Two engine choices (we’ll take the turbo)

The modifications to the outside of the 2019 Envision are subtle. The grill and front facia have been redesigned to more closely align the Envision with other Buick cars and SUVs in the lineup. The most noticeable changes are apparent at the rear of the vehicle where Buick has fitted new taillights and sculpted fenders. It creates a look that’s a little more distinctive and sets the Envision apart from the sea of crossovers on the road. The lighting package is improved on all models with new high-intensity discharge (HID) units on 2.5-liter models and LEDs on turbos. Finally, every Envision receives a new wheel design.

On the inside, Buick has installed a standard air ionizer for the climate control system to help eliminate odors. You can thank the pollution-choked conditions in many Chinese cities for that one. Buick also redesigned the seat heaters to warm quicker and upgraded the rear camera system to switch from light to dark conditions more smoothly. And Buick now allows the driver to choose between conventional cruise control or adaptive cruise on models so-equipped. If you’re like us, these mods don’t exactly have you jumping out of your skin with excitement. But these changes, particularly in the powertrain department, do make for an improved Envision.

The Execution

The Envision may be imported from China, but on the inside it feels every bit like an American Buick. And that’s most obvious in the choice of leather. On our $44,595 Premium II tester, the heated and cooled leather seats were smooth, softly padded and felt upscale. Perhaps less impressive was the tiny clock on the dash and the questionable authenticity of the dark grey grained “wood”. And we found the touch controls for the climate control required a frustratingly firm push to change temperature.

This top-level trim also includes forward collision alert, lane keep assist, a heads-up display system, navigation, wireless charging for the latest phones and more. The Envision is known for its roomy rear seat thanks to the long 108.3-inch wheelbase. And that helps the Buick carve out more rear-seat legroom and cargo space than its close competitor, the Lincoln MKC. My six-foot frame had plenty of room to cross my legs and get comfy in the reclining back seat. Plus, there’s enough room that parents should find an easy time fitting rear-facing child seats without crowding front seat passengers.

We didn’t get a chance to sample the 2.5-liter Envision, but the upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder and new nine-speed automatic are excellent. Acceleration is brisk and would certainly break the front tires into a haze of smoke if it weren’t for the all-wheel drive system. Buick says the powertrain modifications drop almost a half-second from the 0-60 mph times. That said, the standard engine in Lincoln’s MKC is turbocharged and makes almost as much horsepower and torque. Lincoln’s optional turbo motor exceeds the Envision’s numbers by 33 hp and 10 lb-ft of torque. That stuff is important to you and me—but probably less so to the average Envision owner. They want a roomy interior, quietness and a comfortable ride. And the Envision certainly delivers all three.

The isolation from the outside world is impressive. And the nine-speed helps the engine shuffle along at a calm 1,800 rpm at 70 mph. From the smooth highways outside Atlanta on up through the mountain roads that eventually lead to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, the Envision’s ride was supple. On the tightest roads, at moderate speeds, the Envision felt planted thanks to the 19-inch tires and that smart all-wheel drive system. But when pushed harder on this terrain, the we noticed the Envision could use a sport mode in that transmission.

Buick Envision gets a nip and tuck for 2019

Buick is freshening the 2019 Buick Envision to better align the crossover with the brand’s other models — most notably its best-selling Encore.The Envision, launched in May 2016 and Buick’s …

The Takeaway

If there’s one thing crossover buyers today have plenty of it’s choices. And the Envision has strong competitors in its size and price class from every continent. The case for the Envision is strongest in the lower, less expensive trim levels. This is a solid vehicle in that low-$30,000 price class. But as much as we liked our Envision and its strong turbo, the near-$45,000 sticker is pricey. After all, you can slide into a base Mercedes-Benz GLC300 for $40,050 or the Audi Q5 for $41,500. And those are both machines we’d enjoy piloting more on our morning commute.