2016 Buick Envision Preview

2016-buick-envision-009_720.jpg

Introduction

Buick will offer a new crossover SUV in 2016, one designed to bridge the gap between the small Encore and the large Enclave models in the automaker’s lineup. The 2016 Buick Envision is a 5-passenger vehicle, a compact SUV model that the automaker says will compete against the Acura RDX and Lincoln MKC.

Exterior Features

Built with extensive use of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel in its architecture, the new Buick Envision weighs just over 4,000 lbs. The SUV features an aluminum hood, LED running lights, LED rear-accent lighting, and a hands-free power liftgate with programmable height settings. Upper grille shutters enhance highway fuel economy through improved aerodynamics, and the new Envision is equipped with standard 19-in. aluminum wheels with 235/50 tires.

Interior Features

Based on what Buick says will be standard equipment for the new Envision, this crossover SUV will include an unusually generous number of features.

In order to ensure that the Envision’s cabin is quiet, Buick uses active noise cancellation technology to filter unwanted noise. Leather, 8-way power front-seat adjustment, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a Bose premium sound system are listed as standard features for the new Envision.

2016-buick-envision-016_720.jpg

The rear seat slides forward and back to adjust for greater passenger room or greater cargo room, and the seat backs fold in a 60/40 split. When folded, the second-row seat’s cushions reposition themselves closer to the SUV’s floor in order to ensure a flat cargo loading space.

Buick says the 2016 Envision will hold 26.9 cu. ft. of luggage behind the rear seat and 57.3 cu. ft. with the rear seat folded down. These are not particularly competitive figures, and illustrate that the Envision is a smaller rather than a larger crossover SUV.

Optional Features

Among the options that Buick plans for the 2016 Envision, a panoramic glass sunroof will provide a clear view of the sky above. Ventilated front seats will also be available, along with separate thigh support adjustment for improved comfort.

Under the Hood

A turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard for the new 2016 Envision, equipped with automatic start/stop technology to help conserve fuel. The engine makes 252 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. torque and uses a 6-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels. A new Active Twin-Clutch all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is optional, and Buick says the new Envision will tow up to 1,500 lbs.

Buick equips the Envision with its HiPer Strut front suspension design, which is normally reserved for the top trim levels of the LaCrosse and Regal sedans. The electric steering includes crosswind stabilization and road-shake stabilization technologies.

Safety

Buick has not confirmed the full list of safety systems that it plans to include for the Envision, aside to name a Safety Alert Seat and lane-keep assist technologies as standard features. Certainly, this crossover SUV will also offer a forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking system, in addition to blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert technologies.

2016-buick-envision-004_720.jpg

Technology

OnStar subscription services is standard, too, and features automatic collision notification and emergency calling capabilities. Free at first, OnStar requires a subscription following the trial period.Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system will be standard for the new Envision and will include Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring technology. OnStar subscription services can transform the Envision into a rolling mobile Wi-Fi hotspot with a 4G LTE connection.

Announced options include an automatic park-assist system that steers the Envision into a parking space while the driver operates the transmission and pedals, as well as a 360-degree camera system.