Features: Available heated steering wheel, heated seats, and remote start are appreciated in colder Canadian climates.

• Fuel Efficiency: Respectable fuel economy helps manage costs at the pump, especially important given Canada’s vast distances and varying fuel prices across provinces.

• Cargo Space: Ample cargo capacity is useful for everything from weekly grocery runs to weekend getaways in Canada’s great outdoors.

Ownership Experience and Warranty

Buick offers a comprehensive warranty package for Canadian buyers:

• Basic Warranty: 4 years/80,000 km

• Powertrain Warranty: 6 years/110,000 km

• Roadside Assistance: 6 years/110,000 km

Additionally, Buick’s reputation for reliability and the availability of service centers across Canada contribute to a positive ownership experience.

Environmental Considerations

While not a hybrid or electric vehicle, the Envision’s turbocharged engine offers a balance of performance and efficiency. For environmentally conscious Canadian buyers, it’s worth noting that Buick is moving towards electrification in its lineup, though as of 2024, the Envision does not offer a hybrid or all-electric variant.

Buick Envision Sport Touring AWD : A Compelling Choice in the Canadian Luxury Compact SUV Market

The 2024 Buick Envision Sport Touring AWD presents a strong case for Canadian buyers in the luxury compact SUV segment. Its key strengths include:

1. Stylish Design: The Sport Touring trim adds a touch of athleticism to the Envision’s elegant design language.

2. Well-Appointed Interior: A comfortable and feature-rich cabin that competes well with more expensive European rivals.

3. Capable Performance: The turbocharged engine and AWD system provide a good balance of power and all-weather capability.

4. Comprehensive Safety Features: A wide array of standard and available safety technologies.

5. Canadian-Friendly Features: From cold weather amenities to all-wheel drive, the Envision is well-suited to Canadian driving conditions.

Areas where some buyers might find room for improvement include:

1. Fuel Efficiency: While competitive, it’s not class-leading, especially compared to hybrid offerings in the segment.

2. Brand Perception: Buick is still working to establish itself as a true luxury brand in the minds of some Canadian consumers.

Overall, the 2024 Buick Envision Sport Touring AWD offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and practicality at a competitive price point in the Canadian market.

It’s a worthy contender for Canadian buyers seeking a premium compact SUV that delivers on multiple fronts without breaking the bank. Whether navigating city streets in Toronto, cruising highways in the Prairies, or tackling mountain roads in British Columbia, the Envision Sport Touring AWD proves to be a versatile and capable companion for the diverse needs of Canadian drivers.