2017 Buick Envision Review: Curbed with Craig Cole

2017 Buick Envision Review: Crossovers… apparently, every inhabitant of planet earth and their deceased aunt Vivian wants to drive one. Responding to this unprecedented demand, automakers have been scrambling to get more car-based utilities into showrooms.
Unlike some of its rivals, Buick’s been a bit leisurely in offering a full range of these vehicles. Sure, their large Enclave has been around for nearly a decade and the petite Encore about four model years, but they really haven’t anything to span the chasm between these extremes.
This unfortunate situation changes for 2017 because at long last the tri-shield brand has an upscale, midrange model in its portfolio, the Envision. Based on its exterior styling, premium interior and name, this vehicle is poised to neatly bridge the gap in Buick’s portfolio, oh, and at least at first blush, give drivers something to seriously consider if they’re in the market for a premium crossover.
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[@kms250]

I've owned this vehicle (Premium II) for two weeks and I absolutely love it!. I haven't experienced any of the faults described in the video. I also own a 2017 Lincoln MKC and comparing the two the Envision is the better vehicle. In fact the Envision is the tightest vehicle I've ever owned, it's absolutely rock solid.

[@normt5463]

Christopher McGilton Our 2016 at over 2 years old is without a rattle. It is a quiet car and even quieter when on a smooth road it just glides. When kept at the speed limit on long drives over 30 mpg is obtainable while driving the speed limit.

[@noececiliano8394]

Hello! I am planning to buy this suv for my family would you still recommend it? It is a 2017 with 29kmiles.

[@venom5809]

That price is hilarious, it would be like McDonald's charging $12 for a Big Mac.

[@airminded8876]

It's getting close to that my friend.

[@theghostofyoutube8178]

venom5809 It's 12 down here in Manhattan btw

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

Yup, $50k for a made in China Buick. I'm glad Craig gave this thing the roasting it deserved.

[@jun2886]

In China, this costs exactly 50k which is way cheaper than other competitors, like X3/4, GLC and Q5.

[@normt5463]

These are 1/3rd off MSRP if you shop the internet and ship to your door. McD's have 33% off that you eat at often?

[@Tully3674]

$49K for a Chinese labor. I'm a Buick fan but I'd pass on this.

[@normt5463]

Coming on 12,000 miles on our 2016 Envision Premium ll with roof and Driver Confidence package like this one tested at $49,320. Best fuel economy is 32 mpg at 65 mph where the EPA says 26 mpg. Ours was used with 3,000 miles and CPO'ed for a grand total of $35,000. It has been perfect with good fit and finish and really good paint for a dark colored car. The feature content cannot be match for the used car price but new ones are $9,000-12,000 off MSRP when thr specials are on and far above what you'd find in an economy cuv like CX-5, Forester, RAV4, and CR-V.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Great review, only few reviewers have the balls to criticize a test car.

[@craigcole5497]

Thanks! It's never easy to do; A LOT of very talented people work VERY HARD developing even the worst of today's new vehicles. I always try to be fair with the cars and trucks I test and honest with our viewers/readers.

[@columbuscrewfan20]

Awesome reviews always enjoy watching them. Do more!

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Can a Ford Edge park itself? How about a Nissan Murano as mentioned? Do they have the space in the back seat and adjustable back support? How about rain detecting wipers? No? None of those things? For the same price? Not saying it a great car, but to say these two comparisons are the same is not accurate as far as those features go.

[@normt5463]

Sam S Yes, the Envision is a very good choice at its discounted price as the MSRP is high. We ❤love❤ our 2016 Prem ll.

[@Acc0rd79]

Looks decent, At least the American car industry is starting to make more stylish cars now a days. I'm sure a few of my up class elderly neighbors will be buying some of these in the future.

[@firefox39693]

i remember when he use to work for Wards Auto. He's good everywhere he is.

[@gsxellence]

Craig is funny and honest. Love him :)

[@nsu300zx]

Still rocking the Lumia I see.

[@normt5463]

Is that Nokia OS? :) Yeah, that old phone might be a problem with today's infortainment systems.

[@71vwdriver]

What confuses me is the styling. I thought Buick was ditching the old water fall grill and port holes. They are still on this brand new model? This is small but also the Buick badge. Thought they were going red white and blue?

[@shethjones4494]

badge is being changed as models are redesigned or refreshed- this model was on sale in China a year or 2 ahead of the US.

[@normt5463]

AustinsAutoReviews Welcome to 2019 model.

[@ldawson103]

That comparison of Michigans roads to Mosuls made me lol!

[@PremierAutoMan86]

Had one as a rental not a bad car, but GM is crazy selling this thing for $50k. This should max out at 40 fully loaded...but when you're importing from China hence ridiculous price for a simply average crossover

[@shethjones4494]

this isn't a CR-V competitor- hence the price and nicer interior. You wont find the rdx or Q5 or NX topping out at $40k either.

[@normt5463]

We paid $35,000 for this very model that retails for $49,320 with only 3,000 miles, or basically brand new. It is a very nice ride as we are close to 6,000 miles and seeing 24 mpg in mixed driving and over 30 mpg on the highway. At $35K this will smoke any econbox CR-V, Rav4, or CX-5 in just about every metric except for space and fuel economy. Plus it is very quick compared to those smaller engined cuvs.

[@aayonce4]

"...the darting into oncoming traffic..." us really hilarious and scary at the same time.

[@abrahamelias95]

I've noticed something thats actually ironic, this SUV is cheaper both in Mexico and in Canada than in USA. I am thinking it probably has to do with some kind of importation tax from Chine that Canada and Mexico dont have. Here on Mexico a model that is comparable to the fully loaded premium 2 is running for a MSRP of 37,000 dollars and thats with the dollar of today that is going down compared to when they first brought it, and on Canada it runs for about 39,000 us dollars. In my opinion for that price is a hell of a deal and probably thats why it was such a hit in China as well but i havent checked the price in there.

[@normt5463]

Abraham Elias Gutierrez In the U.S. the incentives run $10,000-15,000 off MSRP.

[@jayhiggins5239]

OK, the Ancient Ford Edge is better? Can't tell if that say's a lot about the Edge. No. Say's a lot about what the Buick lacks.

[@normt5463]

Jay Higgins This competes with the Lincoln MKC/Escape in overall size. The Edge/MKX/Nautilus is in a slightly larger segment.

[@6SpeedTA95]

Why is Craig only doing like one review per month? He's great and hilarious.

[@graham-jefferson]

I don't fully understand why being made in China is an awful thing? I think the stigma that anything and everything made in China is poorly made should be put to rest. It's not always true. That doesn't mean I like this car though. Hard pass based on the price alone.

[@Infelsinave]

people have instinctual problems with researching and making informed decisions... the preference of "alternative facts" is today's choice.

[@ronaldrippen979]

Agreed. The car is built from GM American specifications, not Chinese.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Yes, I just found out the suspension is Hyperstrut - not McPherson struts as in China. Most reviews say it handles fine, the only two I can find that it is "terrible" is this one and Consumer Reports. All the others say it is competitive. Wind noise on the other hand all complain about.

[@normt5463]

Sam S CR also tested the Envision in their Emergency Lane test at 55.5 mph or one thr fast compact SUV mph right with raised hatches like the Porsche Macan.

[@Dexion845]

That touch panel is a dealbreaker

[@nimab8935]

Craig the best!!

[@bigcrowfly]

A car with a non-functioning Bluetooth phone interface-FAIL. I have had seamless interfaces with $11k abused high mileage rental cars like the Nissan Versa and the Ford Fiesta, but it is defective on a brand new $50k car?

[@normt5463]

We have Android phones and have not had an issue with connecting.

[@davecai1164]

Buick version of Chevy equinox(Same platform), tried this back in China, impressive NVH and ride quality, in China, it price compete with CRV RAV4 level, dunno why it's even more pricey back to U.S

[@crb6717]

It's not the Equinox platform. The Envision is a one off design.

[@ryanlittleton5615]

@@crb6717 It is off the Equinox platform actually.

[@crb6717]

The new Equinox now uses the same platform as the Envision. At the time of my comment, the vehicles had different platforms.

[@ryanlittleton5615]

@@crb6717 Oh did it?

[@evangelinegkaldis1399]

I think it is great...your totally wrong..👌

[@bishopsworld]

So what it’s built in China

[@proboxpepper6752]

Lol iPhone, iPad almost everything from Apple is Made In China and people still buy them. Made In China is not the reason why you get poor quality product. Imaging giving a factory $50k to manufacture a certain product and giving another factory only $20k to do the same thing, both Chinese factories, which factory is going to manufacture the better overall product? The one who gets $50k right, it's the budget given by the big boss, in this case, Buick. So the conclusion is Made In China can be GOOD, it all depends on the budget. So you buy a Buick that's Made In China, you blame Chinese people instead of Buick? That's stupid.

[@proboxpepper6752]

I guess y'all hate Chrysler or FCA products right? Does that mean Made In USA is shit? No. It's the company, not the people. I know China is known for producing cheap and low quality shit but when it comes to these $$$ expensive things, China is not that bad.

[@normt5463]

Our 2016 Envision Prem ll is a good one!

[@ivanlowjones]

Craig Cole can't comprehend this car's cacophonous cabin. (The master of alliteration is on his game).

[@watchfreeshits]

Jesus F christ what's wrong with an estate!

[@shethjones4494]

Faiz Wiralaga regal gains a wagon for 2018

[@BTC909]

This is actually it's second model year. Now you can get a 197HP engine for only 34K to start. I'm going to lean towards a no.

[@normt5463]

If you shop the web these are $10,000 MSRP, brand new. For $24K it wipes the floor with everything in that price range.

[@crb6717]

Base engine is terrible. Premium I can be had for $12k off MSRP.

[@edgarcastillo1238]

GM would have stayed with Saab instead of Buick ...

[@mehmeh4306]

You

[@normt5463]

I have owned a couple of Saab 9-5's and the new Buick's are much better.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Saab, selling 120,000 in the USA and no cars in China when discontinued. Buick, selling nearly 1,000,000 a year in China and 200,000 in the USA - really a no brainer for GM on which one to keep.

[@shopwithaaron]

Great review of a so-so car.

[@palebeachbum]

The Envision seems very appealing on the surface, but knowing it's an Chinese designed vehicle, built in China for the Chinese market and sent over here, I'll pass. For the money there are MUCH better CUVs on the market. Time will tell. Owners are already complaining about terrible seats and ride, fussy electronics that don't work right, and start-stop technology that is a real annoyance and even dangerous, some owners claim.

[@normt5463]

palebeachbum Now that the discounts are rolling in $10,000-15,000 off higher trim models is possible. A 2018 Envision Prem l can be had for $30-32K, or the same as a CR-V EX. The Envision has real leather that is both heated and cooled and a heated steering. Hands free lift gate and rear cross traffic alert along with tri-zone climate control. Most of that is not even offered on a Honda at $30K.

[@davidmackenzie5403]

What an Amateur Review

[@srtxxx4661]

50 grand ??? LOL come on Buick and from China ! This is a piece of CRAP !!!!!

[@drinkingthatkool-aid3193]

Mark Mustacci But people have no problem paying $50k for a Q5, GLE or other luxury midsize SUV...

[@shethjones4494]

Mark Mustacci insightful comment

[@markus11chung]

... because those are actually well-engineered vehicles.

[@drinkingthatkool-aid3193]

Marcus C But they don't have basic luxuries like a backup camera where they charge extra for it lol

[@shethjones4494]

based on what data? How do you know this vehicle is not?

[@infidel24]

Our neighbor just bought one in the same silver color. Looks very nice but to me being made in China is a major pass for an automobile.

[@lounge2fly2]

don198769 are you commenting on this from a Chinese made phone?

[@infidel24]

lounge2fly2 Read my comment again please, specifically state that being an automobile made in China makes it a pass!

[@shethjones4494]

lounge2fly2 apparently people will buy car from Mexico, Korea, germany, japan, Poland, etc but they are outraged by a car from China

[@infidel24]

Sheth Jones Have you ever seen the quality of cars that are built in China? They are about where Hyundai was 15 years ago. It's like the difference between vw's made in Germany as opposed to vw's made in the United States. The quality isn't even close! People need to be more knowledgeable when it comes to vehicle's in my opinion.

[@shethjones4494]

I'm quite knowledgeable. The car was designed in the US for Chinese and American consumption. It's a GM vehicle, not something designed by some low end Chinese startup. Cars are produced all over the world these days- what matters is the engineering and the factory's QC capability.

[@Justacogg]

I would never pay anything close to what they're asking for a Chinese import! This is the beginning of the end of General Motors and they're too stupid to notice !

[@marklingling]

Ha, yes, please NEVER buy anything from China, the products low class American can actually afford.And NEVER ask China market to save your little historical Buick brand. And it's just so sad to see my favorite channel criticizing a car because where it made from.

[@swanblake]

it had potential but GM is clueless with pricing and design. Transmission is old and slow.

[@mountainhobo]

DOA

[@mfmf100]

This is a car people who don't research their major purchases.

[@2005jgkay]

GM junk... buy a Lexus

[@normt5463]

This actually a better deal than the NX 200t as just picked up a 2016 Envision Prem ll just like this one for $35,000 with only 3,000 miles. Not bad for $14,000 dollar discount? You cannot buy a fully loaded NX for that much.

[@tyjohn2378]

That why I bought Japanese car made in USA, more reliable cars and created job here

[@normt5463]

Ty John As you type away on your China made keyboard.

[@importcarenthusiast]

I prefer to call it the Assvision lol

[@hkm_865]

Crossovers: they suck

[@coureurdebois]

sick of cross overs

[@ThePrinceRamin]

this guy always got bad jokes... definitely knows how to ruin a good show!