2021 Buick Envision Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Buick presents three distinct trims in its Envision SUV, providing drivers with a range of options. Even those choosing the base model will appreciate its premium refinement and features beyond what is typical for an entry-level vehicle - while upgrades are available at higher trim levels if desired. All models come equipped with the same 2.0L turbo engine offering 228hp and 258 lb.-ft., ensuring driver satisfaction through responsiveness and power that can also be manually shifted via a 9-speed automatic transmission - should they choose to do so.

The Envision is a powerfully efficient SUV, boasting up to 31 MPG on the highway and 24 MPG in cities with its front-wheel drivetrain. Allowing drivers access to increased power when needed, an all-wheel option drops fuel economy slightly yet still provides impressive ratings of 22/29 (city/highway) miles per gallon. For even more efficiency boosts during everyday driving needs, this model features engine stop/start technology which can be easily disabled through switching off one button for those who don't want it enabled at any given time.

Compare the Envision Preferred vs Essence. What is the difference?

Buick has crafted two trims with superior safety features to ensure a secure driving experience. Rear cross traffic alert and blind zone monitoring provide drivers maximum visibility when changing lanes or reversing from parking spots, while lane keep assist and lane departure warning technology minimize the risk of unintentional veering away from your intended route. The forward collision alert system works in tandem with pedestrian detection capabilities plus automatic emergency braking for added protection on the roads - all enhanced by an HD rear view camera which ensures crystal-clear views at every angle.

Where the Preferred and Essence differ is related to their exterior and interior features. For starters, there's a slight variation in their wheels. The Preferred has bright silver aluminum wheels, and the Essence has machined aluminum wheels with a more aggressive charcoal metallic finish. A notable feature in the Essence is its hands-free power liftgate. It has a sensor that can detect when someone kicks their foot underneath the license plate. While the Preferred has heated side mirrors, the Essence's heated mirrors come with memory settings.

The cabin of the Preferred is a little more basic than that of the Essence. Unlike the mid-level trim, the Preferred doesn't automatically come with heated front seats or an automatic two-zone climate control system. Those heated seats have three levels of warmth. The steering wheel on the Essence is heated, too. Integrated into the driver's seat is a memory function, so someone can program the seat to remember his/her favorite position.

The Preferred does have a digital information display, but it measures 4.2 inches. In the Essence, the display is almost twice as large.

More upgrades in the Essence have to do with technology. The Essence has a 10.2-inch touchscreen in comparison with the Preferred's eight-inch touchscreen. Fortunately, all trims have Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the larger touchscreen can support certain in-vehicle apps. There's the option to get navigation on the Essence but not on the Preferred.

One other enhancement that the Envision has is remote start. A driver can simply push a button to start up the engine, and that person can be in the comfort of a home or office while doing so. This gives the SUV the opportunity to warm up or cool down, depending on what the exterior temperature is, before passengers pile in.

The Envision is perfect for all kinds of passengers, allowing unparalleled flexibility with its 60/40 split rear seat configuration. Need extra cargo space? Just fold down the backseat and you get an impressive 52.7 cubic feet to work with - more than enough room for whatever your journey throws at you! It's easy to put it back when done, so no matter if short or long trips are in order this vehicle has got you covered every time.

Compare the Essence vs Avenir Trims. What is the difference?

While it has most of the same mechanical components as the Essence, the Avenir can have a smoother ride. This is due to the available continuously damping control that can make the adjustments needed to balance out the ups and downs of the road.

From a safety perspective, the Avenir has the most advanced systems. First, it has surround vision, giving the driver a 360-degree view of what's around the vehicle. Going along with this, there is front and rear park assist. If the Avenir is getting too close to objects around it, the driver will be warned. In the Essence, this is only an option. The Essence does have a rear park assist function, though.

It gets even better in terms of parking. The Avenir can be upgraded with enhanced automatic parking assist. This program allows the Buick to steer itself into a parallel or perpendicular parking space while the driver takes care of acceleration and braking.

An option on the Avenir is adaptive cruise control. This system can make adjustments to speed in order for the Buick to remain a safe distance away from the vehicle in front of it. While traditional cruise control works well on the open road, adaptive cruise control can be useful when there may be some traffic.

When looking at these trims from the outside, some people may notice one difference in appearance. The Avenir has 20-inch aluminum wheels that look very sleek with a Pearl Nickel finish. Like the Essence, the Avenir has an available panoramic moonroof. It comes with a power sunshade, and the roof can be tilted or slid open to let in air. The extended length of the moonroof means that the rear-seat passengers can enjoy it just as much as those in front.

The more significant changes have been made to the Avenir's cabin. It has a 110-volt power outlet for convenience. It also has a nine-speaker Bose sound system. The audio is enhanced, thanks to AudioPilot technology that can make small adjustments to improve the quality of the sound. The Essence has a seven-speaker system. (The Preferred only has six speakers.)

This next point will likely be important to many prospective buyers. The Avenir is the only trim to come standard with navigation. Having navigation can make it much easier to find new locations and avoid traffic congestion.

In addition to the integrated navigation, the top-level trim has a head-up display. This advanced display projects key information onto the windshield, right in front of the driver. It's generally thought that putting information in this location can encourage drivers to keep their eyes forward. With a quick glance, someone can learn about potential issues, see who is calling them, and remain aware of other things.

In the rear of the Avenir, there's a cargo cover. This can provide some privacy as well as extra shade if there are groceries or other sun-sensitive items in the back. A cargo net and collapsible storage compartment are available in all trims to help with organization.

The seats in the Avenir are comfortable and upscale, especially considering that the driver's seat has a massage function. By offering massage, it can hopefully reduce fatigue on long trips and make the overall driving experience much more pleasant and peaceful.

Like the front seats, the Avenir's rear outboard seats are heated. People in the back will really appreciate this extra source of warmth. If the weather is particularly hot, the Avenir's front seats can be cooled since they have ventilation. Again, there are three levels that people can choose from.

A universal home remote is built into the Avenir. It can be programmed with three channels, and it can give people a convenient way to open up garage doors, turn on security systems, and wirelessly connect with other compatible devices.

One more bonus feature on the Avenir is wireless charging. With wireless charging, people don't have to worry about cords getting tangled or physically plugging in a charger. The compatible phone can just be placed on the charger. When it's time to leave the vehicle, the phone doesn't need to be unconnected in anyway; it can simply be picked up.

Final Thoughts

In some ways, the three trims of the 2021 Buick Envision are more similar than they are different. For instance, they all have the same level of performance, and all are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Further, they have the same amount of interior space. Second-row leg room is pretty generous at 39.3 inches, and the maximum cargo capacity of over 50 cubic feet is nice to have.

It all comes down to personal preference when selecting the perfect trim for your ride. The Avenir is top-of-the line, with high tech features such as a head-up display, 360º camera and navigation; plus luxurious amenities like heated & ventilated front seats with massage settings, as well as rear seat heating. But at over $40k it might not be everyone’s ideal budget choice. Instead there's also the Essence or Preferred trims – both of which bring their own unique advantages without breaking the bank - since they only differ in price by about $6k.

The Envision Preferred model is drawing plenty of attention due to its great value. It sports high-end features such as a driver assist package, touchscreen with smartphone compatibility, auto dimming rearview mirror and luxurious leather wrapped steering wheel — all excellent additions for any daily commute! For even more sophistication and convenience though we'd recommend selecting the Essence trim level: offering remote start capabilities plus advanced tech options that bring you added peace-of-mind on every journey; not to mention a hands free liftgate – ideal for those who are always on the go.