Buick Envista

How it looks on the Street: The Buick Envista is the small sport utility vehicle you haven’t heard of that is getting attention for its attractive form.  It’s has a low-key, but appealing design profile. The Envista is brand new for 2024, and the 2025 model adds in a rear parking assistant and remote start. It’s sold in three separate trims: preferred, sport touring, and Avenir, which is the model we tested. Avenir looks a little snazzier with a distinct mesh-like grille and more substantial 19-inch wheels.

How it looks on the inside: Buick opts for clean simple interior design persona, which appeals to our desire for minimalism inside the car. It is the mid 2020s so there are screens, but two in manageable sizes, an 8-inch gauge stand in and an 11-inch infotainment system that’s fairly intuitive to operate. Wireless hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard features. Standard lane departure warning, automated braking for emergencies, and adaptive cruise control are good safety add-ins.

How it drives: The Envista doesn’t pretend to be powerful, and it’s one engine option produces only 137 horsepower. It’s not going to win races, but its perfectly civilized and drives smoothly, brakes with confidence, and turns well.  None of the trim packages are equipped with all-wheel drive. It’s gas only and earns 28 miles per gallon in city and 32 mpg in highway driving conditions.

Space for people and things:  The design accommodates for solid room for five passengers, and tall people will appreciate getting in and out of the front seats. Cargo storage is somewhat limited in the coupe like trunk space.

What to compare it to: VW Taos, Mazda CX-30, Kia Niro, and the GM sister brand, the Chevrolet Trax.

How much does it cost: The base model starts at about $24,000. The Avenir we tested starts at just over $29,000 and was, specced out at $31,430.