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2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review

by Mark | Nov 13, 2024 | 0 comments

Cue the road trip for 578 miles on a tankful in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

A dark bronze colored Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy with black wheels.

The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is sold in three trim levels in front- or all-wheel drive. Starting prices range from around $40,000 to $50,000. (Photography courtesy of Hyundai USA and as credited.)

Jump To Special Features

Commando-Ready Stance
7 Special Features
2025 Santa Fe Pricing
Safety Features
2 Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Interior Comfort and Conveniences
Ride and Handling
Santa Fe Recalls
Why Buy the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

If the devil is in the details, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a mileage leader on a crusade for long-term ownership. The dramatically restyled Santa Fe is packed with innovations and smart conveniences. Now, cue the road trip for 578 miles on a tankful — with no stops to recharge.

Redesigned for 2024, the Santa Fe was given a thorough shakeout for a determined way forward. This midsize family-class SUV crossover is built on a longer wheelbase to add a third row of seats. The body is just 1.8 inches longer but the same width as before (74.8 inches).

Of special interest is increased cargo capacity. The roof was raised by 2.4 inches, providing a vertical space of 69.7 inches. Hyundai says the reconfigured space can fit three road bikes with the front wheels removed. The cargo entry is wider, too, now at 4 feet. For campers, there is wide space to roll out a sleeping bag. Large dog crates can be strapped down behind the second row, and there is a rear fan speed control.

The interior is sleek and refined with subtle “H” accents among meticulous fit and finish of trim materials. The modern cabin also was updated with more premium features. Among the additions are relaxation seats with leg rests, a UV-C sterilization compartment, and dual charging pads. Upper trim levels have a 2-foot-wide curved panoramic infotainment display.

Also new for 2024 was the choice of front-wheel drive.

A broad view of the Calligraphy front seats and instrument panel

The Calligraphy cabin is well-dressed with Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery.

Commando-Ready Stance

Developed under the “Open for More” concept, the Santa Fe is city-friendly but adventure-ready, Hyundai says. The styling intends to connect “urban customer activities with natural environments.”

Boldly blunt exterior styling has an industrial tech design ethos, providing a photo-op for several passersby. Oversized and squared-off wheel arches give a fist punch of ruggedness. A second tier of gloss black plastic is form-fitted to the arch undersides, connecting with a wide margin to span the lower body. The treatment diminishes the perception of bulk and heaviness. Black wheels add to a stance of invincibility for a stance that looks commando-ready.

There are many three-row Santa Fe competitors, including the GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and VW Atlas. However, there are just two other non-luxury SUV crossovers that offer a gasoline-electric powertrain: the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Mazda CX-90.

Looking into the front seats from the passenger door

The passenger seat is 6-way adjustable with the relaxation leg rest.

7 Special Features

UV-C sanitizer compartment. A light in the wide and narrow compartment claims to sanitize such items as a phone, a face mask, or a baby’s pacifier. This unusual feature is pandemic-ready;

With its origins in the pandemic, the sanitizing compartment can be used for such items as a phone, a face mask, or a baby’s pacifier.

The UV sanitizing compartment.

Relaxation seats. Power leg rests on both front seats raise “to optimize body pressure distribution for a feeling of weightlessness,” Hyundai says;

Dual pad wireless phone charging. It is open and accessible on the front center console with three more USB charge ports;

Dual charging pads on the wide center console.

Dual charging pads with an e-bin of charge ports.

Power fold and dive second-row captain’s chairs that recline and have seat-bottom tilt;

Exterior C-pillar assist handle. The lockable grab handle above the rear tire gives a hand up to load things on the roof rails;

Bi-directional front center console lid opens at the front or rear for 2nd row passenger access. A deep drawer on the back side gives storage.

Hyundai Pay for in-vehicle e-commerce purchases. Drivers can now pay for parking, charging, and fuel on the app screen. More than 5,800 filling stations are available, Hyundai says.

A partially raised leg rest of the driver's relaxation seat

“Relaxation” driver and passenger seats are elevated leg rests.

Hyundai Santa Fe Blood Line

Now in its fifth generation, the first Santa Fe had its U.S. debut for the 2001 model year. It would become Hyundai’s top-selling model for many years, with updates every four to five years.

Hyundai’s most recent full redesign of the Santa Fe was in 2019. It adopted a bolder design language and new safety, comfort, and convenience technologies. More cabin storage space was added, and driver sightlines were improved. With the larger Palisade SUV on the way, the Santa Fe Sport name was dropped.

Hyundai added more features for the 2020 Santa Fe. Among the upgrades were the safety features of a rear occupant alert and blind view monitor. Wireless device charging was made standard on more trims.

In just its third year on sale, Hyundai gave a major refresh design to the 2021 Santa Fe SUV. A new hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive was the first application in the Hyundai SUV lineup. Santa Fe went upscale with the new Calligraphy trim. A Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid would debut later in 2021.

The 2022 Santa Fe was a carryover, except for a new outdoor lifestyle XRT trim. It has a dark tone treatment of lower fascias, skid plates, 18-inch all-terrain tires, side steps, and roof cross rails.

No changes were made for the 2023 Santa Fe as the radically restyled 2024 model was on the way.

As a redesigned model for 2024, there is just one change for model year 2025: Atlantis Blue paint, no cost.

A rear mugshot of the Santa Fe showing the H style rear lights

H marks the spots in Hyundai’s design “language.”

2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Pricing

Hyundai’s 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is sold in three trim levels. All manufacturer suggested retail pricing includes the $1,415 freight charge from Ulsan, Korea. HTRAC AWD adds $1,800.

Santa Fe Hybrid SEL FWD $39,085; SEL Hybrid AWD $40,415;
Santa Fe Hybrid Limited FWD $45,515; Limited Hybrid AWD $47,315;
Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy FWD $48,665; Hybrid Calligraphy AWD $50,465.

The 2025 Calligraphy Hybrid AWD tester came to $50,675 with one option for carpeted floormats ($210).

A Santa Fe plug-in hybrid was available in 2022 and 2023, but a 2024-25 PHEV has yet to be offered. And Hyundai says, “We have nothing to announce about a future plug-in.” But just wait.

The lighted front grille with more H themes.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe ICE Pricing

Hyundai offers gas powered Santa Fe models in four front-wheel drive trim levels and five trims with AWD. The Santa Fe ICE has a 277-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed wet dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

Santa Fe ICE front-wheel-drive starting prices range from $35,615 to $48,165. AWD Santa Fe models range in price from $37,415 to $49,965. Santa Fe internal combustion models are produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.

Depending on the trim level, the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid has a choice of eight to 11 colors. The Limited and Calligraphy are available in 11 hues, four of which are added cost. Serenity White and Ultimate Red are $470 each; Earthy Brass Matte and Ecotronic Gray Matte are $1,000 each.

Check current Hyundai Santa Fe pricing here.

At publication, Hyundai offered 4.49 percent financing for up to 60 months (to well-qualified buyers). Or a $500 Dealer Choice Bonus Cash was available on new 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy purchases.

Find Hyundai’s special offers here.

Get a leg up with the lockable grab handle above the rear tire.

Santa Fe Safety Systems

Even the entry Santa Fe has the essential safety features and technologies. All models have nine air bags and hefty four-wheel-disc brakes with 12.8-inch front rotors and solid 12.8-inch rotors rear.

Standard safety technologies include:

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning;
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist;
Park Distance Warning, Forward and Reverse;
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection;
Lane Keeping Assist;
Lane Following Assist;

Trim levels from the SRT and upward include semi-autonomous, hands-on-the-wheel driving assist, known as HDA1. The Calligraphy trims pack the top Highway Driving Assist 2. HDA2 includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, leading-vehicle distance, and a lane-centering assistance system. The HDA2 brains also have lane-change assistance and machine learning capability. I am not keen on lane-change assistance, which initiates a lane change when the turn signal is used. And I’ve never experienced machine learning that was better than my human learning.

The improved hybrid powertrain has front-drive mileage estimates of 36/35/36 mpg and 35/34/34 mpg AWD. (Mark Maynard photo)

2 Powertrains and Fuel Economy

As before, the new Santa Fe has two turbocharged four-cylinder engines for front- or all-wheel drive. Gas-powered models have a 277-horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injected engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Hybrids have a 1.6-liter direct-injected engine with a six-speed automatic. The 178-hp Smartstream 1.6-liter has 195 foot-pounds of torque from 1,500-4,500 rpm. A permanent magnet synchronous motor of 44.2 kW adds an estimated 60 hp from 1,600-2,100 rpm. The lithium-ion hybrid traction battery of 1.49 kWh has a max of 270 volts.

Total combined hybrid power is 231 hp (gas engine and electric motor), with a total combined torque of 271 lb.-ft. from 1,000-4,100 rpm.

The 2024-25 Santa Fe Hybrid uses an improved powertrain from the 2021 redesign. There is a “new cooling design and a high-efficiency permanent magnet to improve the performance of the hybrid starter generator.” Shift-regen paddles at the steering wheel can adjust brake-force energy recuperation. In Sport mode, the electronic paddles revert to manual shifts.

Fill the 17.7-gallon tank for 578 miles of road trip cruising.

Fuel Economy

Curb weights for the 2024-25 Santa Fe are up by 371 pounds with AWD. Gas-powered models have curb weights of 4,343 pounds for front-wheel drive and 4,486 pounds for AWD. Hybrids have curb weights of 4,431/4,575 pounds FWD/AWD. Also, in 2024, the 17.7-gallon fuel tank will be the same for gas or hybrid models.

The heavier model challenged fuel economy ratings. The 2025 gas-powered, front-drive Santa Fe has fuel economy ratings of 20/29/24 mpg city/highway/combined. (That compares to 22/28/25 mpg in 2023.) AWD models have mileage ratings of 20/28/23 mpg, compared to 21/28/24 mpg for 2023.

The Santa Fe Hybrid is the mileage all-star. FWD models have mileage estimates of 36/35/36 mpg, and AWD models return mileage of 35/34/34 mpg. The 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid AWD has mileage ratings of 33/30/32 mpg.

All Santa Fe models use 87-octane fuel. Fill the 17.7-gallon tank for about 578 miles of range.

Even with the new square-jaw mug, the new Santa Fe has sleeker aerodynamics for a 0.294 drag coefficient vs. 0.33 cd in previous hybrid models. Active air flaps in the grille close for aerodynamics or open for engine cooling.

A view of the front 20 inch tire and black wheel. The tire is 10 inches wide!~

Santa Fe Hybrid models have 20-inch all-season tires with a 10-inch wide footprint.

Hybrid Performance

There is enough fuel-saving functionality in Hyundai’s hybrid system to dissuade some buyers from the added cost of a plug-in system.

Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid system will operate between the engine and the electric motor or both at the same time. The high-voltage hybrid battery drives the motor and air conditioner. The hybrid battery with the 12-volt battery (under the cargo floor) operate the ignition, lights, wipers, and audio system.

I drove with normal acceleration force, always in Eco mode, and at highway speeds of 68 to 70 mph. I did not baby the system to coax miles. The standard Eco mode performance was potent when needed and was always responsive to light pedal inputs. Sport mode gave abrupt force that seemed unnecessary in daily driving.

In-town or creeping along on the commute allows a significant range on battery power. When the test vehicle was delivered from Los Angeles, it had an average mpg readout of 28.2. After a few days of in-town driving, the average progressed to 29 mpg. After two 80-mile interstate runs, the average mpg rose to 30.7. And I might have been able to push it higher had I not had to turn in the vehicle.

Calibrations for semi-autonomous driving provide consistent monitoring without sensitivity to blasting alerts. Lane centering is exact, keeping the Santa Fe between the white lines and never veered wide in my experience.

Interior Comfort and Conveniences

Major improvements to the fifth-generation Santa Fe are in seat comfort, suspension response, and soundproofing.

Front headroom is tall at 40.2 inches or 41.1 without the sunroof, and legroom is very long at 44.4 inches. A tall shoulder line at the sides creates the impression of a closed cabin. Sightlines, however, are quite functional. Side mirrors are offset from the body and a small triangle corner glass gives helpful snippets of cornering views.

The more I drove, the more comfortable I became with the side views. And when parking or backing, the 360-degree camera gives an overhead view. The turning circle is tight at 37.9 feet, especially for a vehicle that is nearly 16 feet long. I could make a U-turn on my residential street without fear of scraping the right front wheel. (A tight turning circle is a high priority in any vehicle I buy. I abhor making three- or four-point turnarounds.)

An impressive curved panoramic display links two 12.3-inch screens. One display gives driver info, speed, and mileage. The other screen groups navigation displays and connections for phones, music, and apps. Climate controls are just below on a 6.6-inch screen.

Entry to the Santa Fe is a comfortable step-in height. And the gorgeous Calligraphy seats provide full-body support without unnecessary bolstering to complicate entry and exit. The driver seat is eight-way power adjustable, with lumbar. The front passenger seat has six-way power adjustment. “Relaxation” driver and passenger seats, standard on Calligraphy, are a power-raised leg rest that might seem unnecessary until experienced. It adds thigh support, and the elevated rest is relaxing on a long drive.

Power folding second-row captain’s chairs have seatback recline and seat-bottom tilt.

EV Trickle-Down Design

Santa Fe’s interior spaciousness is influenced by electric vehicle cabins. For example, the center “bridge” style console has a large open space below.

The cabin design treatment is lean and light in coloration with creative metallic trim and etching treatments. There is no faux wood here. A bead of ambient lighting is masterfully integrated along the lower instrument panel. The bead kicks up at the ends to bracket the panel with more “H” elements.

A Hyundai design genius instituted the dual phone charging pads on the broad center console. The space also integrates three USB charge ports.

The third row has the uncommon feature of AC fan controls with a side vent.

2nd and 3rd Row Seats

Captain’s chairs in the six-seat Calligraphy are heated and power-adjustable, including seat bottom tilt. It’s a useful function to help long legs find a comfort spot. B-pillar vents — not common to all SUVs — are helpful for air flow to those sensitive to motion.

The third row might be short on legroom (30 inches), but it is no penalty box. Passengers in the two-seat space can access rear AC fan controls with a special side vent, a charging USB, and a 115-volt, 150-watt household outlet. Side armrests have multi-use square cupholders that will fit a mug or a box of French fries.

The Santa Fe cargo area with both rows folded for about 6 ¾ feet in length

Fold both rows for about 6 ¾ feet in length.

Liftgate entry is now 50.2 inches wide, or 5.7 inches wider than before. Fold both rows of seats for about 6.75 feet long with a 32-inch entry height. In seven-passenger configurations, the contiguous flat space could be used for sleeping.

Fold the third row for flat and square space of 40.5 cubic feet (stacked to the headliner).

However, the dang power liftgate opens when walking slowly behind the vehicle. Once it begins opening, you’ll have to wait until it opens far enough to hit the close switch. Oddly, the liftgate can be opened, but the system does not unlock the side doors at the same time.

Rear AC fan controls in the third row area.

Rear AC controls are a smart and uncommon addition for humans or pet transport.

Hybrid’s Ride and Handling

Santa Fe Calligraphy models are attractively dressed in 20- or 21-inch tires. Gas models roll with 21-inch 245/45 tires. Hyundai says hybrids are on 20-inch 255/45 tires for efficiency.

Pirelli Scorpion touring tires on the tester have a substantial footprint of just over 10 inches wide. Powering hot into an exit loop can bring a smile when the driver might be expecting lean and heave. The Hybrid tracked confidently through the turn.

The tires are “electric vehicle tuned” and designed for “Severe Snow Service.” Replacements will run around $400 per tire, not including stems, installation, etc. The good, however, is that the tires have a treadwear rating of 500 and a warranty of 50,000 miles. However, the tires’ tough formulation for extended range is not hard or harsh on the Santa Fe Hybrid.

Combined with Hyundai’s E-Ride suspension, the Santa Fe Hybrid has a carpet-comfortable ride. Struts and shock absorbers electronically adjust damping to the vehicle’s pitch and angle. The immediate action soften impacts and provides support in cornering. E-Ride is less complex than an air suspension and gives more consistent damping and control.

"Chauffeur" seat control on the front passenger seatback.

Helpful back seat features include bag hooks, “chauffeur” seat controls, and seatback USB ports.

Observations and Considerations

Unnecessary cost items:

Carpeted floor mats $210;
Roller cargo cover $190;
Roof rack cross bars $349. Hyundai provides standard roof side rails but leaves the owner to pay for cross bars. Not all owners plan to use the rails and crossbars, which generate wind noise in the cabin. But for a $50,000 vehicle, shouldn’t cross bars, floor mats, and a roller cover be included?

For the $50K Calligraphy, there should also be door lock-unlock sensors on the rear side doors.

Santa Fe NHTSA Recalls

Thousands of Hyundai owners registered complaints about excessive oil consumption in the 2.5 L Theta and Gamma engine families. Those years cover at least from 2015 to 2023 in various models, including Santa Fe. However, thousands of owners had no engine issues.

According to Miles Johnson, senior product relations manager, Hyundai had an entire team working on the Theta II engine issues. One remedy was to offer new engines to some owners. However, he said there was a “bandwagon effect” of people trying to get new engines. There were instances of abuse, such as engine oil that had not been changed in 30,000 miles.

The second-generation Theta II and Gamma II engines have been updated to their third generation, III.

The root cause of the engine problem, he said, was determined to be “flash” in the manifold during production, which been corrected. Santa Fe online forums also cite valve ports that were not drilled out all the way. Follow up at SantaFeForums.

Fortunately, Johnson said, “We haven’t seen anything [problems] on the new Santa Fe. Theta II issues are behind us, but that’s not to say that there aren’t some out there that need to be replaced,” Johnson said.

Bag hooks on the front seatbacks.

2024 Santa Fe Recalls

There are two recalls (so far) for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.

No. 1: Air bag deployment issues. Hyundai has recalled 49,719 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid SUVs due to potential air-bag issues. The main floor wiring harness might be damaged, causing the air bags to deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy in a crash. Owner notification letters were mailed Aug. 22, 2024. Dealers will inspect and repair the wiring harness for free.

No. 2: Transmission control unit software error. A software error in the transmission control unit may cause the vehicle to roll away when in Park.

To check if your vehicle has outstanding recalls, use the VIN search at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

A rear three-quarter view of a bronze colored Calligraphy

Redesigned for 2024, Santa Fe has just one update for 2025: no-cost Atlantis Blue paint.

Why Buy the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?

Styling, interior refinement, and fuel economy will be the big sellers for the Santa Fe Hybrid. The price difference between gas and hybrid models is less than $1,000. The eye-opening hybrid difference in fuel economy is 13 mpg more than ICE.

With care and regular maintenance, the Santa Fe Hybrid could outlive its factory warranties.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Specifications

Body style: midsize 3-row SUV with seats for 6 or 7; unibody construction
of high-strength steel (primary)

Engine: 178-hp Smartstream 1.6-liter turbocharged and direct-injected DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder; 195 lb.-ft. torque from 1,500-4,500 rpm

Motor: Permanent magnet synchronous; 44.2 kW (est. 60 hp) from 1,600-2,100 rpm

Total combined power: 231 hp (gas engine and electric motor)

Total combined torque: 271 lb.-ft. from 1,000-4,100 rpm

Battery: 1.49 kWh lithium-ion; 270 volts, max;

Transmission: 6-speed automatic; shift by wire with manual shift paddles; manually selected downhill brake control

Fuel economy: FWD, 36/35/36 mpg city/hwy/combined; 35/34/34 AWD; 87 octane recommended

BY THE NUMBERS

Maximum trailer weight: 2,000 pounds w/trailer brakes; 1,650 lbs. w/o trailer brakes

Fuel tank: 17.7 gallons (hybrid or ICE)

Cargo space: 14.6 to 40.5 cubic feet behind third/second rows

Front head/leg room: 40.2*/44.4 inches *41.1 w/o sunroof;

2nd-row head/leg room: 39.6*/41.5** inches *40.6 w/o sunroof ** 42.3 for ICE

3rd-row head/leg room: 37.7/30 inches

Shoulder/hip room: front, 59.5/56.5 inches

Length/wheelbase: 190.2/110.8 inches

Width/height: 74.8/67.7* inches, *69.7 with roof side rails

Curb weight FWD/AWD: 4,431/4,575 pounds

Turning circle: 37.9 feet

Coefficient of drag: 0.294 cd

FEATURES

Calligraphy standard equipment includes: Digital key and push-button ignition, Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, 8-way power driver seat with 4-way power lumbar and memory presets, driver relaxation seat, 6-way power passenger seat, EcoSuede headliner, head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch navigation-audio-infotainment systems, surround-view monitor, UV-C sanitizer compartment, Bluelink all-inclusive connected services (with enrollment), Bluelink map and multimedia over-the-air updates, satellite radio 90-day subscription, digital rearview mirror, Bose premium audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, interior ambient lighting (64 colors), dual wireless phone charger, high-power USB charging ports 2 front, 2 second row), 3rd row USB charging ports, in all three rows, electric parking brake with auto vehicle hold, heated steering wheel, heated front and second-row seats, ventilated front seats, 50/50 split-folding third row;

Exterior features: dual-pane sunroof, 20-inch Calligraphy-exclusive wheels, LED headlights-taillights-running lights, power-folding side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, roof side rails, power liftgate with extra-wide opening

Safety features include: 9 air bags, hill-start assist, electric parking brake with auto vehicle hold; electric stability and traction controls with brake assist.

CALLIGRAPHY SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

BCW: Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning;
BCA: Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist;
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse;
PDW: F/R: Park Distance Warning – Forward / Reverse;
PDW: F/S/R: Park Distance Warning – Forward / Side / Reverse;
RSPA: Remote Smart Parking Assist Entry / Fore and Aft;
Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (with ultrasonic sensor and Bluelink integration);
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection;
Lane Keeping Assist;
Driver Attention Warning;
Safe Exit Assist;
Highway Driving Assist 2;
Lane Following Assist.

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel disc; vented 12.8-inch rotors front; 12.8-inch solid rotors rear; with 4-channel 4-sensor ABS with electronic brake-force distribution

Steering: Motor driven rack-and-pinion power steering; column mounted; 37.9-foot turning circle

Tires-wheels: Hybrid Calligraphy Pirelli Scorpion MS 255/45 20-inch; tire-repair kit

Suspension: front, MacPherson struts with coil springs, stabilizer bar, and gas-pressurized shock absorbers, with advanced valving; Rear, multi-link Independent with separated springs and gas-pressurized shock absorbers, advanced valving.

PRICING

Hybrid Calligraphy base price: $50,465, including $1,415 freight charge; price as tested $50,675.

Options on test vehicle: Carpeted floor mats $210

Where assembled: Ulsan, Korea

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles free scheduled maintenance; 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper; 5-years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance; 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain; 10-years/100,000-miles hybrid system components.

Buick Envista Avenir Review

by Mark | Sep 17, 2024 | 0 comments

The 2024 Buick Envista is a new Buick nameplate and a comfortable fit as a subcompact-plus small SUV

A Frost White Buick Envista Avenir parked at a boat launch along San Diego's Mission Bay with a small sailboat with a red and range sail in the background

This new-for-2024 Envista “sport coupe crossover” is the smallest Buick and the first Buick to adopt the brand’s new design language. Starting prices range from about $25,000 to $30,000. (Photography by Mark Maynard)

Jump To Special Features

2024 Buick Envista Pricing
Safety Features
Interior Function
Powertrain and Performance
Ride and Handling
Observations and Considerations
Why Buy the 2024 Buick Envista?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Buick Envista tooling past me on the highway was a glint of whoa-what-is-that? Its fastback shape looked European. It looked aspirational. It looked expensive. I changed lanes for a better look. Why do I not know this car, looking so smart in its pearlescent metallic white?

This new-for-2024 Envista “sport coupe crossover” is the smallest Buick and the first Buick to adopt the brand’s new design language. It carries over some styling elements of the compelling Wildcat EV concept.

Buick’s sex-jet Wildcat EV concept.

The 2024 Envista is a new Buick nameplate and a comfortable fit as a subcompact-plus small SUV. It is a corporate GM platform partner with the Chevrolet Trailblazer. However, the big separator of these GM SUVs is Envista’s distinctive styling and Buick’s more premium interior treatment.

Competing five-seat subcompact SUVs include the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and Volkswagen Taos. While most competitors have a powertrain option for all-wheel-drive, the Envista is strictly front-wheel drive. However, Buick’s other subcompact SUV, the Buick Encore GX, does have an AWD option.

Buick has structured an E nameplate series: Envista, Encore, Envision (a compact-class SUV), and Enclave (3-row, V6-powered SUV).

There is simple, no-stress access to getting comfortable behind the wheel.

2024 Buick Envista Pricing

The Buick Envista is available in three trim levels, all front-wheel drive. All trims have a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Also standard for all trims is a single-panel digital display that combines an 8-inch screen for driver instruments and an 11-inch infotainment screen. Below is the price walk:

Preferred, $24,590. Standard features include black leatherette upholstery, 17-inch silver painted wheels, and 3 years of OnStar Remote Access.

Sport Touring, $25,690. Standard features include black leatherette upholstery with Santorini Blue stitching and ST embossed headrests, 18-inch black-painted wheels, a wrapped steering wheel, gloss black side mirrors, and body-side trim moldings.

Avenir, $29,695. Standard features include perforated leather-trimmed upholstery (in black with terracotta stitching or gray with Whisper Beige stitching), and 19-inch pearl nickel alloy wheels.

Retail manufacturer pricing includes the $1,095 freight charge from Bupyeong, Korea.

There is a choice of eight Envista paint colors, but only Summit White is a no-cost color; six hues are a $495 option. White Frost Tricoat is $1,095 but $600 for Avenir.

Today’s 2024 Envista Avenir is $31,090 with the advanced safety package, $795, and White Frost Tintcoat, $600. The advanced safety package is worthwhile for its upgrades of:

Adaptive cruise control;
Rear cross-traffic alert;
Lane-change alert with side blind zone alert;
Power, heated side mirrors with turn signals;
Rain sensing intermittent wipers.

Check current Buick special offers here. At publication, there was an ultra-low-mileage lease for the base Preferred trim level. The 2-year/20,000-mile lease is $219 monthly, with $3,439 due at signing.

The Envista's flat-bottom steering wheel provides thigh room for large drivers.

A flat-bottom steering wheel provides thigh room for large drivers.

Safety Features and Technologies

Envista safety features include six air bags (with Passenger Sensing System that automatically switches on or off the front passenger seat when no occupant is seated), front seat knee bolsters, StabiliTrak electronic stability and traction control, and hill start assist.

Safety technologies include the standard Buick Driver Confidence package of:

Automatic Emergency Braking;
Front Pedestrian Braking;
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning;
Forward Collision Alert;
Following Distance Indicator
IntelliBeam auto high-beam assist.

The Avenir advanced safety package, $795, adds driver assistance technologies for lane change alert with side blind zone alert, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.

A cropped image showing LED headlights and amber LED running lights

Envista has LED exterior lighting, including those amber running lights. Headlights are below.

Interior Function

There is simple, no-stress access to getting comfortable behind the wheel. It is a position of confidence.

With its subcompact-plus size, the front-seat area of the cabin feels roomy, with broad shoulder room of 56 inches, door to door. Front headroom of 39.4 inches, without the moonroof, should fit most 6-foot drivers. A flat-bottom steering wheel improves thigh space for larger drivers. The Envista wheel has a non-leather wrap with elaborate stitching. I liked that the 9-and-3 spokes of the steering wheel have channel-changing and audio volume buttons.

Sightlines are refreshingly open over the hood and at the ellipse of the rear window. Side mirrors offset from the body add visibility when turning, and the design helps reduce wind turbulence and noise.

With a new dashboard design, there is ergonomic order and smart placement of switches and controls. Special features include a single-panel digital display that combines an 8-inch screen for driver instruments and an 11-inch infotainment screen.

Envista has a slim shift lever on the slim center console. There is not much “drop” space on the console, and cup holders are small.

Looking into the back seat of the Envista with back doors open

Max legroom of 38.7 inches seems long, but the bench is short.

Back Seat and Cargo Space

While front-seat space feels more compact class than subcompact, the back seat feels more subcompact in dimensions. Max legroom of 38.7 inches seems, but the bench is short. The flat floor accommodates three across seating to drive colleagues to lunch. There is no seatback recline, but the fixed angle is comfortable.

Duck your head when slipping into the back seat to allow for the low roof contour.

Useful back-seat amenities include:

Large door panel stash space with bottle slots;
Dual types of USB ports (A and C);
Wide, padded fold-down armrest with can holders.
The trailing arc of the fastback body takes away some height for big-box cargo capacity. However, the 20.7 cubic feet of space behind the back seat is functional for a young driver or family. The cargo area entry is about 3 feet wide, with almost 3 feet to the seatback. Fold the 60/40 back seat for up to 5 ½ feet in length.

The open cargo area of the Envista with the back seat folded

Fold Envista’s 60/40 back seat for up to 5 ½ feet in length.

Envista Powertrain and Performance

No Sport mode, no paddle shifters, no problem (mostly).

Envista is a hustler with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The turbocharged and direct-injected engine spins up 137 horsepower and has a usable torque of 162 lb.-ft. from 2,500-4,000 rpm. Power is sent forward through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The diminutive engine’s torque, the pulling force in the low to mid rev range, makes the engine feel more potent. Acceleration from the 1.2-liter three-cylinder is responsive away from the traffic light. However, performance lags when cruising along to keep the power underfoot. There is no Sport mode, so it takes a heavier foot for a transmission kick down. Highway cruising is competent, but anticipate your need for passing power.

Official fuel-economy ratings are 28 mpg city, 32 highway, and 30 mpg combined. Regular unleaded fuel is recommended. According to the onboard computer, my average fuel economy over the test week was 25.6 mpg with a best of 42.1 mpg.

GM uses this 1.2 liter — its smallest engine in North America — in the Buick Encore GX and Chevy Trailblazer. However, both vehicles have a slightly more powerful engine upgrade in the 155-hp 1.3-liter. This somewhat larger choice would reinforce more of Buick’s “premium” position.

“Compared to previous generations of our 1.2L Turbo engine, this version is lighter and uses fewer parts, which reduces the overall vehicle weight, increases efficiency, and creates nimble ride and handling,” said Scott McLane, lead development engineer, Buick Envista.

An open hood view of the 1.2-liter 3 cylinder engine

Envista is a hustler with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine.

Ride and Handling

Buick’s QuietTuning and active noise cancellation are rewarding technologies in this small sport-coupe SUV. Zipping along the interstate at 70 mph, conversations are comfortable without raised voice volume.

Push hard through corners, and the all-season Continental ProContact tires grip without squeals of protest. These Continentals are premium all-season touring tires with a comfortable treadwear rating of 500. The tires have a 65,000-mile limited warranty and are pricey to replace at around $250 each.

A long wheelbase (106.3 inches) helps with a settled highway ride. However, the torsion beam rear suspension transfers jolts over potholes and rough city streets.
The long wheelbase with 18- or 19-inch wheels pushes the turning circle to 38.4 feet. That span is awkwardly wide for a “subcompact” vehicle. With 17-inch wheels, the circle is a foot shorter.

The standard Buick Confidence Package includes driver-assistance technologies, such as lane-keep assist with lane departure warning.

To get full semiautonomous driving requires the Avenir Advanced Safety package, $795. It adds adaptive cruise control, including lane change alert with blind zone alert.

Always keep hands on the wheel when using this semiautonomous mode. Lane centering is not accurate and lets the Envista drift wide in interstate cornering. However, the suite of safety systems is well worth the $795.

The 19-inch tires and bright silver wheel on the Envista

Continental ProContact tires grip without squeals of protest.

Observations and Considerations

There is a lot of black plastic throughout the cabin. The Avenir, however, is dressed up with multiple grain patterns and engaging “zicka” lines on the door panels from the dashboard. Avenir’s padded dash pad has a line of copper stitching, which continues onto the seat trim aesthetics.
Power windows have an auto-down function but no auto-up, which is a silly budget issue.
Visors do not slide.
Front seat belts have no height adjustment; some will not like the position of the seat belt at their neck.
The front passenger seat has no power adjustments. That is another compromising budget measure that detracts from “premium” for a $30,000 price.
No rear wiper! Buick (and other makers saving a few dollars) seems to think that rain will blow down the rear glass while driving. However, the large back glass will still accumulate dirt and grime as it sits, and somebody will need to clean it. However, I’m not sure I would want a rear wiper because it would clutter up the gorgeous rear-end design. The shapely front end has the same dilemma when affixing a license plate to the Avenir’s attractive black-chrome ice grille treatment. (Michigan does not require a front license plate.)

Envista’s ultrawide infotainment display spans 19 inches (diagonal) of combined LCD screens.

Why Buy the 2024 Buick Envista?

The $30,000 Envista Avenir is an elevated economy car with sexy styling. Its pricing and features are a good fit for a young family or a career-goal graduate.

A rearview of the Envista has a custom and aerodynamic appearance

The 2024 Envista is a new Buick nameplate and a comfortable fit as a subcompact-plus small SUV.