The 2021 Buick Envision heralds an all-new second-generation for the compact four-door crossover utility vehicle (CUV). Like its first-gen predecessor, the 2021 Envision slots between the larger Buick Enclave, and smaller Buick Encore and Encore GX in Buick’s premium crossover lineup. But unlike its predecessor, the new Envision makes the jump to the GM E2 platform, from the GM D2 platform used by the previous generation model. Coincidentally, the same E2 also underpins another premium GM crossover – the 2019 and newer Cadillac XT4.
Despite their common platform, the two crossovers look completely different. Curious to find out how these two platform mates compare from a dimensional standpoint, we set out to stack the two side-by-side in this GM Authority Dimensional Comparison.
2021 Buick Envision
Cadillac XT4
Exterior Dimensions
The 2021 Buick Envision rides on the same 109.4-inch wheelbase as the Cadillac XT4. However, the new Buick is 4.4 inches longer than the Cadillac.
Note that front and rear tracks are almost identical, and it doesn’t seem that the Envision has a particularly “wide” stance. That’s what makes the width measurements a bit strange, since they show the Buick to be 2.6 inches narrower. We believe that this is a result of the Envision width measurement representing the body width, while the XT4 measurement representing the vehicle with the mirrors folded.
Interestingly, the added length of the 2021 Buick Envision gives it a slightly higher curb weight of between 25 and 36 pounds.
| 2021 Buick Envision | Cadillac XT4 | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 109.4 | 109.4 | Equal |
| Length | 185.5 | 181.1 | +4.4 |
| Width | 74.11 | 76.72 | -2.6 |
| Height3 | 64.6 | 63.21 | +1.39 |
| Front track | 63.3 | 63.2 | +0.1 |
| Rear track | 63.3 | 63.1 | +0.2 |
| Curb weight | 3,685 to 3,932 | 3,660 to 3,896 | +25 to +36 |
- 1 – with mirrors folded
- 2 – without mirrors (body width)
- 3 – without roof rails
- Measurements in inches and pounds, as appropriate
| 2021 Buick Envision | Cadillac XT4 | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2779 | 2779 | Equal |
| Length | 4636 | 4600 | +36 |
| Width | 18821 | 21212 | -239 |
| Height3 | 1641 | 1606 | +35 |
| Front track | 1608 | 1605 | +3 |
| Rear track | 1608 | 1605 | +3 |
| Curb weight | 1675 to 1784 | 1660 to 1767 | +15 to +17 |
- 1 – with mirrors folded
- 2 – without mirrors (body width)
- 3 – without roof rails
- Measurements in mm and kg, as appropriate
2021 Buick Envision cockpit
Cadillac XT4 cockpit
Interior Dimensions
The 2021 Buick Envision and Cadillac XT4 have similar interior dimensions, though the Buick has more headroom, both in the front and rear. Front legroom is the same for both models, while the Caddy has slightly more rear seat legroom. The Buick has more front shoulder room, while rear shoulder room is identical between both models. Finally, the Envision has more front hip room but the XT4 has more rear hip room. It’s worth noting that all of the differences in interior room are relatively minor except for the rear seat hip room, which tips in favor of the XT4 by a healthy 2.4 inches.
| 2021 Buick Envision | Cadillac XT4 | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front headroom | 39.6 | 39.4 | +0.2 |
| Rear headroom | 38.9 | 38.2 | +0.7 |
| Front legroom | 40.4 | 40.+4 | 0 |
| Rear legroom | 39.3 | 39.5 | -0.2 |
| Front shoulder room | 56.7 | 57 | -0.3 |
| Rear shoulder room | 55.1 | 55.1 | Equal |
| Front hip room | 55.1 | 54.5 | +0.6 |
| Rear hip room | 47.4 | 49.8 | -2.4 |
- Measurements in inches
| 2021 Buick Envision | Cadillac XT4 | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front headroom | 1006 | 1001 | +5 |
| Rear headroom | 988 | 970 | +18 |
| Front legroom | 1026 | 1120 | -94 |
| Rear legroom | 998 | 1003 | -5 |
| Front shoulder room | 1440 | 1448 | -8 |
| Rear shoulder room | 1420 | 1400 | +20 |
| Front hip room | 1400 | 1384 | +16 |
| Rear hip room | 1204 | 1265 | -61 |
- Measurements in mm
Cargo Dimensions
The added length of the 2021 Buick Envision certainly helps it in the cargo department. Compared to the XT4, the Envision features 2.7 cubic feet more cargo room behind the second row, and 3.8 cubic feet more when the second row is folded.
| 2021 Buick Envision | Cadillac XT4 | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume (behind second row) | 25.2 | 22.5 | +2.7 |
| Cargo volume (behind first row) | 52.7 | 48.9 | +3.8 |
- Measurements in cubic feet
| 2021 Buick Envision | Cadillac XT4 | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume (behind second row) | 713.7 | 637.2 | +76.5 |
| Cargo volume (behind first row) | 1492.5 | 1384.8 | +107.7 |
- Measurements in liters
As a reminder, both the 2021 Buick Envision and Cadillac XT4 are powered by the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY engine rated at 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the Buick and 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the Cadillac. Shifting duties for both models are handled by the new GM 9-speed automatic transmission driving either the front wheels or all four wheels (via an optional twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system).
If you missed it, we also did a similar dimensional comparison of the all-new, second-gen Envision to the outgoing first-gen model.
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Comments
Great article and super easy to read/understand. Thank you.
Both really nice looking vehicles. Although the new Envision is a knockout, I’m starting to like the XT4 the more I see them. Considering that the XT4 is built in the USA would give me the extra push to buy that over the Buick unless the XT4 is way more.
The Buick is much better looking than the Cadillac and is actually quite handsome. It’s a giant improvement over the original Envision. Unfortunately it’s still imported from China at a time when anti-China sentiment has rightfully skyrocketed in the USA so I can’t see it being a big seller here.
I would need to see the Buick in person to make a decision, but every time I see an XT4 I am wowed by the design. GM made a big error in not putting the 2.7T in this to create a VSport though.
I like em both, but that Buick is almost looking more lux than the xt4.
Buick Envision more CHINA garbage
I wish I can have the XT4 exterior with the Envision interior. XT4 exterior is timeless but the interior is already dated.
With all our televisions, computers ,and phones built in China what is the big deal about a car built in China?