By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

Not too long away, Buick sedans such as the Regal and LaCrosse enjoyed immense popularity among car owners. Not anymore. In fact, the GM division now only produces SUVs/crossovers as the U.S. auto market has understandably pivoted toward the larger vehicles. Your choices range from the small Encore, compact Envision, midsize Enclave and since 2023, the highly impressive and affordable subcompact Envista.

Last year, we test drove the Avenir trim and recently Buick dispatched over the Sport Touring (ST) version of the Envista, base-priced at just $25,300. During today’s times when the average new car price sits stubbornly at $48,000, the fairly new entrant is a steal of a deal and has the well-known and recognizable Buick imprint to back it up.

The Envista is equipped with a 1.3-liter inline-2 turbocharged engine putting out 137 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 162 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm. Leave it to the 6-speed auto gearbox for quick but seamless shifts. We do wish that the compact SUV also came with an optional all-wheel drive but maybe that’s an option likely to be available down the road. A competent MacPherson strut front and Watts link rear suspension soaks hurdles with skill, sure-footedness and assurance. Need even more padding from road and wind noise? Then count on Buick’s celebrated QuietTuning. The electric power-assist rack-and-pinion steering is accurate and direct.

Black is the overall theme externally for the GT trim with the front mesh grille, body trim, mirror housings, 18-inch wheels, all in ebony, and as soon as you step into the plush cabin, black leather seats with blue stitches. The sharp-looking Envista shares its small sibling Encore’s 19-inch rounded panel that entails an 11-inch infotainment display and an 8-inch cluster screen for the driver. The $895 convenience I package is important so the driver can enjoy eight-way power and heated seats, keyless open and heated steering wheel. Also, for no extra cost, there’s a six-speaker audio system, remote and keyless start, 60/40 rear-fold seat, single-zone a/c, flat-bottomed steering wheel and four-way manual front-passenger seat.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, stability and traction controls, auto emergency and four-wheel antilock brakes, rearview camera, forward-collision alert, lane keep/departure warning, rear park assist, remote start, keyless entry, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are standard.

The fun little SUV to haul in the city or cruise on the highway is not just energetic and attractive but also cost-effective, spacious and a gas-sipper. That it is a Buick makes the Envista a grand luxury ride for a third of the price tag charged by its competitors. If in the market for a subcompact five-seater SUV with plentiful bells and wheels, this one deserves a spin at your local dealership!

ENVISTA (ST)

Tires: 225/55R18

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches

Length: 182.6 inches

Width: 71.5 inches

Height: 61.3 inches

Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons

City/hwy/combined: 28/32/30 mpg

Weight: 3,060 pounds

Web site: www.buick.com