
The 2026 Buick Envista stands out with a sleek, coupe-like profile that gives this subcompact SUV a sense of style you don’t often see at this price. Inside, there’s a good amount of tech to keep things modern, and its road manners will satisfy most drivers. It’s a good alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
The proven 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine returns as the only option in the 2026 Buick Envista. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it produces 136 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is also the only option across the lineup.
This setup is really tuned for smooth urban driving, not spirited acceleration. Even though the economy-level production is revealed on sharp turns, drivers will notice that the Envista feels composed on most surfaces. Compared to main rivals like the Mazda CX-30, the Envista prioritizes stability over agility, so it’s a good fit for commuters who want comfort.
Fuel economy improves slightly this year, now rated at 28 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 32 MPG highway. That’s an increase of about 1 MPG in both categories. These gains come from Buick’s compliance with updated federal efficiency standards, so while the powertrain remains unchanged, the Envista squeezes a little more out of every gallon without compromising its easygoing character.

Inside the 2026 Envista, Buick leans into its premium aspirations with some soft-touch materials and a clean, modern layout. The cabin seats five, and even though rear legroom doesn’t lead the class, passengers still get 38.7 inches of space. In other words, it’s adequate for short trips.
Cargo space measures 20.7 cu-ft behind the second row and expands to 42 cu-ft with all seats folded. If you’re on a long drive in the Envista, don’t worry. The seats provide decent support, and road noise is impressively quiet. Against competitors like the 2026 Chevrolet Trax, the Envista feels more upscale. That’s something we pointed out in our previous head-to-head comparison of the Envista and the Trax, too.
Tech is a strong point here. Every trim in the 2026 Buick Envista lineup includes an 11-inch infotainment screen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You don’t even get a screen that large on some base mid-size SUV models.
Higher trims add conveniences like a power liftgate and adaptive cruise control. Plus, highway driving and parking situations are easier with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, a rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. While the Hyundai Kona offers a slightly more advanced driver-assist suite, Buick’s system covers the essentials nicely.
The interface is intuitive, and physical knobs for both climate and audio controls keep usability simple. Drivers who prefer tactile feedback will appreciate that Buick didn’t go all-in on touch-sensitive panels.
The Envista’s pricing strategy is one of its strongest selling points. The lineup begins with the Preferred trim at $24,695, much lower than many starting MSRPs you’ll find these days. At the base level, buyers get an 11-inch infotainment display, wireless smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic climate control, and LED lighting.
Moving up, the Sport Touring trim gives buyers distinctive styling like gloss-black accents and a unique mesh grille, along with upgraded 18-inch wheels. It’s the most balanced choice for shoppers who want a little extra flair without stretching the budget too much.
At the top is the Avenir, elevating the passenger experience with leather seating, a heated steering wheel, and advanced driver-assistance features like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
Buick backs the Envista with a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Compared to rivals, the Envista undercuts both the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona on price and delivers a more premium feel than the Chevrolet Trax, making it a smart pick for buyers who want upscale touches without overspending.

Stylish and lots of value. That’s what the 2026 Buick Envista brings to the subcompact SUV segment. It doesn’t have the sporty handling or as many trims that some competitors have, but it nails comfort, usability, and affordability. For buyers who want a touch of refinement without breaking the bank, the Envista delivers exactly that.