2017 Buick Envision Essence

The Envision is Buick's compact SUV, a five-seat crossover that sits between the smaller Encore and the three-row Enclave. It rides smoothly and quietly, with a composed feel that makes highway trips easy. The steering is light and the body stays level through corners, though it's not a sporty handler. Inside, you get a well-built cabin with soft-touch materials and comfortable seats, plus decent cargo space for a small family. The Essence sits above the base Preferred, adding niceties like a power liftgate and dual-zone climate control, but it skips the turbocharged engine of the Premium trims. Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 2.5L I4 with 197 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive; expect 25 mpg combined. This trim can be had with a hands-free power liftgate, so you can open the cargo area with a kick under the bumper when your hands are full.