The 2021 Buick Envision lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average steering and transmission issues reported. At $24,075 to $37,550, it’s a decent value for a compact SUV with a reasonably upscale cabin for the price.
Is the 2021 Buick Envision a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Buick Envision because it offers a decent amount of luxury and reasonable ownership costs. Owner reviews praise the efficient engine, smooth suspension, along with the stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively nice for a compact SUV, the seats offer good amounts of support, but the cargo area is small.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Envision. Avoid models from 2016–2017 which have some steering issues, while 2018–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard four-cylinder engine, but it’s not a very fast or exciting small SUV to drive.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Envision is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with parallel park assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, offering 418 miles of range out of the 16.1 gallon tank. Gas costs are $13 cheaper than average at $200 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 Buick Envision is cheaper than many other SUVs, but rapid depreciation rates lower the overall value score slightly.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Buick Envision?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Buick Envision is a comfortable and quiet, upscale small SUV, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Buick Envision at 4/5, enjoying the amount of premium features for the price, but doesn’t like the smaller than average cargo space.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Envision a 4.5/5, praising the standard safety technology features, but owners don’t like that there’s no hybrid version available.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Buick Envision Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Buick Envision include a squeaking noise while turning, delayed gear changes, along with some excessive wind noise from the front windows. Overall, these problems are similar to other small SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Envision ages.
A squeaking noise while turning is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Envision owners, showing up at around 20,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by inadequate lubrication on the steering gears. Having the steering rack serviced costs around $350, depending on local labor rates, and usually fixes the issue.
Delayed gear changes are another problem found on some Buick Envision models within the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates available for the transmission control module. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100 for labor.
Excessive wind noise from the front windows also shows up on Envision models at around 10,000 miles. Loose weather stripping around the front windows is the source of the problem. Most shops can fix weather stripping for under $20, but if it is torn and needs to be replaced, it’s around $200.
There are two recalls on the 2021 Buick Envision, which is similar to other small SUVs from the same year. The first recall covers the airbag light, and the second covers the running lights. Both of the issues can be fixed with software updates that Buick will install for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Buick Envision Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Buick Envision can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $283 per year.
As a used 2021 Envision reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the battery cable for $175, A/C pressure switch costing $490, along with the water pump, which costs around $850.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 10-inch touchscreen along with a premium Bose stereo system.
Standard safety features are excellent, and it comes with:
- Teen driver mode
- Safety alert seat
- Forward collision warning
- Front pedestrian braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-change assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera
- Rear-seat alert
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Head-up display
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front parking sensors
- Rear-camera mirror
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
Is the 2021 Buick Envision a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Buick Envision is a good value since it’s cheaper than some other small SUVs with reasonable ownership costs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $24,075 to $37,550, making it less than a VW Tiguan or Subaru Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $31,800 to $42,200. Depreciation is a bit worse than other SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Buick Envision?
There are three main models of the Buick Envision offered from the entry-level Preferred to the more luxurious Avenir. The Envision comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Preferred is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth and synthetic leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats
- 8-inch touch screen
- Six-speaker stereo system
- Satellite radio
- Two USB ports
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Teen Driver system
- Rearview camera
- Safety alert seat
- Rear-seat alert
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Front pedestrian braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-change alert
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Optional hands-free power liftgate
- Optional dual-zone automatic climate control
- Available remote start
- Optional heated front seats
- Optional heated steering wheel
- Available 10.2-inch touch screen
- Optional seven-speaker audio system
Essence is a step up, adding:
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Remote start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Genuine leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 2-inch touch screen
- Seven-speaker audio system
- Optional head-up display
- Optional front parking sensors
- Available surround-view parking camera system
- Optional navigation
- Optional nine-speaker Bose audio system
- Available HD Radio
- Optional panoramic moonroof
Avenir is the flagship model with:
- Ventilated and massaging front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Head-up display
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Front parking sensors
- Nine-speaker Bose audio system
- HD Radio
- Wireless device charging
- Navigation
- Optional adaptive cruise control
- Optional panoramic moonroof
- Available rear camera mirror
- Optional parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Optional Technology Package II includes:
- Adaptive suspension
- Enhanced forward collision mitigation system
- Adaptive headlights
- Virtual rearview mirror
- Automated parking system
What Engines Come In the Buick Envision?
The 2021 Buick Envision comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers solid performance with 228 horsepower, providing a blend of power and efficiency. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy for this engine is 26 MPG, striking a balance between power and fuel efficiency. Acceleration is brisk, with the Envision capable of reaching 0-60 MPH in 7.1 seconds, offering a satisfyingly quick response for everyday driving and highway merging.
What Colors Does the Buick Envision Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Buick Envision?
The 2021 Buick Envision stands out for its comfort, offering a refined experience that caters to both drivers and passengers. Inside, the cabin presents a harmonious blend of luxury and ergonomic design. The seats, upholstered in high-quality materials, provide excellent support and comfort, even on longer drives. The front seats are particularly noteworthy, with options for heating, ventilation, and adjustable lumbar support, allowing for personalized comfort settings. The rear seats are also spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers, making the Envision an ideal vehicle for family trips or group travel.
Beyond seating, the 2021 Envision excels in creating a serene cabin environment. The vehicle is equipped with effective noise-cancellation technology, providing a quiet ride that isolates occupants from external road and wind noise. This feature enhances the overall sense of tranquility inside the vehicle, allowing for easier conversation and a more enjoyable audio experience. Climate control in the Envision is another aspect that contributes to its comfort. The system is designed to provide consistent and efficient temperature regulation throughout the cabin, adaptable to varying external conditions. Additionally, the smooth suspension system of the Envision plays a significant role in its comfort. It efficiently absorbs bumps and uneven road surfaces, providing a composed and stable ride.
How Much Storage Space Does the Buick Envision Have?
The 2021 Buick Envision offers a well-designed storage space that combines practicality and convenience, making it suitable for both daily use and longer trips. The vehicle boasts a total cargo space of about 52.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This space is versatile and can comfortably accommodate larger items. For instance, you could easily fit several large suitcases, a couple of golf bags, or camping equipment for a family weekend getaway. When the rear seats are upright, the cargo space is reduced to 25.2 cubic feet, which is still ample for grocery shopping, carrying a stroller, or transporting medium-sized boxes.
In addition to the main cargo area, the 2021 Envision features various small interior storage solutions that enhance its utility. These include a glove compartment, door pockets, and a center console with a deep bin, perfect for storing personal items like wallets, phones, and small bags. There are also cup holders and a dedicated area for holding smaller items such as keys or sunglasses. The design of these storage spaces reflects a thoughtful consideration of the driver’s and passengers’ needs, making sure that essential items are always within easy reach. This blend of spacious cargo capacity and convenient small-item storage makes the 2021 Buick Envision a practical choice for both everyday commutes and longer journeys.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Buick Envision was launched for the 2021 model year.
2016: All-new small SUV offered by Buick with new styling, technology, and a nice cabin.
2017: Two new trim levels, and optional front-wheel drive.
2018: No updates from last year.
2019: More powerful engine added, new nine-speed transmission, and minor bumper updates.
2020: Essentially unchanged from earlier years.
2021: Fully redesigned for the second generation with more technology, better engines, and all new styling.
2022: No major changes after the full redesign last year.
How Does the Buick Envision Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Buick Envision is a decent small SUV since it offers some upscale features along with advanced technology features for the money, although it may not last as long as some competitors.
The Chevy Equinox is another compact SUV, which costs about $2,500 less. Both the Buick Envision and Chevy Equinox are built on the same base platform, but the Buick Envision has more technology and a nicer interior. We recommend the Buick Envision because the improved cabin is worth the extra money.
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular small SUV, which is about $2,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota RAV4, while the Buick Envision offers a more comfortable cabin. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s the most reliable small SUV on the market based on ownership data.
