Buick Envision
Compact SUV · 2016–present. 47,340 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
It is a product of General Motors and its Chinese joint venture with SAIC, Shanghai-GM or SAIC-GM, which builds it. In the 2024 refresh announcement, Duncan Aldred, global vice president of Buick and GMC, called it the best compact SUV in Buick history.
The first generation was built at GM's plant in Yantai, Shandong province, China (SAIC-GM's Dongyue North plant). The second generation, the one sold in the U.S. today, is assembled at SAIC-GM's Jinqiao plant in Shanghai. In January 2026 GM confirmed that, starting in 2028, Buick’s next compact SUV will be built at its Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas.
The name appeared in April 2011 on a plug-in hybrid concept SUV at the Shanghai Auto Show. The production Envision debuted at Chengdu in August 2014 and went on sale in China that October. Loading of the first North American batch at Yantai was documented on December 29, 2015. Model-year 2016 vehicles reached U.S. dealers in June 2016.
Envision is an English verb meaning to imagine or picture something. Buick used it on the 2011 concept SUV, with scissor doors and a solar roof, and later on the production model.
The Envision filled the gap between the Encore and Enclave in the growing U.S. market for five-seat SUVs. Cars.com explained the economic advantage of using the existing Yantai factory rather than tooling a new North American plant. In January 2016, Motor Authority estimated an initial 30,000 to 40,000 vehicles to test acceptance of a China-built Buick.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12016–2020 · D2XX
The first GM imported from China
Photo: Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0 What changed. It was an all-new model for Buick in the U.S., slotted between the Encore and the Enclave. The 2016 model came only with a 252 hp 2.0 turbo engine, a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, starting at $42,995. For 2017 it added a 197 hp 2.5 engine with front- or all-wheel drive, and the starting price dropped to $34,990. The 2019 update brought a new grille, standard HID headlights and a nine-speed automatic for the turbo engine.
The innovation. It brought to Buick GM's new twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system, which debuted on the 2017 Cadillac XT5 and splits power between the rear wheels independently. In 2019 the turbo engine gained 35 lb-ft of torque, reaching 295.
If you buy one usedExact November 3, 2026 NHTSA Envision queries returned five campaigns for 2016 and four for 2017, a combined five distinct programs. Check 16V922 for certain 2016 brake lines built January 19–March 18, 2016; 18V358 for specified 2016–2017 high-pressure fuel pumps and pipes; 17V412 for replacement headliners; 17V404 for accessory tablet-holder/headrest installation; and 16V516 for load labels. Exact 2018–2020 queries each returned zero, without clearing an individual VIN or every alias. Verify installed service parts, actual eligibility and completed work. - Gen. 22021–present · E2
Lower, wider and with an Avenir
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It is a new vehicle on GM's E2 platform, the same family as the Cadillac XT4, with a wider, lower stance. It uses a 228 hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0 turbo with a nine-speed automatic, and offered front-wheel drive as standard, starting at $32,995 with destination. It introduced the luxury Avenir trim and Buick’s first available 10.2-inch screen. The 2024 refresh brought a new face, standard all-wheel drive and the Sport Touring trim in place of the Essence.
The innovation. Since the 2024 refresh it has a 30-inch diagonal ultrawide screen that joins the gauge cluster and the infotainment system under one sheet of glass, with Google built-in. Buick says it is the largest in its class.
If you buy one usedThe retained exact-name 2021–2026 inventory has four selected programs: 21V421 for the 2021 airbag warning indicator, 22V903 for 2021–2023 daytime-running-light control, 24V710 for missing 2024 tire/loading labels, and 26V114 for the 2026 electronic owner-manual download. Their software, label or radio-reset remedies differ. NHTSA gives the exact 2025 Envision AWD variant five stars overall; that is not five in every subtest. Within this U.S. generation, FWD configurations are documented for 2021–2023, with AWD standard for 2024–2026. Verify actual drivetrain, equipment and completed VIN-specific repairs.
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Buick Enclave2008–present
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Honda CR-V1995–present
Ram 15001981–present
Tesla Model Y2020–present
Chevrolet Silverado1999–present
