As much as it grieves me to admit, the era of the affordable car has sadly come to an end. Those charming sub-compacts of yesteryear, which once graced the market with price tags starting under $15,000, have all but vanished. Admittedly, many of those vehicles weren’t exactly paragons of automotive excellence. Today, discovering a new car priced under $30,000 feels like stumbling upon a rare gem in a sea of inflated prices. Fortunately, Buick has introduced a delightful little contender that may just brighten our spirits amidst this automotive inflation. 

Spirted Attitude

The Envista represents Buick’s latest endeavor to capture the attention of younger, more vibrant consumers with a premium sub-compact crossover. With a starting price of $24,795, it comes in at a modest $3,300 more than its sibling, the Chevrolet Trax, which shares many of its underpinnings—including the mighty 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine that cranks out a rather unimpressive number of 137 horsepower. However, don’t let that fool you; with 162 lbs-ft of torque delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission, the Envista possesses a surprisingly spirited attitude that may just surprise you. 

The Buick Envista, available exclusively in front-wheel drive, is not exactly a speed demon, taking over nine seconds to hit 60 mph from a complete standstill. However, thanks to its generous torque, it boasts a can-do attitude that ensures it never feels out of its depth. When you bury your foot into the accelerator, the engine emits an endearing little snarl as it reaches its peak RPMs, smoothly transitioning through gear changes. Alas, Buick seems to know its target demographic a bit too well, opting to forgo any drive modes knowing full well nobody will use it.  

LIKES: Comfortable interior, refine road manners, attractive price point 

On the road, the Envista exudes confidence and composure. Its ride quality is decidedly premium with a solid structure gliding over road imperfections with a serene grace while still maintaining a sense of eagerness. The steering wheel, featuring a sporty flat bottom, is delightfully thin—just what you’d expect in a premium vehicle—offering quick responses and satisfactory feedback. The cabin space decently quiet at higher speeds. And fuel economy was right on par with its EPA rating as we averaged 29.8 mpg’s combined during our week.  

A Touch of Premium Finess

Our test model was the mid-tier Sport Touring, starting at $25,195, strategically positioned between the entry-level Preferred and the top-tier Avenir. It sported options like the $995 Buick Experience Package, which included striking 19-inch black wheels, enhancing the Envista’s already eye-catching coupe-like silhouette.  

Inside, the Envista maintains a premium ambiance that belies its price tag, exuding a sense of value through its essential features. The cabin boasts two screens: an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11-inch touchscreen. While a more customizable digital display would have been a welcome addition, the infotainment system is user-friendly and includes wireless phone mirroring capabilities. The dashboard, with its sleek, swooping design, is visually appealing; however, the choice of materials and textures reveals some of its cost-cutting tendencies.  

Dislikes: Could use a little more power, auto up windows would have been a nice touch. 

Our Sport Touring also featured a stylish and reasonably comfortable leatherette upholstery with a comfortable driving position, while the Avenir upgrades to genuine leather seats. Add in a few more options, such as the $1,195 Convenience I Package, and you’ll enjoy power-adjustable driver seating, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, all of which contribute to a pleasantly comfortable driving experience. 

Conclusion

The Buick Envista emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a stylish and comfortable sub-compact crossover without straying too far into luxury territory. With its can-do spirit and a price point that remains accessible, the Envista proves that a well-rounded driving experience doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag—just a little charm and a dash of Buick flair. 

2025 Buick Envista Sport Touring

• Staring Price: $25,290 (Entry-Level, Preferred)
• As-Tested: $29,070

Performance: 

• Engine: 1.2-Liter Turbocharged Three-Cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque: 137-HP / 162 lbs-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
• Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
• EPA MPG: 28-city / 32-highway  / 30-combined 
• As-Tested MPG: 29.8-MPG Combined (387-mile test)