The Provocative '25 Buick Envista; My weekend behind the Wheel. Buick is Back, Baby!

Behind the Wheel with Tony C. Lesesne

Yes indeed, Provocative is the word that came to mind when I laid eyes on the Buick Envista. Buick is for real. I’m soooo serious. I just spent an entire glorious weekend (and a good chunk of the week) tearing up the streets of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale in a ride that utterly shocked and delighted me. We're talking about the 2025 Buick Envista, and let me tell you, it hit me like a lightning bolt from the very start. No, seriously, I think I heard Zeus himself whisper, "Buick is bringing the smoke!"

My Sexy Weekend in the Buick Envista

Alright, let's just cut to the chase. My recent weekend (and extended week, because who could resist?) cruising through Miami and Ft. Lauderdale in the 2025 Buick Envista wasn't just a test drive; it was a full-blown romance. This compact SUV, defying all expectations, manages to be utterly, effortlessly sexy. Seriously, from the moment I first laid eyes on it glinting under the Florida sun, I felt an undeniable surge of "cover model" energy. Every time I walked up to it in a parking lot, I felt like a VIP, like I had just stepped out of a photoshoot. It generated a kind of sexy-swag that, I'm not going to lie, could be dangerous to anyone within eyesight – pure sexy by association.

For those of you who've followed my YouTube channel and blog, you know I'm not one to mince words. I've seen my fair share of rebrands, redesigns, and re-whatever-else-they-can-think-of-to-sell-us-cars. But this, my friends, this is different. This is a bold, courageous design that doesn't just challenge every competitor in the segment – it laughs in their face, winks, and then drives off into the sunset with a perfectly sculpted derriere.

Let's just get this out of the way: the 2025 Buick Envista is forty, athletic, yet classic, and it's all right. Forget everything you thought you knew about Buick. This isn't your grandma's plush, boat-like sedan (no offense, Grandma, your Park Avenue was a tank, but the Envista is a nimble fighter jet). This is a grander brand, a defiant statement, a full-on resurgence. Buick is not just back; they're bringing the party, and they're bringing the champagne.

The Exterior Sizzle: A Love Affair at First Sight

From the moment I laid eyes on the Envista, I was captivated. It's not just a car; it's a piece of art in motion. Flowing from front to back, Envista’s dramatic luxury crossover shape starts with signature LED daytime running lamps that peek out like mischievous eyes above its wide, low-mounted grille. And can we talk about that grille? It's not just a grille; it's a declaration. On the Avenir trim (which, let's be honest, radiates confidence with its exclusive Black Ice chrome grille and body-color lower front and rear fascias), it's like a perfectly tailored suit, a silent boast of sophisticated power.

Every single line, every meticulously crafted detail on this car screams "pre-thought with absolute intention." It’s as if a team of automotive poets and sculptors locked themselves in a room with copious amounts of espresso and wouldn't come out until they’d birthed something truly magnificent. This is an American car, and while it doesn't try to be Italian, it possesses a similar undeniable beauty.

And the angles! Oh, the angles! There's an angle and a belt line that moves from front to back with a lean, tilting forward to give it an almost dynamic, muscular, streamlined stance. It's like a sprinter coiled and ready to explode, even when it's just sitting pretty at a stoplight on Ocean Drive. Even the back, often an afterthought on so many vehicles, is thoughtfully executed. The taillights and the angles work in perfect harmony, creating a cohesive and appealing rear view.

But the absolute highlight? Without a shadow of a doubt, the front fascia. One look is all it took. It’s assertive, it’s modern, it’s undeniably Buick, and it’s a total head-turner. I had people stopping me in South Beach, asking, "What is that?" And then, when I told them it was a Buick, their jaws would drop. It was truly entertaining to witness.

Now, traditionally, SUVs with those sexy, sloping rear backlights are typically costly. Automakers usually charge a premium for that sportier appearance, making us pay extra for a little visual flair. But that, my friends, is not the case with the 2025 Buick Envista. This slick, subcompact, fastback SUV bravely replaces the somewhat potato-like (bless its heart) Buick Encore as the entry-level vehicle in Buick's lineup. And it's here to challenge the subcompact SUV titans like the Chevrolet Trax, the Mazda CX-30, and the Volkswagen Taos. What’s truly wild is that the Envista's design suggests it should cost more than any of them, yet it actually undercuts both the Mazda and VW. Talk about getting more bang for your buck – or in this case, more swagger for your sticker price.

The Interior Oasis: A Symphony of Comfort and Tech

Opening the door to the Envista is like stepping into a surprisingly serene oasis, especially after the delightful chaos of Miami traffic. While Envista’s flowing exterior is undeniably easy on the eyes, its calm interior is equally easy on the ears, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning with Active Noise Cancellation. This isn't just marketing fluff; it actually works. The hum of the city fades, replaced by a sense of peaceful quiet. It’s like a warm hug for your eardrums.

Inside, Buick has managed to pull off a minor miracle: they’ve created an affordable luxury crossover. Yes, some of the materials are plastic, but it’s tough, durable, and thoughtfully designed. The clever use of chrome touches and accents, alongside strategically placed black gloss, really sets off the interior, making it feel far more premium than its price tag suggests.

The extended infotainment screen and driver readout are nothing short of futuristic. They’re housed in a single, ultrawide 11-inch diagonal infotainment display that offers touch screen access to all your modern perks, including seamless wireless smartphone integration. And it's not just big; it's got an odd, unique angle that sets it apart. It’s a bold design choice that pays off, making the dashboard feel incredibly modern and intuitive.

I spent most of my time in the Sport Touring (ST) version, and let me tell you, those ST accents really elevate the aggressive yet sporty and classy demeanor of the car. The ST embroidered front-seat head restraints are a subtle but effective touch, hinting at the vehicle’s dynamic capabilities.

The center stack is functional and glossy, with a distinct silver knob. Don't let that knob fool you; it's not just for show. It’s a tactile, satisfying way to adjust your modes and speeds, keeping your eyes on the road and your focus on the drive. And the steering wheel? Sporty, trimmed in silver, and holy cow, functional! The flat-bottom design isn't just for show; it feels great in your hands and adds to that performance-inspired vibe. Plus, there’s even a heated version that comes standard on the Avenir and is available on the Preferred and Sport Touring trims – a nice touch for those chilly mornings (or when the AC in Miami is just a little too aggressive).

One of my absolute favorite features? The available moonroof. You’ll never miss a chance to let in the glorious South Florida sun with this bad boy. It floods the cabin with natural light, making the already roomy interior feel even more expansive.

And speaking of roominess, this is where the Envista truly surprised me. For a subcompact SUV with a sloping roofline, the cabin is surprisingly roomy for four, and that chic coupe-like roofline doesn't noticeably cut into rear-seat headroom. But the real shocker? There’s even room for three in the second row! I mean, it might be a cozy three, but it’s doable, which is holy moly a delightful surprise for this segment. The flat rear passenger floor also contributes significantly to the feeling of spaciousness and comfort for those in the back.

The interior materials, while not "luxury grade" in the vein of an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz (let's be realistic, it's not trying to be a direct competitor there), more than measure up when compared to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. In fact, the top-spec Avenir trim, with its fancier interior, genuinely rises to near the top of the class in terms of ambiance and overall feel.

Practicality is key in this segment, and the Envista delivers. It can haul a respectable 20 cubic feet of gear with the rear seats up, and that expands to a cavernous 42 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The cargo area is absolutely functional and extends twice as long when those second-row seats are dropped. Plus, the large liftback makes for incredibly easy loading and unloading – no more awkward maneuvers trying to stuff your groceries or beach gear in. Payload is rated at a healthy 1,088 pounds, which is more than enough for everyday adventures.

A sexy Head Turner; Who Me?

This isn't just hyperbole; the Envista actively proved its point, turning heads and sparking conversations wherever I went. Nope, It wasn;t me. Ok, it was from time to time, but it was mostly all about the Envista. The sleek, coupe-like silhouette, the confident stance, the way its lines just flow – it all screams allure. I didn't make the rules, so don't judge me, but a car's shape can absolutely be sexy, and the Envista has curves in all the right places, a lean forward that just begs to be noticed. It's a design that dares to be different, and that boldness, that unapologetic presence, is undeniably attractive.

The Drive: Poised, Purposeful, and Pleasantly Efficient

Okay, let's talk about the engine. All Envistas come with the same Lilliputian turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder that produces a mere 137 horsepower. Now, if you're a horsepower junkie, I can hear your groans from here. And yes, while its appearance promises speediness, its reality leans more toward lethargy if you're expecting neck-snapping acceleration. The Envista tips the scales at 3,137 pounds, and that tiny powerplant means it's a recipe for adequate acceleration to about 50 mph. It needed 9.3 seconds to hit 60 mph at the test track, but it reaches 50 mph in a more acceptable 6.7 seconds. After that, the turbocharged three-cylinder simply runs out of steam.

However, here’s the thing: the Envista’s vibe isn’t about speed or nipping apexes. Instead, it’s built for loping along comfortably and quietly. Acceleration feels perky enough for casual, around-town driving. Zipping through the bustling streets of Miami and cruising along Federal Highway in Ft. Lauderdale, I never felt wanting for power in urban settings. It’s when you step on the throttle hard to call up power for highway passing that the Envista feels a bit more lethargic. It takes a second or two for the turbocharger to spool up and push the Envista ahead in earnest, which feels to the driver like the engine is taking a slow, deep breath before moving ahead with any urgency. Just plan your overtakes accordingly, and you'll be golden.

The handling is confident and poised, with a well-controlled ride, precise steering, and a firm brake pedal. It’s built for the urban jungle, not the verdant one, as it only comes with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is not available). But for its intended purpose, it handles beautifully. The ST trim's firmer suspension and lighter weight contribute to a noticeably sportier driving experience without sacrificing comfort. It’s nimble, easy to maneuver through tight spaces, and a joy to pilot around town.

And let's not forget about fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the Envista should be good for 28 mpg city and a remarkable 32 mpg highway. On my 75-mph highway fuel economy test route (an integral part of our extensive testing regimen), the Envista delivered exactly on its 32-mpg promise. So, while it might not win any drag races, it will certainly win points at the pump, which is a major plus in today’s world.

A Day in the Life with the Envista

On a typical day with the Envista, my mornings started with a hefty workout at the gym. Getting there in style, pulling up and then walking up to the Envista in the parking lot, it just felt great. It's a car that makes you look good, even when you're just drenched in sweat. From there, it was off to the supermarket to grab goodies for the breakfast I was preparing for the family. Again, it stood out in the parking lot, sleek and sophisticated amongst the usual automotive suspects. The noon sun was perfect as I hit the streets, running errands and grabbing a whiff of the fresh ocean air nearby. The afternoon was all about the joy ride, feeling that acceleration that I hardly expected when I truly leaned into it – nice! And to cap it all off, I stacked the cargo space in the back with goods from the Home Depot. Yup, it was a great day, made even better by the sheer versatility and unexpected charm of the Envista.

Tech, Safety, and the Whole Shebang

The Envista’s tech suite is another strong selling point. As I mentioned, that dual-screen setup is a winner. The 8.0-inch unit for the SUV's gauge cluster and the second 11.0-inch one serving as a touchscreen infotainment interface are brilliantly integrated. There's also a separate panel for climate controls below a center-mounted dash vent, which I appreciate – sometimes, a physical button is just better. The Envista uses Buick's most up-to-date software, and it includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. What more could you ask for?

Safety is always a top priority, and the Envista luxury crossover comes standard with Buick Driver Confidence, a suite of six safety and driver-assistance technologies. This includes automatic high-beam headlamps and lane-keeping assist, both of which work seamlessly and unobtrusively. Envista also comes with additional features like Rear Park Assist, which was a lifesaver in some of those notoriously tight Miami parking spots, notifying you of nearby detected vehicles and objects when in reverse. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also on board, adding extra layers of peace of mind.

Call it sexy, but I call it good vives & swagger

And let's be real, anything near Miami with sun on the horizon, sand at your toes, and the fresh ocean air swirling around can get sexy real quick. Add a car that looks this good, feels this good, and commands this much attention? Well, let's just say the 2025 Buick Envista elevated the whole experience to a new level of light-hearted, innocent, and utterly entertaining charm. It was a weekend filled with good vibes, great drives, and a surprising amount of swagger, all thanks to this unexpected star.

The Verdict: A Knockout at an Unbeatable Price

So, what's the final word on the 2025 Buick Envista? It's a game-changer. Especially the Sport Touring (ST) trim, which I found to be the sweet spot. Starting at an incredible $25,300 (my configured ST was $25,795), you are getting a highly competitive crossover that can serve your needs with style, comfort, and surprisingly good fuel economy.

Standard features on the ST include the full Buick Driver Confidence suite, that ultrawide 11-inch diagonal infotainment screen, the 8-inch diagonal Driver Information Center, a flat-bottom wrapped steering wheel, ST embroidered front-seat head restraints, an exclusive Sport Touring grille, exclusive 18-inch high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels, LED-accented taillamps, gloss-black mirror caps, bodyside molding, front and rear lower fascias and accented appliques, remote commands, and Rear Park Assist. That's a lot of car for your money.

For under $30,000, you are getting a vehicle that not only looks like it should cost significantly more but also delivers a premium driving experience, a comfortable and quiet interior, and all the tech and safety features you could want. It's a compelling value proposition, one that's undeniably handsome and incredibly practical.

The 2025 Buick Envista is generally well-received for its stylish design, value, and comfortable interior. While the 3-cylinder engine is a bit small for some, it's praised for its fuel efficiency and adequate power for daily driving. The ST trim’s slightly firmer suspension and lighter weight contribute to its nimble handling and easy maneuverability.

Buick is not just bringing the smoke; they're bringing a full-blown firework display. The Envista is a courageous step forward, a clear indication that Buick is serious about its brand repositioning. It’s fresh, it’s bold, and it’s going to turn heads. Trust me on this one. If you’re in the market for a subcompact SUV, do yourself a favor and take the Envista for a spin. You might just be as delightfully surprised as I was. Buick is back, baby, and they’re here to stay.