When Buick first started delivering its Chinese-made Envision to Canadian consumers in April of 2016 it was nice, but arguably a bit dated.
As it was, the Jeasoo Kim-designed compact SUV had already been in production at SAIC GM’s Dong Yue Foundry in Yantai, Shandong for two years, and it never really broke much visual ground when new, so sales over the past three years in a highly competitive market segment that usually includes top-sellers from every luxury carmaker’s lineup, haven’t exactly been overwhelming, with the larger, pricier Enclave actually doing better and the smaller, entry-level Encore totally cleaning up.
One glance at the new 2021 Envision and no one should question whether sales will pick up or not, as this is one very attractive new compact luxury crossover, pulling some cues from the old Envision’s headlamps and taillights and its grille partially from the current model’s 2019 mid-cycle makeover as well as more recently updated Buick models, yet appearing to have much in common with today’s sharply creased new Cadillac XT crossover luxury SUV lineup.
So far 2021 Envision details are limited, Buick not even showing any interior photos, but we do know the old 197 horsepower naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder base engine will give way to a new standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, which was optional in the outgoing Envision and made 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Also changing is the current model’s six-speed automatic transmission, which will reportedly be replaced by a new advanced nine-speed automatic. Like the current Envision, the new one will likely come to Canada with standard all-wheel drive.
The outgoing Envision shares underpinnings with the second-generation Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, and therefore this new follow-up will probably get an update to the current fully independent front strut and four-link rear setup, one of the SUV’s most endearing attributes.
What’s more, the new Envision will ship with standard forward collision alert, autonomous emergency braking for both vehicles and pedestrians, plus lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, rear parking assist and more. Reportedly, much of the new Envision’s advanced driver assistive systems were developed at GM’s Canadian Technical Centre.
Options are said to include front parking assist, semi-autonomous parking assist, a 360-degree surround parking camera, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, a rearview mirror camera, plus more.
A 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display with an HD backup camera will be available, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility, while Buick will also make its top-tier Avenir trim available for the first time in the Envision.
The all-new 2021 Buick Envision will go on sale in early 2021, but we can expect more details in the coming months.
If you like the softer curves of the current 2020 Buick Envision design, and want to benefit from available discounts of this still current yet outgoing model, such as manufacturer rebates, financing and leasing offers and the savings that come from learning about otherwise hard to find dealer invoice pricing that could save you thousands, take note that one inexpensive CarCostCanada membership can provide you with all of the above and more, arming you with everything you need before even talking with someone at your local GM dealership.
Right now CarCostCanada is showing up to $1,000 in additional incentives for the 2020 Envision or 2020 Encore (the 2021 Encore can be had for zero-percent financing), while you can also receive up to $1,500 in incentives on a 2020 Enclave or 2020 Regal Sportback. Check out CarCostCanada to find out more.
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Buick