2023 Buick Envision Essence

The Envision is Buick's compact crossover, slotting between the Encore GX and the three-row Enclave. It competes with the Acura RDX, Lincoln Corsair, and Lexus NX in the premium compact SUV segment. The turbo four pulls strongly and the nine-speed automatic shifts smoothly, making the Envision feel eager around town. The ride is quiet and composed, though the suspension is tuned firm enough that you'll feel sharp bumps. Inside, the Envision offers a modern cabin with available wireless Apple CarPlay and a hands-free power liftgate. The Essence is the middle trim, adding leather seats and a heated steering wheel over the Preferred while skipping the Avenir's extra luxury touches. Its 2.0L I4 makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive that delivers 25 mpg combined.