2021 Buick Envision Avenir: A Detailed Review

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Let's dive into a comprehensive review of the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir. Guys, if you're in the market for a compact SUV that blends luxury with practicality, the Envision Avenir should definitely be on your radar. This model represents Buick's attempt to offer a premium experience without breaking the bank, and for the most part, it succeeds admirably. The Avenir trim, in particular, elevates the Envision with enhanced features, stylish design elements, and a more refined interior. From its performance on the road to its tech-loaded cabin, we'll cover every aspect to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs.

Exterior Design: A Head-Turner

The exterior design of the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir is a significant departure from its predecessor, boasting a more sculpted and athletic stance. The front fascia is dominated by a distinctive grille with a unique mesh pattern exclusive to the Avenir trim. Flanking the grille are sleek LED headlights that not only provide excellent visibility but also contribute to the SUV's modern aesthetic. Chrome accents are strategically placed around the vehicle, adding a touch of elegance without being overly flashy. The Avenir also features exclusive alloy wheel designs, further setting it apart from other Envision models.

Moving along the sides, the Envision Avenir showcases smooth lines and a gently sloping roofline, giving it a contemporary and almost coupe-like silhouette. The rear of the vehicle is equally stylish, with LED taillights connected by a chrome strip that emphasizes the vehicle's width. A hands-free power liftgate adds convenience, making it easier to load and unload cargo. Overall, the exterior design of the Envision Avenir is both sophisticated and eye-catching, making it a standout in the crowded compact SUV segment. Buick has clearly put a lot of thought into creating a vehicle that looks premium and upscale, and it shows in every detail.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Luxurious Cabin

Stepping inside the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir, you're immediately greeted by a luxurious and well-appointed cabin. The Avenir trim elevates the interior with premium materials, including leather upholstery with diamond-perforated seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The seats are not only visually appealing but also incredibly comfortable, providing ample support for long drives. The dashboard is thoughtfully designed, with a user-friendly layout and high-quality materials throughout. A large infotainment screen dominates the center console, offering intuitive access to various vehicle functions.

In terms of technology, the Envision Avenir is packed with features designed to enhance the driving experience. A 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This means you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone without the need for cords. Other tech features include a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, and a premium Bose audio system that delivers crystal-clear sound. The Envision Avenir also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These technologies work together to provide added peace of mind on the road.

The interior space is also worth noting. The Envision Avenir offers ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats can be folded down to create a larger cargo area, making it easy to transport bulky items. Overall, the interior of the Envision Avenir is a comfortable, luxurious, and tech-savvy space that rivals some of its more expensive competitors.

Performance and Handling: A Smooth Ride

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. The combination provides ample power for daily driving, with enough pep for confident acceleration and passing maneuvers. The Envision Avenir is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on your preference and driving needs.

On the road, the Envision Avenir delivers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the SUV in tight spaces. The Envision Avenir is also surprisingly quiet inside, thanks to Buick's efforts to minimize road and wind noise. This makes it a great choice for long road trips or daily commutes.

While the Envision Avenir is not designed to be a performance vehicle, it offers a good balance of power, comfort, and handling. The turbocharged engine provides enough grunt for most driving situations, and the smooth-shifting transmission ensures a seamless and enjoyable driving experience. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Envision Avenir delivers a refined and comfortable ride.

Fuel Efficiency: Decent Numbers

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for any car buyer, and the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir delivers respectable numbers in this area. The front-wheel-drive model is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive for the compact SUV segment and should help you save money at the pump.

Keep in mind that your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and road conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and heavy traffic can all negatively impact fuel efficiency. However, if you drive conservatively, you should be able to achieve the EPA-estimated numbers. Overall, the Envision Avenir offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily driving.

Trims and Features: What You Get

The 2021 Buick Envision is available in several trims, including the base Envision, Preferred, Essence, and the top-of-the-line Avenir. Each trim offers a different level of features and equipment, allowing you to choose the model that best fits your needs and budget. The Avenir trim, in particular, stands out with its exclusive design elements, premium materials, and advanced technology features.

Some of the key features of the Avenir trim include:

  • Unique grille with mesh pattern
  • Exclusive alloy wheel designs
  • Leather upholstery with diamond-perforated seat inserts
  • 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • Head-up display
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Bose premium audio system
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • Blind-spot monitoring

In addition to these features, the Avenir trim also offers a number of optional upgrades, such as a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. These options allow you to further customize your Envision Avenir to your liking. Overall, the Avenir trim offers a compelling package of luxury, technology, and safety features, making it a top choice for buyers looking for a premium compact SUV.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

The 2021 Buick Envision Avenir is priced competitively within the compact SUV segment. While it's not the cheapest option available, it offers a compelling value proposition thanks to its combination of luxury, technology, and performance. The Avenir trim sits at the top of the Envision lineup, so it commands a higher price tag than the base and mid-level models. However, it also offers a significantly more upscale experience.

When considering the price of the Envision Avenir, it's important to compare it to its competitors, such as the Acura RDX, Lexus NX, and Volvo XC60. While these models offer similar levels of luxury and performance, they often come with a higher price tag. The Envision Avenir provides a good balance of features and affordability, making it an attractive option for buyers who want a premium SUV without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, whether or not the Envision Avenir is worth the price depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize luxury, technology, and a comfortable driving experience, the Envision Avenir is definitely worth considering. However, if you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider one of the lower Envision trims or a more affordable competitor.

Pros and Cons: Quick Overview

To summarize, here's a quick overview of the pros and cons of the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir:

Pros:

  • Stylish exterior design
  • Luxurious and well-appointed interior
  • User-friendly technology features
  • Smooth and comfortable ride
  • Competitive fuel economy
  • Available all-wheel drive

Cons:

  • Not as sporty as some competitors
  • Some may find the styling too conservative

Final Verdict: A Solid Choice

In conclusion, the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir is a solid choice for buyers looking for a luxurious and practical compact SUV. It offers a stylish exterior design, a comfortable and tech-loaded interior, and a smooth driving experience. While it may not be the sportiest option in its class, it provides a good balance of performance, comfort, and value. If you're in the market for a premium SUV that won't break the bank, the Envision Avenir is definitely worth a look. So, guys, go check it out and see if it's the right fit for you!