Model research hub
Buick Envision
The Buick Envision is a compact crossover sold in North America since the 2016 model year and built only in China. The 2016 (5 recalls) and 2017 (4 recalls, 81 complaints) are the years guides warn about, 2018 to 2020 have no federal recalls, and the 2026 Envision is rated 25 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.
What the Buick Envision is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Envision as a compact crossover SUV built by General Motors and sold under the Buick brand since 2014, made exclusively in China by the SAIC-GM joint venture, and lists a first generation from 2014, facelifts in 2019 and 2020, a second generation from 2021 and a 2024 refresh. CarGurus (opens in a new tab) adds that it was the second car sold in the U.S. to be made in China. It is bought for comfort and finish over sportiness: CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says that against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 it offers more premium finishes and available upgrades such as quilted leather upholstery, heated seats and a massaging driver's seat.
Model years on this site
U.S. model years run from 2016 to 2026. The 2016 Envision is the first, the second generation begins with the 2021 model year, and the 2026 Envision is rated 25 mpg combined, about $2,500 a year in fuel, with a 2.0L four-cylinder and all-wheel drive. Kelley Blue Book base prices are $42,995 for the Preferred, $45,495 for the Sport Touring and $52,695 for the Avenir.
Best and worst Envision model years
Federal data is unusually quiet in the middle. The 2016 has 5 recalls (fuel system, structure and brakes among them) with 19 complaints, and the 2017 has 4 recalls and 81 complaints, the most of any year. The 2018, 2019 and 2020 show no recalls and 13, 23 and 10 complaints. The 2021 has 2 recalls, for air bags and exterior lighting, with 23 complaints, the 2022 and 2023 have one lighting recall each, the 2024 has one and 10 complaints, and the 2025 has no recalls and 8 complaints.
Guides mostly agree on the early years. CarsCounsel says buyers should generally avoid the 2016 model year, and Motor & Wheels (opens in a new tab) says the worst years for the Envision are 2021, 2017 and 2016, so the 2021 is one year where the guide and the recall list (2 recalls) point the same way, though its complaint count is low.
Used prices, strengths and weaknesses
CarGurus lists a one-year-old 2025 Envision at around $32,100, a three-year-old 2023 at around $28,200 and a five-year-old 2021 at around $22,300, and says used prices are up about 3.4% year over year, slightly ahead of the broader market. On strengths, The Car Connection (opens in a new tab) says the recently refreshed Envision delivers signature quietness and a tech-forward cabin. The trade-off is fuel economy of 25 mpg combined and a single engine, where rivals offer hybrids.
Questions buyers ask
Which Buick Envision years should I avoid?
CarsCounsel says to generally avoid the 2016, and Motor & Wheels (opens in a new tab) lists 2021, 2017 and 2016 as the worst years. Federal data has the 2016 with 5 recalls and the 2017 with 81 complaints.
Where is the Buick Envision built?
Wikipedia says it is exclusively manufactured in China by the SAIC-GM joint venture, for the Chinese and North American markets.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Buick Envision is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 228 horsepower across its compact luxury SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2026 Envision seats 5 and is a Compact luxury SUV.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2026 Envision.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Buick Envision
MY2026 carries the Envision's 228-horsepower 2.0L turbo engine and standard AWD forward from MY2025 with updated pricing across the same three-trim ladder.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
4 indexed Buick Envision model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Buick Envision | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 2025 record → | |
| 2018 Buick Envision | 2018 record → | |
| 2017 Buick Envision | 2017 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Buick Envision.
The Buick Envision is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed under the Buick brand since 2014. It is exclusively manufactured in China by the SAIC-GM joint venture, supplying the Chinese and North American markets.
Source: Buick Envision (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Buick Envision at a glance
- Production
- 2014–present
- Model years
- 2016–present (North America)
- Assembly
- China: Yantai (SAIC-GM)
- Class
- Compact crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive
Buick Envision generations
The Buick Envision has been redesigned in 2021, gaps of 7 years, an average of 7.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation) began in 2021.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | n/a | 2014–2021 | The Envision was first introduced in China in August 2014, also known by its Chinese name, “Ang Ke Wei”. |
| Second generation | n/a | 2021–present | In May 2020, GM introduced the second generation of the Envision in the United States. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Buick Envision overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- February 2026, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette… Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- September 2024, Equipment:Other:Labels. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Envision vehicles. The vehicles are missing the label that states the tire size, pressure, and the loading information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety… Consequence: Missing tire and load rating information may result in driving with improperly inflated tires or an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Buick Envision, most often about electrical system (5), service brakes (3), engine (1).
Year by year
The Buick Envision across 11 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Buick Envision | 25 | $2,600 | 1 | 1 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 24 | $2,600 | 1 | 8 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 Buick Envision | 24 | $2,600 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 25–26 | $2,400–$2,500 | 2 | 1 | 23 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 25–26 | $2,400–$2,500 | 2 | 1 | 25 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Buick Envision | 25–26 | $2,400–$2,500 | 2 | 2 | 23 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Buick Envision | 22–25 | $2,500–$3,500 | 3 | 10 | 5 stars | |
| 2019 Buick Envision | 22–25 | $2,500–$3,500 | 3 | 23 | 5 stars | |
| 2018 Buick Envision | 22–25 | $2,500–$3,500 | 3 | 13 | 5 stars | |
| 2017 Buick Envision | 22–25 | $2,500–$3,500 | 3 | 4 | 81 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Buick Envision | 22 | $3,500 | 1 | 5 | 19 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Buick Envision, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 24.0 to 25.0 | |||
| 2023 to 2024 | 2 to 1 | 25.5 to 24.0 | Labels: Envision FWD; Drives: Front-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | |
| 2020 to 2021 | 3 to 2 | 23.5 to 25.5 | Transmissions: Automatic (S9) | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 6-spd, Automatic 9-spd; Fuels: Premium |
| 2018 to 2019 | Transmissions: Automatic 9-spd | |||
| 2016 to 2017 | 1 to 3 | 22.0 to 23.5 | Labels: Envision FWD; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Drives: Front-Wheel Drive; Fuels: Regular; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
Buying used
What the Buick Envision recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | equipment (other) | None |
| 2024 | 1 | equipment (other) | None |
| 2023 | 1 | exterior lighting (lighting control module) | 1 fixable over the air |
| 2022 | 1 | exterior lighting (lighting control module) | 1 fixable over the air |
| 2021 | 2 | air bags (srs malfunction warning lamp/light); exterior lighting (lighting control module) | 2 fixable over the air |
| 2017 | 4 | equipment (other); equipment; structure; 1 more | None |
| 2016 | 5 | equipment (other); service brakes, hydraulic; equipment; 2 more | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical system | 68 | 28% | 2017 (25) |
| service brakes | 49 | 21% | 2017 (22) |
| engine | 37 | 15% | 2017 (11) |
| unknown or other | 30 | 13% | 2017 (11) |
| power train | 30 | 13% | 2017 (10) |
| steering | 13 | 5% | 2017 (8) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Buick Envision trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | 258 | 3,940 | – | 25 | $42,995 |
| Sport Touring | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | 258 | 3,964 | – | 25 | $45,495 |
| Avenir | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | 258 | 4,085 | – | 25 | $52,695 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Buick Envision model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | 3,940–4,085 | – | 16.1 |
| 2025 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | 3,940–4,085 | – | 16.1 |
| 2024 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | 3,940–4,085 | 1,500 | 16.1 |
| 2023 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | 3,692–3,932 | 1,500 | 15.9–16.1 |
| 2022 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | 3,692–3,932 | 1,500 | 15.9–16.1 |
| 2021 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 230 | 3,692–3,932 | 1,500 | 15.9–16 |
| 2020 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 197–252 | 3,755–4,083 | 1,500 | 17.3 |
| 2019 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 197–252 | 3,755–4,083 | 1,500 | 17.3 |
| 2018 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 197–252 | 3,755–4,083 | 1,500 | 17.3 |
| 2017 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 197–252 | 3,755–4,083 | 1,500 | 17.3 |
| 2016 | 2 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 252 | 4,047 | 1,500 | 17.3 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Buick Envision.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0W-20 (5.3 qt) | DOT 4 | 140 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2025 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2024 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2023 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2021 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2020 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2019 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2017 | 5W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Buick Envision: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2016 Buick Envision : 5 recalls on file, most commonly affecting equipment and fuel system.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | not available | equipment |
| 2025 | 8 | ||
| 2024 | 1 | 10 | equipment |
| 2023 | 1 | 23 | exterior lighting |
| 2022 | 1 | 25 | exterior lighting |
| 2021 | 2 | 23 | airbags, exterior lighting |
| 2020 | 10 | ||
| 2019 | 23 | ||
| 2018 | 13 | ||
| 2017 | 4 | 81 | equipment, fuel system, structure |
| 2016 | 5 | 19 | equipment, fuel system, structure, brakes |
| 2015 | not available |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Buick Envision model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Buick Envision?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2016 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Buick Envision model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2016 Buick Envision has 5 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting equipment, fuel system, structure. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Buick Envision by model year?
2026: equipment. 2024: equipment. 2023: exterior lighting. 2022: exterior lighting. 2021: airbags, exterior lighting. 2017: equipment, fuel system, structure.
Q04Why do some Buick Envision model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Buick Envision model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Engine and cooling, Brakes, tires and steering, Climate and electrical.
2016 Buick Envision owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Engine and cooling and Brakes, tires and steering.
Compared with
Models this Buick Envision is most often compared with.
Nearest Buick models
Other Buick models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Envision come in?
The 2026 Buick Envision (compact luxury SUV) comes in 3 trims: Preferred, Sport Touring, Avenir.
Q02What are the 2026 Envision trims?
The 2026 Buick Envision trims are Preferred, Sport Touring, Avenir, listed from the entry Preferred up to the top Avenir.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Envision use?
The 2026 Buick Envision is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 228 horsepower across its compact luxury SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 Envision have?
The 2026 Buick Envision is rated at 228 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Envision?
The 2026 Buick Envision is offered with Standard AWD.