I thought Buick was dead, but the Envista gives other SUVs a serious run for their money

I didn’t think Buick was still in the business of making cars, but the oldest American automotive brand is still around with fewer than a handful of vehicles in its current lineup. That might sound ominous considering how other carmakers have such robust selections, but Buick could be on the comeback trail.

After driving the 2026 Buick Envista for a week, I think it could end up being the model that saves the company. That’s because this compact crossover SUV is full of surprises and hits the mark in several areas, including the attractive $31,855 as-tested cost for the Sport Touring FWD trim I specifically tested.

I truly didn’t have high expectations heading into it, which is why it’s so much more satisfying that it ended up impressing me in more ways than one.

Image 1 of 23

2026 Buick Envista: Specifications

2026 Buick Envista: Testing summary

One of the first things that struck me about the Buick Envista is the pep behind its drive. I didn’t expect it to feel as sporty as it did, but I’m equally enamored by the 28.4 mpg fuel economy I achieved over 216.1 miles of driving. That’s actually a smidge better than the 28.2 mpg I got from the comparably sized 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited I tested recently.

Even though it falls short of its EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined rating, it’s still respectable for an all-gas compact crossover. You’re paying less upfront by choosing the Envista over a hybrid, but volatile gas prices may change your mind. For example, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid I tested delivered a much higher 45 mpg average, though it carries a steeper $34,705 price tag.

2026 Buick Envista: What I Like

Slick, modern design

When I think of Buick, the last thing that comes to mind is a design that’s modern and sporty. I say this because of the ’80s and ’90s-era Buicks I remember seeing growing up, but times have certainly changed in a good way.

The Envista Sport Touring FWD has a modern aesthetic that rivals many other compact SUVs I’ve tested, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volvo EX30. But I will say that there’s an elegance and grace to the Envista’s design. Specifically, its low-profile silhouette combined with its gloss-black mesh grille and high-gloss black accents give it a sharp, contemporary edge that successfully sheds the stereotype of being a grandfather car.

Underrated engine performance

I certainly have to give this trim credit because I wasn’t prepared for the punchy power produced by its 1.2L turbo engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite its 137-hp rating, the Envista punches above its weight and easily ramps up to cruising speed. For a gas-powered vehicle, the Envista Sport Touring FWD delivers a fun drive with plenty of low-end torque without feeling like the engine is working overtime.

Surprisingly good highway fuel economy

Even though the Envista Sport Touring FWD fell short of its 30-mpg EPA-estimated combined rating, it performed significantly better on the highway. In one of my long-distance tests that clocked in at over 50 miles, I managed to average 35.4 mpg during that stretch — a result I wasn’t expecting from a non-hybrid vehicle.

Decent value

Cost is without a question one of the biggest factors for anyone looking to buy a new vehicle. Thankfully, the entry-level Envista Preferred FWD trim starts off at $26,495 — but it’s for a barebones model. I still would suggest looking at the Sport Touring because of the convenience features that come included with the model I tested, like heated seats, powered rear liftgate, moonroof, wireless charger, and adaptive cruise control.

2026 Buick Envista: What I Don't Like

Bland interior design

For as much attention as Buick paid to the exterior, I wish that same level of meticulous design were present in the cabin — but I find the interior a bit bland. While the leatherette seats feature pleasant contrast stitching and feel resistant to staining, the dashboard trim feels too sparse for my liking.

I’m also not a fan of the dated-looking infotainment software, which is as minimalist as they come. However, the saving grace is that I can instantly switch to Android Auto or CarPlay for a more modern experience.

Missing cup holders in the rear

Oddly enough, there are no cupholders whatsoever for the rear seats — so passengers will be forced to hold their drinks instead. Compounding the issue is the lack of extra storage throughout the interior. While there are small cubbies in the door panels, they lack the molded insets needed to secure a bottle or cup.

Limited headroom

Because the roofline tapers aggressively toward the rear, there’s a noticeable lack of headroom in the back of the Envista. This makes it a challenge for taller passengers to sit comfortably in the rear seats; however, for a compact crossover, I was impressed by the amount of legroom the back row still manages to offer.

2026 Buick Envista: Verdict

Again, I can’t overstate how surprising the Envista’s overall package is. While gas-powered cars are still in high demand, the 2026 Buick Envista is a rare breed in the automotive space: a budget-friendly crossover that doesn’t look like one.

In fact, it successfully sheds the reputation of being a grandfather car, though it’s not without its shortcomings. If you value style, modern safety tech, and peppy performance without a steep price tag, the Envista is an incredible option.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

• I'm not anxious that it's getting darker earlier with this thermal camera for my car — here's why
• I just test drove the new Nissan Leaf — and it's irresistible at under $30,000
• CrabWalking with the GMC Sierra EV is the weirdest thing I’ve ever done with a car — and it’s actually pretty useful