2017 Buick Envision Pros vs Cons
What's New for 2017
The 2017 Buick Envision debuted in late 2016 with only the Premium and Premium II trims. This year it adds the lower-level Preferred and Essence Trims, which are powered by the 2.5-liter LCV 4-cylinder that accepts E85 fuel. Teen Driver Mode, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are also new. Auto-leveling of headlamps, the SD card slot, and a single-CD/MP3 player are removed.
Ten Reasons You May Like the 2017 Buick Envision – The Pros
1. Easier Loading from the Rear
Even when their hands are full, drivers can still load the 2017 Buick Envision if they have the key fob with them. Moving a foot under the rear bumper opens the hands-free power liftgate. A programmable height setting makes this hatch easier to reach while accommodating lower ceilings.
2. Almost Self-Driving
On the highway, turning on Adaptive Cruise Control allows the Envision to almost drive itself. Using the speed and distance set by the driver, the SUV maintains a safe space before the next vehicle. Stop-and-go congestion is no problem because this feature can apply the brakes or accelerate to keep up with traffic.
3. The Human Touch
During emergencies, it's always comforting to have the help of an actual person. Through OnStar®, human agents can provide Turn-by-Turn Navigation and dispatch Roadside Assistance when a button is pushed. If a driver can't respond after an accident, they can pinpoint the SUV's location through GPS and dispatch emergency responders.
4. Protecting Young Drivers
Teen drivers will be excited to drive the 2107 Buick Envision on their own, not realizing mom and dad can still keep an eye on them with Teen Driver Mode. Activating this safety technology lets parents automatically limit the top speed and mute the audio system until everyone in the vehicle is buckled up. A Report Card even describes how the kid did behind the wheel.
5. Virtual Views
During maneuvers in cramped spaces, available Surround Vision relies on cameras in the front, back, and both sides. It creates a virtual bird's eye view of what's around the 2017 Buick Envision. Drivers can more easily avoid scratching or dinging their vehicles.
6. Preventing Front Collisions
If the 2017 Buick Envision moves fast enough to impact the car in front, Forward Collision Alert warns the driver. If he or she does not react appropriately, Front Automatic Braking automatically slows or stops the vehicle to prevent an accident.
7. Enjoying Information and Entertainment
The Buick IntelliLink® system allows control of infotainment system using a touchscreen or through voice recognition technology. Drivers can swipe and tap, or state spoken commands to show driving directions through available built-in Navigation. They can also make hands-free phone calls, play music, and receive traffic information. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto encourages wireless connections to an iPhone or Android device.
8. Confident Lane Changing
Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert solves the problem of not being able to see beyond certain parts of the 2017 Buick Envision during a lane change. If another vehicle appears in the blind zone, this feature warns the driver with a lighted icon in the appropriate side view mirror.
9. Where is the Hazard?
With all the warnings and alerts provided by the safety features of the Envision, it may be difficult to determine from where they're coming from. The available Safety Alert Seat helps by vibrating its bolster to signal the direction of the potential problem. This helps drivers remain aware of what is happening around them without removing their focus off the road ahead.
10. Internet Convenience
Those needing to stay connected to a business website or wanting to answer email can do so with the available 4G Wi-Fi® hotspot that can be built into the SUV. Up to seven devices inside the cabin can hook up to the Internet at superior speeds even when the vehicle is speeding down the highway.
Reasons You May Not Like the 2017 Buick Envision – The Cons
1. Underperforming Engine
Standard on the lower two trim levels is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Although it delivers up to 197 horsepower, the engine feels lackluster and crude. To move the Envision's curb weight of over 3,700 lbs., the powerplant struggles with plenty of vibration and noise. The turbocharged 2.0-liter on the higher-level trims does better with 252 horsepower but fuel economy drops to 26 MPG on the highway from 29 MPG in the 2.5L.
2. Expensive Safety Features
The 2017 Buick Envision offers plenty of safety features, making it ideal for protecting families who want to use it as primary transportation. But technologies like Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and the Safety Alert Driver Seat appear only on the more expensive Premium and Premium II trims.
3. Less Cargo Room
The Envision's carries up to 26.9 cubic feet of cargo with the second row up and 57.3 cu. ft. with it down. This does not equal the greater space of 61.3 cu. ft. in the Acura RDX or 67.4 cu. ft in the Volvo XC60. Making up somewhat for the lack of room is the hands-free liftgate, which opens easily, and the low lift-over height onto the cargo floor.
How It Stacks Up to The Competition
The Acura RDX offers a far more robust 279-horsepower V6 when compared to any of the two engines in the Envision. Additionally, the RDX offers 28 highway MPG, which is close to the Envision's 29 MPG. The Lincoln MKC offers many of the luxuries of the Envision, has a more powerful 240-horsepower motor, and costs nearly $1,200 more at the entry level.
Conclusion
Consumers wanting a taste of luxury at an affordable price can get it in the 2017 Buick Envision. Its SUV toughness and capability work well in the more crowded confines of the city due to its more manageable compact size.
