The 2021 Buick Envision heralds an all-new second-generation for the compact four-door crossover utility vehicle (CUV), once again slotting in between the larger Buick Enclave, and the smaller Buick Encore and Encore GX in Buick’s premium crossover lineup. The new 2021 model year is offered with the Avenir trim level, a first for the Envision nameplate, featuring an exclusive twin-clutch AWD system and various other creature comforts and amenities. The latest model year also offers new technology, new exterior colors, and a fresh design, both inside and out.
Notably, the next-gen 2021 Buick Envision rides on the GM E2 platform, while the previous-generation model used a version of the GM D2 platform. The new architecture and new design result in new dimensions for the exterior, interior, and cargo space, all of which we’re comparing to the previous generation in the following GM Authority Dimensional Comparison.
Previous-gen Buick Envision
2021 Buick Envision
Exterior Dimensions
The 2021 Envision features a sleek, stylish new look. The fresh aesthetic is also paired with larger exterior dimensions. This includes an extra 1.1 inches for the wheelbase, an extra 1.8 inches for the overall length, an extra 1.7 inches for the overall width, and an extra 1.3 inches for the front and rear track.
The only exterior dimension that hasn’t grown is the overall height, which is now 2.2 inches lower than before.
Interestingly, the curb weight is also lower than before, with the latest Envision cutting 70 to 151 pounds compared to the previous model.
| 2020 Buick Envision | 2021 Buick Envision | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in.) | 108.3 | 109.4 | +1.1 |
| Length (in.) | 183.7 | 185.5 | +1.8 |
| Width (in.)* | 72.4 | 74.1 | +1.7 |
| Height (in.) | 66.8 | 64.6 | -2.2 |
| Front track (in.) | 62 | 63.3 | +1.3 |
| Rear track (in.) | 62 | 63.3 | +1.3 |
| Ground clearance | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Curb weight (lbs.) | 3,755 to 4,083 | 3,685 to 3,932 | -70 to -151 |
- * without mirrors
| 2020 Buick Envision | 2021 Buick Envision | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2751 | 2779 | +28 |
| Length (mm) | 4666 | 4712 | +46 |
| Width (mm)* | 1839 | 1882 | +43 |
| Height (mm) | 1697 | 1641 | -56 |
| Front track (mm) | 1575 | 1608 | +33 |
| Rear track (mm) | 1575 | 1608 | +33 |
| Ground clearance | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Curb weight (kg) | 1,703 to 1,852 | 1,671 to 1,784 | +32 to +68 |
- * without mirrors
Previous-gen Buick Envision
2021 Buick Envision
Interior Dimensions
The cabin is a mixed bag with regard to the 2021 Envision dimensions. While some measurements are up, others have decreased with the latest generation.
Measurement increases for the 2021 model year include those for rear headroom (0.4 inches), rear legroom (1.8 inches), and front hip room (0.7 inches).
Meanwhile, measurement decreases include those for the front headroom (0.4 inches), front legroom (0.5 inches), front shoulder room (0.3 inches), and rear shoulder room (0.7 inches). The biggest interior measurement change is for rear hip room, which gets a substantial 5.7-inch decrease compared to the previous generation.
| 2020 Buick Envision | 2021 Buick Envision | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front headroom (in.) | 40 | 39.6 | -0.4 |
| Rear headroom (in.) | 38.5 | 38.9 | +0.4 |
| Front legroom (in.) | 40.9 | 40.4 | -0.5 |
| Rear legroom (in.) | 37.5 | 39.3 | +1.8 |
| Front shoulder room (in.) | 57 | 56.7 | -0.3 |
| Rear shoulder room (in.) | 55.8 | 55.1 | -0.7 |
| Front hip room (in.) | 54.4 | 55.1 | +0.7 |
| Rear hip room (in.) | 53.1 | 47.4 | -5.7 |
| 2020 Buick Envision | 2021 Buick Envision | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front headroom (mm) | 1016 | 1006 | -10 |
| Rear headroom (mm) | 978 | 988 | +10 |
| Front legroom (mm) | 1039 | 1026 | -13 |
| Rear legroom (mm) | 953 | 998 | +46 |
| Front shoulder room (mm) | 1448 | 1440 | -8 |
| Rear shoulder room (mm) | 1417 | 1400 | -18 |
| Front hip room (mm) | 1382 | 1400 | +18 |
| Rear hip room (mm) | 1349 | 1204 | -145 |
Previous-gen Buick Envision
2021 Buick Envision
Cargo Dimensions
Cargo capacity is decreased for the 2021 Envision, including measurements with the second row up, and with the second row down. With the second row upright, the 2021 Buick Envision offers 1.7 cubic-feet less room compared to the previous generation. With the second row folded down, the 2021 Envision offers 4.6 cubic-feet less room.
| 2020 Buick Envision | 2021 Buick Envision | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume (cu. ft., behind second row) | 26.9 | 25.2 | -1.7 |
| Cargo volume (cu. ft., behind first row) | 57.3 | 52.7 | -4.6 |
| 2020 Buick Envision | 2021 Buick Envision | + / – 2021 Envision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume (liters, behind second row) | 761 | 713 | -48 |
| Cargo volume (liters, behind first row) | 1622 | 1491 | -130 |
As a reminder, the 2021 Buick Envision is powered by the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY engine rated at 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Shifting duties 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).
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Comments
Nice looking ride, too bad it has to be made in Chyy-Na! 😀
Night and Day difference.. I love the look of the need Envision. To me the old one was just a slot filler, and didn’t go beyond that in detail.
One has to remember that the 2021 Buick Envision was designed and built for China, it is something that their markets want; the fact that the Buick Envision is sold in the United States is a side benefit for GM of China who can feel proud that they’re developing another product for the entire world.
So how is designing for Chinese people’s wants different from designing for the US people’s wants? Aren’t we all the same?
Well jeff, I’m no expert, but I’ve heard that it is very common in China to hire someone to drive your car for you. So if the owner is in the back seat going to work they want lots of leg room, wi-fi connectivity a plug for their laptop etc.
“One has to remember that the 2021 Buick Envision was designed and built for China”
Incorrect. It was designed and built for global markets. It was at one point planned for Europe (as an Opel) just as well.
Still love the interior on the current one a lot. The pictures make me think the new one will be as good if not better.
Noticed one thing that sticks out to me: The new one is just over two inches lower, but the headroom is nearly the same. So this new Envision will be much lower to the ground?
Who are the idiots at GM designing these things? Only 40.4 inches of front legroom, that is ridiculously low. The previous version was already pathetic with only 40.9 inches. I am only 6’2″ and I had to have the front seat as far back as it would go, which then gave the rear passengers no legroom or knee room in the previous version, and now they are making it even worse! Even subcompact cars have 42 to 43 inches of front legroom. Why are they making the legroom so poor that all the passengers are uncomfortable on long trips, etc.? The GMC Terrain, and Acadia have the same problem (the Acadia doesn’t even have any more legroom than the Terrain even though it is a mid-size!). The competition offers 43 to 44 inches of front legroom which is why sales have been so poor for GM.
ONLY 6’2” ? How smug you tallsters are! Try going through life a full one third of a foot under 6 feet. That being said, legroom is one of those super important dimensions for me. Years ago I rejected a Subaru for that reason, and to me that dimension has so much importance to comfort. My Rendezvous (what a great reliable vehicle!!) was cavernous, my 17 Envision is pretty amazing too in legroom, but I’m just 5’8”.
Made in China – keep it in China! GM doesn’t want to support the domestic economy – block the importation of the Envision.
BUILD IT IN U.S.A. MARY.
I hate to admit it but our Envision is probably the most reliable GM vehicle we have ever owned even though being built in China, other than my G8.
Oh yea, that was built in Australia.