New 2016 Buick Envision SUV Proves Disappointing
#16
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I think you are ultimately wrong on the Cascada. It will likely pick up much of the market that is NOT going to the Chrysler Sebring convertible any more because it was dropped, and to the VW Eos any more because of the scandal.
The Regal doesn't sell because the Verano and LaCrosse squeeze it at both ends, and because the GS version rides too stiff for a Buick. The Verano, once a brisk seller, has suffered somewhat at the hands of the Encore. Like it or not, SUVs are currently taking over the planet.
I think you are ultimately wrong on the Cascada. It will likely pick up much of the market that is NOT going to the Chrysler Sebring convertible any more because it was dropped, and to the VW Eos any more because of the scandal.
The Regal doesn't sell because the Verano and LaCrosse squeeze it at both ends, and because the GS version rides too stiff for a Buick. The Verano, once a brisk seller, has suffered somewhat at the hands of the Encore. Like it or not, SUVs are currently taking over the planet.
I don't believe Verano and LaCrosse are really "squeezing" the Regal because the former two aren't hot sellers either. All three are mediocre badge-engineered vehicles from overseas. I agree that SUVs biting into sales big time.
#17
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2016 Buick Envision First Review
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-...ew/2100000786/
The 2016 Buck Envision is an all-new crossover SUV for the premium brand, slotting between the subcompact Encore and midsize Enclave. As an upscale 2-row, 5-passenger SUV, it aims to compete with the Acura RDX, Audi Q5 and Lincoln MKC.
The all-new Envision arriving now will have a short 2016 model-year run before 2017 versions go on sale in September. The 2016 Envision is only available in two high-end trims, Premium I and Premium II, whose starting prices are $42,995 and $45,635, respectively. As we previously reported, when the 2017 Envision arrives, it will add three lower trims and have a price that begins just under $35,000. As loaded, top-line models, the 2016 Envision comes standard with features such as leather seats, Bose audio, 8-inch infotainment screen, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, and 19-inch wheels.
Buick knows the upstart Envision is challenging established rivals, but the brand feels this new premium 5-passenger crossover is ready for the fight. Buick invited us to GM's Milford, Michigan, proving grounds to see how it stacks up. Here's what we found.
Quality Assurance
Addressing a potential elephant in the room, yes, the Buick Envision is made in China. So far it is among just two cars imported to the U.S. The short-lived Coda electric car arrived on our shores a few years ago before departing as quickly as it came, and the Volvo S60 Inscription is currently made there.
If the Envision's quality is any indicator, it may not be the last. In our time with several production models, fit and finish felt in line with its peers hailing from Germany and Japan. That's not surprising, considering it was designed, engineered and vetted in the United States. While time will tell how the Envision holds up in initial and long-term reliability, this crossover has already seen massive success in China, where it has already sold well over 100,000 units in the past couple years since it debuted.
Something to Prove
At the proving grounds, we tested the 2016 Buick Envision on a miles-long loop intentionally laced with the kind of surfaces most public roads aim to avoid. Poor pavement, big dips, bumps and contusions that make vehicles shake, rattle and roll. For comparison, Buick also brought three rivals to the party: the Audi Q5, Acura RDX and Lincoln MKC.
If you're a get-to-the-point type of person, the Envision's ride quality is best described as "relaxed with a playful side."
Considering the Envision is a Buick, that first quality isn't a surprise. In a segment where every player wants to be sporty this and performance that, it's refreshing to have a crossover SUV that's commendably comfortable and quiet. The Envision was notably quieter than the competitors here, and absorbed road bruises without bruising us.
Drive-wise, it felt most like the Lincoln MKC. But we prefer the Buick's airy cabin to that of the more closed-in MKC. Also not surprisingly, the Envision didn't feel as zippy or agile as the Acura RDX, whose 279-horsepower V6 has 27 more ponies than the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the 2016 Envision. Still, the turbo engine used in this Envision offers good acceleration thanks to its impressive horsepower and more impressive torque (260 lb-ft starting at a low 2,000 rpm). Turbo lag was a non-issue, and the 6-speed automatic transmission is a smooth operator.
Being that all 2016 Envisions are the two top models, they include this up-level engine, and all use an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. That AWD worked well on surfaces of the test track where traction was compromised. In emergency braking maneuvers, the Envision also came to a halt swiftly and as stress-free as can be when you're slamming the brakes from 70 mph.
Like more and more vehicles, the Envision is equipped with an engine start/stop system that cuts power and stoplights. It isn't defeatable, but at least it didn't feel overly intrusive during an hour-plus drive outside the proving grounds. EPA fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city/26 highway for these turbo AWD models. The Envision's 22 mpg combined rating ties that of an all-wheel-drive RDX and Lincoln MKC, and slightly trails that of the Audi Q5 and Lexus NX 200t.
When 2017 Envision models arrive this fall, they'll offer a 2.5-liter naturally 4-cylinder 197 horsepower. One wasn't available for this test, so stay tuned.
Impressive Cabin and Amenities
The 2016 Buick Envision's comfortable drive manners are complemented by an equally refined, leather-laced cabin. As we've noted, it feels open and airy, and while the buttons and switches are Chevy-familiar, that's not a bad thing these days. Moreover, they're easy to see and use.
Rearward visibility is good, and passengers sitting in back are treated to plenty of legroom, their own climate controls and USB ports, and -- this is noteworthy -- no hump to impede feet. Even with its all-wheel-drive platform, the Envision has a flat floor free of a transmission tunnel.
The 2016 Envision with its limited trims will be on sale for a few months before the expanded 2017 lineup arrives in September. Note that if you must have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you'll have to wait for the 2017 Envision. If you must have a CD player, then the 2016 model it is.
This new Buick fills a much-needed space in the brand's crossover SUV lineup, and if our first taste is any indicator, the Envision appears to be a strong candidate if you're looking for a smaller SUV that stands out for it comfort, quiet and versatility.
#18
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Originally Posted by BrownPride
Yes it will pick up the rental fleet market which the Sebring convertible dominated.
The Verano has gotten very lukewarm reviews for good reason.....it's extremely mediocre. Add to that it has a Buick badge which has almost zero equity with any American consumers under the age of 60 and you have a recipe for disaster. At best, It'll sell to fleets, GM employees, and senior citizens. I don't see a market beyond that.
Of course, it is not perfect by any means. I own one myself, and IMO they should have used a more refined small V6 instead of the Ecotec four and taller, higher-profile tires instead of its 45's for a smoother ride. But it is an excellent small semi-luxury car as it is.
Face it, though...........it's a very simple issue. GM simply made a mistake by dropping it here in the U.S. Despite the improving quality of their vehicles, GM has a history of poor marketing, and dropping vehicles they shouldn't have.
I don't believe Verano and LaCrosse are really "squeezing" the Regal because the former two aren't hot sellers either.
All three are mediocre badge-engineered vehicles from overseas.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-10-16 at 01:30 PM.
#20
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Here is another one:
2016 Buick Envision First Review
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-...ew/2100000786/
2016 Buick Envision First Review
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-...ew/2100000786/
#21
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Anyhow, we all got off topic on other Buicks. As far as I'm concerned, let's get back to the Envision.
On the Envision, one thing that neither review seemed to talk about much is build quality/precision. China has a reputation for poor-quality products, and one thing that I will be looking at very closely, when I myself get a chance to review an Envision, is how well things are screwed together on it. I'm eagerly looking forward to that, as I have never reviewed a Chinese-built vehicle before....it will be interesting to see how well its vehicle build quality compares to that of other countries in Asia such as Japan or South Korea. Japan, of course, first wrote the book on quality, and then the South Koreans followed suit.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-10-16 at 01:42 PM.
#22
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Compact crossover falls short of sport and luxury—regardless of where it is built or developed
Most window stickers give a long list of features, detailing tangible mechanical basics such as airbags or wheels. Instead, the 2016 Buick Envision's list of standard equipment starts out with "Design and Engineering Led By Buick in the United States of America." This seems curious; a BMW's sticker doesn't proclaim that it is "German-designed."
So why is Buick, a traditionally all-American brand known for selling velour-lined sedans to modest family doctors and country lawyers, pushing the Envision's origin story? Turns out this new-to-America upscale compact SUV is built in China with 85% Chinese parts. More Envisions will be sold in China—where it has been on sale for well over a year—than here.
But regardless of where the 2016 Buick Envision was brought up, our first impressions show that it needs more time in finishing school.
That's troubling, because here in the States, Buick really needs the Envision to fill a gaping hole in their SUV lineup between the tiny Encore and near-enormous Enclave. Nearly every other luxury brand sells a compact upscale SUV, making this a very competitive segment. The best-performers combine nimble handling with a luxurious interior and versatile accommodations for people and cargo.
Buick would love for you to compare the Envision to the Audi Q5. They should be careful what they wish for. The 2016 Buick Envision just can't match the driving dynamics of the German competition—including the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC—never mind the more plebeian Ford Edge. Despite compact dimensions, the Envision drives like a larger SUV, and that isn't meant as a compliment. Steering is slow and the Buick doesn't care to be rushed. The brake pedal also lacks bite, hurting confidence.
This is disappointing, given that our 2016 Buick Envision Premium is the version with the most potential. It has a 252-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, GM's touted HiPer strut front suspension, and all-wheel drive. Power is no problem, but the six-speed automatic sometimes shifts with a bump, posing no match for the smoother eight- or nine-speed gearboxes found in some rivals. A start/stop system saves fuel by shutting off the engine at intersections.
Maybe you don't care about tackling a twisty road in your luxury SUV, but would rather soak in a quiet interior and a cushy ride. The Envision only meets you halfway here. Engine noise is well stifled; road noise is kept at bay. Wind noise, however, already appears at around 50 mph, rushing around the windshield pillar. While the ride seems soft and supple at first, bumps manage to punch through, disrupting the cabin's calm.
On first sighting, the Envision's interior looks inviting and plush. A big panel of glossy wood trim dominates the dashboard, along with stitched accents. The IntelliLink infotainment system has a big touch screen and easy-to-use graphics, although unlike most GM cars, it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Again, the frustration is in the details. Mounted underneath an overhanging dashboard ledge, the too-low center dash vents freeze your elbows but leave the upper cabin stuffy. Hard plastic covers the lower dashboard, and there are some evident rough edges. And while the rear seat has plenty of leg and knee room, headroom with the optional panoramic moonroof is so tight, an average-height man sitting in back will find his head firmly pushing into the ceiling.
Buick is rolling out the Envision in a phased launch. All 2016 Envisions will be Premium trim with the turbo engine and all-wheel drive. Standard equipment is generous, including leather, a Bose stereo, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Even more impressive, advanced safety equipment including blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning is standard; automatic emergency braking is optional.
That changes for 2017, which introduces more modest versions. Front-wheel drive becomes standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The base engine becomes a non-turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a milquetoast engine familiar from the previous-generation Chevrolet Malibu. Lower-level trim lines mean that the advanced safety equipment remains exclusive to the turbocharged Premium trim.
One of the effects of this broader lineup is to lower the base price. Our Envision Premium with the optional moonroof, navigation, and Saffron red paint came to a whopping $45,380. That's easily $5,000 less than similarly-equipped German rivals—but this car isn't even remotely in the same league. We just don't see any compelling reason to choose the Envision over the aforementioned Ford Edge, the Kia Sorento, or the Nissan Murano. A super-loaded Edge Titanium costs less and is roomier, far more athletic, and quieter. The Murano is plusher inside and a Sorento packs a third-row seat into a tidy package.
Overall, we find the Envision to be a diversion from GM's recent run of successful designs. The rewarding overall competence of the Chevrolet Impala, Silverado, and Cruze, or the dynamic excellence of the latest Corvette, Camaro, and Cadillac CT6 are absent here. That's a shame, given how many good SUVs—luxury-branded or not—fight to win buyers' dollars.
http://www.consumerreports.org/envis...-envision-suv/
Most window stickers give a long list of features, detailing tangible mechanical basics such as airbags or wheels. Instead, the 2016 Buick Envision's list of standard equipment starts out with "Design and Engineering Led By Buick in the United States of America." This seems curious; a BMW's sticker doesn't proclaim that it is "German-designed."
So why is Buick, a traditionally all-American brand known for selling velour-lined sedans to modest family doctors and country lawyers, pushing the Envision's origin story? Turns out this new-to-America upscale compact SUV is built in China with 85% Chinese parts. More Envisions will be sold in China—where it has been on sale for well over a year—than here.
But regardless of where the 2016 Buick Envision was brought up, our first impressions show that it needs more time in finishing school.
That's troubling, because here in the States, Buick really needs the Envision to fill a gaping hole in their SUV lineup between the tiny Encore and near-enormous Enclave. Nearly every other luxury brand sells a compact upscale SUV, making this a very competitive segment. The best-performers combine nimble handling with a luxurious interior and versatile accommodations for people and cargo.
Buick would love for you to compare the Envision to the Audi Q5. They should be careful what they wish for. The 2016 Buick Envision just can't match the driving dynamics of the German competition—including the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC—never mind the more plebeian Ford Edge. Despite compact dimensions, the Envision drives like a larger SUV, and that isn't meant as a compliment. Steering is slow and the Buick doesn't care to be rushed. The brake pedal also lacks bite, hurting confidence.
This is disappointing, given that our 2016 Buick Envision Premium is the version with the most potential. It has a 252-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, GM's touted HiPer strut front suspension, and all-wheel drive. Power is no problem, but the six-speed automatic sometimes shifts with a bump, posing no match for the smoother eight- or nine-speed gearboxes found in some rivals. A start/stop system saves fuel by shutting off the engine at intersections.
Maybe you don't care about tackling a twisty road in your luxury SUV, but would rather soak in a quiet interior and a cushy ride. The Envision only meets you halfway here. Engine noise is well stifled; road noise is kept at bay. Wind noise, however, already appears at around 50 mph, rushing around the windshield pillar. While the ride seems soft and supple at first, bumps manage to punch through, disrupting the cabin's calm.
On first sighting, the Envision's interior looks inviting and plush. A big panel of glossy wood trim dominates the dashboard, along with stitched accents. The IntelliLink infotainment system has a big touch screen and easy-to-use graphics, although unlike most GM cars, it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Again, the frustration is in the details. Mounted underneath an overhanging dashboard ledge, the too-low center dash vents freeze your elbows but leave the upper cabin stuffy. Hard plastic covers the lower dashboard, and there are some evident rough edges. And while the rear seat has plenty of leg and knee room, headroom with the optional panoramic moonroof is so tight, an average-height man sitting in back will find his head firmly pushing into the ceiling.
Buick is rolling out the Envision in a phased launch. All 2016 Envisions will be Premium trim with the turbo engine and all-wheel drive. Standard equipment is generous, including leather, a Bose stereo, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Even more impressive, advanced safety equipment including blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning is standard; automatic emergency braking is optional.
That changes for 2017, which introduces more modest versions. Front-wheel drive becomes standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The base engine becomes a non-turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a milquetoast engine familiar from the previous-generation Chevrolet Malibu. Lower-level trim lines mean that the advanced safety equipment remains exclusive to the turbocharged Premium trim.
One of the effects of this broader lineup is to lower the base price. Our Envision Premium with the optional moonroof, navigation, and Saffron red paint came to a whopping $45,380. That's easily $5,000 less than similarly-equipped German rivals—but this car isn't even remotely in the same league. We just don't see any compelling reason to choose the Envision over the aforementioned Ford Edge, the Kia Sorento, or the Nissan Murano. A super-loaded Edge Titanium costs less and is roomier, far more athletic, and quieter. The Murano is plusher inside and a Sorento packs a third-row seat into a tidy package.
Overall, we find the Envision to be a diversion from GM's recent run of successful designs. The rewarding overall competence of the Chevrolet Impala, Silverado, and Cruze, or the dynamic excellence of the latest Corvette, Camaro, and Cadillac CT6 are absent here. That's a shame, given how many good SUVs—luxury-branded or not—fight to win buyers' dollars.
http://www.consumerreports.org/envis...-envision-suv/
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#23
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#24
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the turbo engine used in this Envision offers good acceleration thanks to its impressive horsepower and more impressive torque (260 lb-ft starting at a low 2,000 rpm). Turbo lag was a non-issue, and the 6-speed automatic transmission is a smooth operator.
Yeah Jill....I thought you hated CR? but you quoted them?
#26
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In China, Envision costs little more than similarly loaded Rav4/CRV. It never touches the premium/luxury competitors listed in there. The price here is too laughable to know.
What are those people at GM drinking?
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#28
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An interesting question, though, is what The Chinese-market Envision offers in refinement and standard equipment in relation to the RAV-4 and CR-V. It may not have as many standard or optional features on it as the American-spec version. The American-spec version actually has (IMO) a fairly attractive starting price under 35K.
#30
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Not true at all.
CR is mostly useless. I just want them to release their comments at the same time as everyone else. That way they can't custom tailor their reviews around what everyone else has released.
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-...ew/2100000786/
Yeah Jill....I thought you hated CR? but you quoted them?
Yeah Jill....I thought you hated CR? but you quoted them?