When the 2016 Buick Envision went on sale this year, many people were surprised because it was the first vehicle from GMC that was imported from China. However, the company wanted to test whether the public would accept cars made and imported from China and they did so with the first car.
Engine options
The 2017 Buick Envision offers much more options than the previous model. First of all, there is a 2.5-liter I4 engine which you can find under the hood of the base trim. This unit produces 197 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. The second option is turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 powerplant good for 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
If you opt for the base version, you will have the chance to choose the vehicle with FWD or AWD. The 2.0 turbocharged comes with an AWD as a standard and both of these engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Trims and Equipment
The 2017 Buick Envision comes in five different trim levels. First in line is the Base after which we have Preferred that is followed by the Essence trim. The upper trim is Premium I, whereas the range-topping model is the Premium II.
Even the entry level comes with cruise control, keyless entry, remote start, and 18-inch wheels. Moreover, the 2017 Buick Envision is equipped with LED running lights, fog lights, automatic headlights, roof rails, rear parking sensors and a hands-free power liftgate with programmable opening height.
Let’s take a look at the cabin equipment. You will get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with IntelliLink infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Moreover, the base trim is offered with a six-speaker stereo with two USB ports, 60/40 split-folding sliding and reclining rear seats, universal garage door opener, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, auxiliary audio input and satellite radio.
The entry-level also comes with a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. If you opt for this trim, you will also get dual-zone automatic climate control and heated eight-way power adjustable front seats. Cloth upholstery with leatherette trim and a steering wheel and shifter which are wrapped in leather are also included. All of these features are available in the Preferred model as well, but this one also allows you to choose AWD.
The 2017 Buick Envision Essence trim comes with all of the aforementioned features and adds tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. Among other options, we have a blind-zone monitor, heated rear outboard seats, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Note that driver seat memory functions are also included.
The 2017 Buick Envision Premium is equipped with automatic wipers, a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system and an 8.0-inch virtual center gauge cluster. In addition, it also sports a household power outlet located behind the center console, front parking sensors, and 19-inch wheels. If you opt for this model, you will get some of the top safety features such as forward collision alerts, lane keeping assist and a safety alert driver seat which buzzes when the driver is near some danger.
The range-topping Premium II adds ventilated front seats, a thigh extender cushion for the driver seat, a head-up display, and adaptive xenon headlights are some of the features. Automatic high beams, a navigation system, automated parallel and perpendicular parking system are available here as well.
Driving Experience
The power delivery is linear, and there is no detectable lag that comes from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, this unit is sufficient for highway driving as well as for driving in the city. However, the acceleration is satisfactory, but not great. The 2017 Buick Envision is rather enjoyable while the handling is good, and the vehicle turns around corners with confidence and stability. Even if the road is not the best this compact SUV is up to the task.
2017 Buick Envision Price
The starting price of the base version is $34,990. The Preferred trim costs 36,795, and if you want to buy the Essence model, you will have to pay $38,645. The Premium I and Premium II are priced at $43,245 and $45,885 respectively.
