What’s New With the 2019 Buick Envision Preferred?

The 2019 Buick Envision Preferred is slated to arrive in showrooms across the country in summer 2018, and the anticipation is killing us. Geared towards the elevation of comfort and luxury in the small SUV segment, the premise of the Envision Preferred was inspired by the leisurely urban grind; stopping by the local coffee shop, visiting the day spa, jetting out for a great dinner date, and running the odd errand in style.

With room for 5 passengers, luxurious and innovative amenities, and the classic Buick cloud-like ride quality drivers have learned to expect from the brand, the Envision Preferred represents the next generation of stately appeal and utility from Buick.

While Buick is keeping tight-lipped on the information that’s available regarding the new Envision, here’s everything we know about the to-be-released model.

What’s New for 2019?

Changes to the 2019 Buick Envision Preferred include a slight makeover to the front grille and fascia, exhibiting a more refined look that falls in line with Buick’s new branding cues as a car company that’s for young professionals and families – not just the older crowd who have typified Buick’s prime demographic for decades. While the headlights remain the same, the taillights and rear end are both updated to reflect a more natural and comfortable aesthetic. They’re also jazzed up for 2019 with HID or LED units, depending on trim level.

Inside, the Envision is largely unchanged in the look’s department, but a few interior features have been upgraded. Buick says the heated seats are now quicker to heat up, and the Envision now features an air ionizer to keep the air in the cabin as fresh as possible.

What’s perhaps the biggest change to the physical appearance of the car, is the return of the tri-coloured Buick shield emblem, paying homage to the past, while jazzing up the brand with some colour – a subtle, yet bold statement from a brand that’s historically not been very exciting. Finally, the price tag has dropped – about $2000 from the 2017/18 model, and by about $1500 for a turbo model.

Power & Efficiency

The Envision comes with two powertrain options. A base 2.5L four-cylinder engine developing a standard 197 horsepower and 192 lb/ft of torque coupled to a silky smooth 6-speed automatic transmission in either front, or all-wheel-drive.

The premium engine option, however is a little more impressive. Offering a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder motor, the Buick Envision Preferred can also offer up a beefy 252 horsepower and a whopping 295 lb/ft of torque. The larger engine comes equipped with an efficiency/comfort minded 9-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The 2.0L also comes exclusively in AWD to help translate that torque into useable performance.

Unfortunately, Buick have not released fuel economy numbers for the updated 2019 model yet – but we expect an combined fuel efficiency rating of somewhere around the 9L/100km mark based on Buick’s cousins at Chevrolet and GMC.

Utility & Luxury

Filling the void in between the pint-sized Buick Encore, and the three-row Buick Enclave, the Envision is your standard 5-passenger crossover with a few unique features of its own.

An 8-inch touch screen display with OnStar concierge and safety services are standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other standard features include a rear-view camera, 10 airbags, park assist, keyless access and start controls, 4G LTE WiFi hot-spot, and dual-automatic climate controls. On the options list, Envision drivers can have their pick of premium luxury features like leather upholstery, navigation, heads up display, and a wireless charging station.

The Perfect Fit

The original 2016 Envision’s were built in China since Buick’s most popular segment resides in China – so while the Envision got off to a tough start in North America for its Asian heritage from an old school domestic brand, there’s a lot to like about this fresh redesign.

The 2019 Buick Envision Preferred offers an improved platform with North American wish-list items, luxurious ride and interior amenities, as well as a reduction in price. The organic updates to the Envision’s styling, and its beefed up power and capable drivetrain make it the perfect fit for young urban families who have a taste for the finer things in life, while enjoying the utility, space, and functionality of a weekend warrior SUV.

Primed for life in Coquitlam and British Columbia, we’re sure when the 2019 Buick Envision arrives this summer – it’ll be a surefire hit.