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2025 Audi SQ7 Review

by Mark | Nov 26, 2024 | 0 comments

Elite, elevated, and executive class, the 2025 Audi SQ7 is a pricey high-performance package of purpose, not pretense

A side exterior view of a Daytona Gray Audi SQ7

Redesigned last year, the 2025 Audi SQ7 is the V-8 performance pinnacle in Audi’s three-trim Q7 line, including turbocharged four- and V-6 engines. (Mark Maynard photos)

Jump To Special Features

Elite, Elevated, and Executive Class
What’s New In the Redesign
5 Cool SQ7 Features
Get Out, Get It, and Get Home
Observations and Considerations
Why Buy the 2025 Audi SQ7?
2025 Audi SQ7 Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The V8-powered, 500-horsepower Audi SQ7 is engineered for connectivity. Not digital connectivity so much as the relationship connection between driver and vehicle. It is a spidey sense of clear communication. It begins with the handshake of the steering wheel, followed by the welcome aboard rumble of the 4.0-liter V-8 on start-up. The electronic air suspension conducts a seat-of-the-pants conversation, helping the driver know how each axle and tire are performing.

This is European muscle, not the raucous hoonigan style of American muscle cars.

The three-row SQ7 is the performance pinnacle in Audi’s three-trim Q7 line, including turbocharged four- and V-6 engines. All of the goodness in the SQ7 also pours into the two-row SQ8 with its sportback roofline. And the SQ8 has a higher performance model in the 651-hp RS Q8. Starting at $137,495, it is a blink faster to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.

There is as much utility as there is sport to the SQ7’s elite performance. After all, it is a family-class SUV at heart, built from the Audi Q7. All-wheel drive is standard, or Quattro in Audi-speak.

The SQ7 is rapid transit with a second-row bench, a passable pair of third-row seats, and formidable cargo capacity. The Q7’s straight roofline provides much usable space.

There are few competitors in this $100,000 Euro club. Starting at $98,195, the SQ7 is a throwdown to the BMW X5 M ($125,975) and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S ($130,800).

Lookng at the front sport seats that are bolstered but not so steep as to rub on entry or give a wedgie on exit.

The front sport seats are bolstered but not so steep as to rub on entry or give a wedgie on exit.

Elite, Elevated, and Executive Class

The SQ7 is a performance package of purpose, not pretense. The exterior design is executive calmed. There is no boastful badging, exaggerated fender flares, razor-thin tire sidewalls, and wild wheel styles. Only red brake calipers and dual quad exhaust tips hint at its show of force. There is no screaming attraction of 1 percent wealth, though at $122,000, the tester is an elevated choice. The SQ7 is at peace in the church parking lot, dropping kids at school, or loading up at the home-improvement warehouse.

If needed, the Christmas tree can be lashed to the roof (with the optional crossbars). And the muscle-bound SUV can tow up to 7,700 pounds with the optional hitch and wiring harness ($750).

Driver sightlines are refreshingly wide open at the side mirrors and over the shoulder. A low and short dashboard opens forward views. A low shoulder line, mirrors offset from the body, and corner glass are assets when carving through S turns. For nose-in parking, the split-view camera shows the exact footprint and nearness to a wall, car, or shrubbery. Should the driver get distracted, the safety system gives a mule kick of brake force to protect the grille area. And the SQ7 has a complex fascia with camera lenses, sensors, and grille work.

The front sport seats are bolstered but not so steep as to rub on entry or give a wedgie on exit.

Audi Q7 Lineage

The 2025 Audi SQ7 is primarily a German-bred and raised SUV. 28 percent of its parts are from Slovakia, where the Q7 has been built since its debut in 2005. Another 1 percent are from the U.S. or Canada.

Audi’s largest SUV in North America shares a strong family lineage. It is built on Volkswagen’s MLB platform with the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, and VW Touareg.

Audi has a larger luxury SUV, the Q6, that is sold primarily in China. Audi refers to this Q6 as a “land jet.” However, this Q6 is mechanically unrelated to the battery-electric 2025 Q6 e-tron sold in the U.S.

In the U.S., the first Q7 was first released as a 2007 model. Audi gave the Q7 several mild redesigns from 2010 to 2015. The second-generation Audi Q7 went on sale in 2015, followed by a mild redesign in 2020.

New grille inlays are L-shaped on the SQ7.

What’s New In the Redesign?

As Audi concentrated on introducing its electric e-tron models, the Q7 went unchanged until 2024 as a 2025 model. Much of the second-gen facelift is cosmetic but meaningful. Exterior updates range from new front and rear fascias, and OLED rear lights with selectable light patterns. Upper trim levels include digital daytime running lights. Inside, Audi upped the connectivity features.

On the outside, Audi’s singleframe octagonal grille has vertical inlays, visually extending its height, Audi says. The inlays have a teardrop shape on the Q7 and are L-shaped on the SQ7. The new grille contours help emphasize the elevated placement of the headlights, with the front end anchored by color-framed air intakes.

Three new metallic exterior colors were added: Sakhir Gold metallic, Ascari Blue metallic, and Chili Red metallic. All the metallic colors are $595 each, but Ascari Blue and Chili Red are SQ7 only.

Audi has maintained a tastefully forceful and enduring exterior design for its Q7 and SQ7. It is the interior, however, that needs a redesign.

The climate control and multiview camera screen.

Interior Changes

For 2025, the Q7 45 entry model has seam-stitching trim in a contrasting gray color. The Executive package ($1,800) adds dual-pane acoustic glass, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear sunshades, four-zone automatic climate control, and traffic sign recognition. The SQ7 has new Carbon twill matte interior inlay.

Audi adds some red-mist attitude to the top-line SQ7 Prestige in the Sport Crimson Red package ($500). Red elements include seatbelts and red stitching on the seats, center armrest, door armrest, and center console.

Owners of previous generation Q7 will appreciate the new connectivity technologies. For the first time, multimedia apps, like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube, can be downloaded from the Audi app store.

Audi also includes online navigation services and Traffic Light Information for 3 years at no cost. And there is a 6-month trial for streaming services and full-speed Wi-Fi.

The configurable driver-info screen.

5 Cool SQ7 Features

HD Matrix-design LED headlight with Audi Laser light. Standard on the Prestige trim, the laser beam pattern is active at speeds above 39 mph. High-beam headlight technology uses a blue laser to extend visibility. A small laser module in each headlight generates a blue cone of light that can extend hundreds of yards. The laser light is converted into a soft light with a color temperature of 5,500 kelvin, which is ideal for the human eye.
Four-wheel steering.
Power soft-closing doors.
Acoustic laminated windshield and dual-pane acoustic side glass.
Headlights with digital daytime running elements. The DRL has four selectable light patterns for a more personalized appearance. For the first time, the SQ7 Prestige adds digitalized OLED (organic light emitting diode) rear taillights. This lighting, too, has four digital light signatures.

The biturbo 500-hp 4.0-liter V-8 engine has cylinder-on-demand thrift.

Audi Q7, SQ7 Powertrains

All Audi Q7 and SQ7 models have Quattro all-wheel drive. Three different powertrains are available:

Q7 45 features a 261-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Q7 55 has a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger.
SQ7 features a mighty biturbo 500-hp 4.0-liter V-8 engine. The sophisticated V-8 features a cylinder-on-demand system. When coasting or on extended downhill grades, the engine runs on four cylinders. Tip into the throttle, and the engine seamlessly switches to full force.

All Q7 55 and SQ7 models boast a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, adding significant practicality.

A rear underside view shows perfect balance of suspension and exhaust system

The underside in perfect balance.

2025 Audi SQ7 Pricing

Offered in two trim levels, the entry-level SQ7 Premium Plus starts at $92,095, and the uplevel SQ7 Prestige starts at $98,195. Manufacturer suggested retail pricing includes the $1,295 freight charge from Bratislava, Slovakia. Today’s SQ7 Prestige tester came to $122,840.

The Prestige package, $6,100, includes:

Dual pane acoustic side glass,
HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light,
Headlight washers,
Head-up display and traffic-sign recognition,
Heated rear seats,
Intersection assist,
Memory presets for front passenger seat,
OLED taillights,
Soft-closing power doors,
Remote park assist,
Sunshades for rear side door and tailgate,
Ventilated and massaging front seats.

Check current 2025 Audi SQ7 pricing here. Find special Audi offers and bonus offers here.

At the time of publication, there was a $2,000 Season of Audi Customer Bonus. Good for lease or purchase. The offer was active through Jan. 1, 2025, but such offers could be extended.

OLED taillights are configurable with selectable light patterns.

Safety Features

Standard Q7 safety features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. See the specifications chart below for the full list.

In the United States, the Q7 received five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety test for front and side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Q7 its Top Safety Pick 2009, with Good ratings in all 14 measured front and side impact test categories.

A quick check for recalls at NHTSA.gov shows nothing significant.

Cargo corner cubby houses the power seat and suspension controls to lower the ride height.

The cargo area corner cubby.

Interior Function

With an easy step-in height, the driver area is a functional, hands-on experience. The short and low dashboard (rather than “cab forward”) allows clear sightlines. There are unhindered cornering views at the corner side glass and side mirrors that are offset from the body. Drivers will appreciate the openness when cresting a rise at speed when what’s on the other side could be a sharp turn or a truck. In town, there is no blockage of pedestrians in crosswalks.

Headroom with the panoramic sunroof is a tall 39.9 inches, with front legroom of 41.7 inches. The front sport seats are bolstered but not so steep as to rub on entry or give a wedgie on exit.

The interior is richly rewarding in décor but lacking in interior storage spaces. The center console is wide but has meager cup holders that are best suited for cans. There is no open space to drop a phone, and the make-do cup holders cannot keep a phone from falling out. However, door panels have slots for large bottles.

While there is wireless charging, the pad is under the console armrest. That’s not a huge issue because cabin-monitoring electronics give an audible reminder that your device is still in the vehicle.

3 Screen Array

Cabin and driving information are a three-screen array. The 12.3-inch “Audi virtual cockpit” is a high-definition digital instrument cluster. It can be configured with a map display, a sportier treatment, or the basics.

In the center stack are upper and lower screens. The top is for the camera system, navigation, phone, and media selections. The lower screen is for climate control. There is just one physical knob for volume control, an enduring Audi feature. The screen graphics are large and readable for digital adjustments for heat, AC, and fan speeds. The various settings give a tactile “thunk,” a response that helps keep eyes on the road.

The second-row legroom of 38.8 inches is comfortable for adults.

Second and Third Row Seating

With a max of 38.8 inches, second-row legroom is adult comfortable, at least at the window seats. With a 40/20/40 seat split, the tall center exhaust-driveline hump compromises footroom at the slim center seat. Reclining seatbacks and a B-pillar vent add to traveling comfort. The Prestige trim has fully functional climate controls for temperature, vent direction, and seat heaters.

The pair of third-row 50/50 seats are short on legroom (29.2 inches) but good for the school carpool. The seats are power-raised or lowered from the cargo area, and the seats fold flat for extended carrying capacity.

Second-row seats tilt and slide for entry-exit from the way back. And those in the third row have power seatback releases.

Looking into the The pair of third-row seats.

The pair of third-row seats are short on legroom but good for the school carpool.

Cargo Space

The cargo space has usable dimensions. Fold both rows of seatbacks for 6 ½ feet in length, with 29 ½ inches in interior height. Entry at the power liftgate is 4 feet wide.

A control corner is especially handy, with switches to lower the ride height and power fold the third row. The corner notch also has a net, a bag hook, a light, and a 12-volt plug.

Looking into the open cargo area with seatbacks folded.

Fold both rows of seats for about 6 ½ feet in length.

SQ7 Performance

Hit the start button, and the V-8 gives a rumble and rev. At idle, the 4.0-liter ticks quietly like a four-cylinder. The V-8’s bravado is unobtrusive in easy driving. But punch up Dynamic mode, and the pipes open for a thunderous report.

Fuel-economy ratings on the required premium fuel are 15 mpg city, 21 highway, and 17 mpg combined. Around town, my average mileage was 10 to 13 mpg. On highway cruising, it stretched to 17.6 mpg. Mercifully, there is a 22.5-gallon fuel tank.

Audi claims 0-60 mph acceleration in a believable 4 seconds. The 4.0-liter’s 568 foot-pounds of torque make it so.

The eight-speed Tiptronic transmission is an ideal match with the V-8. Shift points are well-timed, and there is no hesitation when evasive acceleration is needed. In Dynamic sport mode, the shift response is competition grade, with strong downshift engine revs. But for a quick hit of Sport, tug the shifter back a notch. Toggle the shifter right for manual shifts.

Electronic back seat climate controls.

Get Out, Get It, and Get Home

It was a quiet Monday morning when I drove out to a favorite backcountry run. The tangled shoelace of two-lane county road has soaring views and second-gear S turns. The morning rush was over, and school buses were already unloading. Now was the time to deglaze the brake discs.

Anticipate the need for power, cock the trigger, and engage. Aiming into a tight S, the SQ7 hoovers through the turn. The gutty below of the twin-turbo V-8 under pressure is invigorating and tingling. Remember to breathe, and look ahead to the next turn.

The black optic wheel package ($1,500) added 22-inch summer tires on attractive multispoke, bi-color S-design wheels. The tester’s Continental SportContact 6 tires, 285/35, are grippy-soft with a very low treadwear rating (UTQG) of 240. These tires are 10.7 inches wide and were original equipment on Audi’s high-performance R8 V10 Plus. Owners will need a second set of winter tires.

These max-performance Continentals give a lush ride quality, and try as I may, the tires would not whimper in aggressive driving. Enjoy them because replacements run around $500 each.

Looking at a closeup of the The optional 22-inch Continental SportContact 6 tires

The optional 22-inch Continental SportContact 6 tires, 285/35.

Ride and Handling

The SQ7 is heavy—5,291 pounds at the curb, before factoring in the weighty items in some of the tester’s options. When powered up and rolling, there is no sense of heft or lean. It feels nimble and agile. Audi steadies its SQ7 sex jet with adaptive air suspension, active roll stabilization, and progressive steering. Audi pays much attention to creating a low-friction ride, which also benefits fuel economy.

While some air suspensions become jittery over rough road surfaces, Audi’s adaptive air suspension provides control and balance. Head toss at driveways or speed humps is composed. The ride quality is a true air ride.

The electromechanical progressive steering system with all-wheel steering has infinite degrees of control. The weight is two-finger easy while circling the mall parking lot and stable and precise in open cruising. At speed, the all-wheel steering helps tuck in the rear. In town, the steering system cuts the turning circle from 41 feet with standard steering to more like 38 feet. Audi doesn’t break out steering specs for four-wheel steering. However, I had no concern about curbing a wheel on my residential street.

Some of the SQ7 heft comes from vault-class side doors, but there is no slamming with soft-closers in the Prestige package. An acoustic glass windshield and side glass add some weight, but it is worth it for the traffic-calmed cabin. The extended leather in the Luxury package ($3,700) adds a few pounds and is also worth it.

This weight, like fat on a prime steak, adds flavor and pleasure, making ownership a rewarding experience.

10.7 inches wide.

Observations and Considerations

Accessing cruise control and the various semi-autonomous driving modes are via the old-style lower stalk on the steering column. For owners new to the Q7, it will be helpful to have a dealership tutorial, or at least to read up on how to use the system in the owner’s manual.

48-volt lithium battery. The highly sophisticated electronics in the SQ7 require the power of a 48-volt lithium battery. The battery does not assist in traction but powers the belt alternator starter (start/stop system) and other elements like the electromechanical active roll stabilization. If your SQ7 will not be driven for extended periods, the battery will gradually drain. Monthly charging is recommended, per the owner’s manual. Should the battery die, replacements must be done at the dealership. A new battery will cost around $1,800, not including dealership labor for installation and electronic configuration.

Crappy visor coverage at driver’s left. The shallow visors are most problematic with a low sun angle morning or evening. The visors have dual flaps to swing to the left but are not particularly beneficial.

Back door ashtrays in the door-side armrest? There would be no smoking in my $122,000 SUV.

Why Buy the 2025 Audi SQ7?

I like that the SQ7 is executive elite but does not require an advanced degree in Information Technology to learn how to use it. At its core, it is hands-on driving and oh-so enjoyable.

For buyers in this high-performance segment, what’s another $24,645 to get the best of Audi? Most buyers will lease rather than buy, which is smart with all the sensors, pricey tires, and a 48-volt battery.

A rear corner view of the Daytona Gray SQ7

There is as much utility as sport to the SQ7’s elite performance.

Audi SQ7 Specifications

Body style: midsize, 3-row, 7-passenger all-wheel-drive SUV

Engine: 500-hp, twin-turbocharged 32-valve DOHC 4.0-liter V-8 with Audi valvelift and variable valve timing; 568 lb.-ft. torque from 2,000-4,000 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro AWD

0-60 mph: 4 seconds; top speed 155 mph

Fuel economy:15/21/17 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel required

Drag coefficient: 0.33cd

Tow capacity: 7,700 pounds maximum; braked trailer

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 22.5 gallons

Cargo space: 13.6-68.2 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.9/41.3 inches

2nd-row head/leg room: 38.8/38.8 inches

3rd-row head/leg room: 35.9/29.2 inches

Length/wheelbase: 199.6/118 inches

Height/width: 68.5/77.5* inches *w/mirrors power folded

Curb weight: 5,291 pounds

Turning circle: 41 feet, officially, but likely shorter with 4-wheel steering

Track f/r: 65.5/65.5 inches

FEATURES

Safety features include: 8 air bags, multimode electronic stability controls, Audi pre sense basic (preventive occupant protection), forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel ventilated discs, 15.8-inches front, 13.8 inches rear; 6 piston front and single piston rear calipers; 4-wheel, 4-channel electronic brake force distribution; mechanical parking brake

Steering: Electromechanical progressive steering system with all-wheel steering

Tires-wheels: Black Optic package 22-inch 285/35 summer Continental SportContact 6; multispoke bi-color alloy wheels

Suspension: 5-link independent with S-tuned adaptive air suspension, front and rear

PRICING

SQ7 with Prestige package: $98,195, including $1,295 freight charge; price as tested $122,840

Options on test vehicle: Prestige package $6,100; Daytona Gray pearl paint $595; Black Optic package $1,100; S Sport package $6,000; trailer hitch $750; Luxury package $3,700; Bang & Olufsen Advanced sound system with 3D sound $4,900; 22-inch black optic wheel package $1,500

Where assembled: Bratislava, Slovakia

Warranties: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper; 4 years roadside assistance; 12 year corrosion perforation

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.