Monday, July 22, 2019
Friday, July 19, 2019
INSIDERS BUYING GUIDE TO BUICK ENCORE AND BUICK ENVISION
INSIDERS BUYING GUIDE TO BUICK ENCORE AND BUICK ENVISION
This month we want to spotlight two great Buicks, the Envision and the Encore, and highlight some of their brilliant features, which you should consider. We will contrast the two to help you make an informed decision about which model of Buick’s line of crossover SUVs is best for you.
The Buick Envision
Doesn’t its name say it all? Envision is, of course, a pun to think about what you can envision for your family’s ease of transportation. It draws out ideas of what’s possible, what’s likely, when owning the New Buick Envision. Buick wants you to think of this as a can-do vehicle, an SUV with a positive attitude. It’s a supersized small luxury SUV, with bling and pizzazz.
The 2019 Buick Envision has been updated, in its design, and we think it’s something worth taking a look at. For all models and trim levels, this SUV has had its rear valance reworked along with its exhaust tip. It has a sleek look to it, now more than ever, and it really gives the Envision a refined sense of spirit. What sort of changes did Buick make, specifically? Let’s have a closer look:
First, there are two gasoline engine options for the Buick Envision, and the exhaust design depends on which engine you select. We are excited about the new look and style this renovated exhaust design carries.
Of the two engines offered, the first is the 2.5L I-4 LCV, naturally-aspirated, which is the base model engine for the Buick Envision. It features a single-outlet stainless steel exhaust, which is hidden from sight. Now tucked under the vehicle, the exhaust tip doesn’t show. That means a more sporty, stylish look. Also take note: the Envision has a metal-look valance now that replaced the black fascia treatment of previous models. The metal valance gives the Envision a more integrated look. Cleaner design, trendier feel—that’s what Buick has given us.
Its 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine gives you 197 horsepower with torque of 192 pound-feet. That’s a six-speed automatic transmission and is standard for the base, Preferred and Essence models. That’s enough horsepower to climb hills and pull a trailer along. It’s got the power and stamina you want for city driving or a cruise in the countryside.
The second option is the 2.0L 1-4 turbocharged LTG, the next level up. This model engine carries a dual exhaust treatment. With the 2019 model, the tips of the exhaust pipe are squared off, replacing the rounded tips seen on the 2017 and 2018 Envision models. If you opt for premium trim, then you get the metal-look lower valance as well, replacing the black version of it standard in previous models.
This option, the turbocharged 2.0L, is matched to the nine-speed automatic transmission (from GM) and comes with standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine delivers 252 horsepower with 295 pound-feet of torque—a powertrain worth its salt. This engine comes standard for both the Premium 1 and Premium 2 models of the 2019 Buick Envision.
Both engines have excellent gas mileage, averaging 29MPG highway and 22MPG city. And for a crossover SUV, we know those are good numbers. Moreover, it was ranked by US News and World Report as #14 in the Luxury Compact SUVs category, putting it next to the 2019 Infiniti QX50 and 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (both sit at #12) and the 2019 Lincoln MKC (#15). That ranking carries a score of 7.9 out of 10, based on thirty-two specifications for evaluation. Translation: the 2019 Buick Envision keeps good company and can roll with the best of them, and it is far more affordable than other Luxury Compact SUVs—without sacrificing the bells and whistles you want in a compact SUV.
What do the experts say about it? US News and World Report gave it high marks for the following: spacious, supportive seats; good gas mileage; and user-friendly tech features. Though it fell down in some categories (less than nimble handling; its rivals have more up-scale interiors), US News found noteworthy some of its new features for the 2019 model. Those include: the nine-speed automatic transmission with turbo engine; new headlights and taillights; updates to existing tech features; and more torque for turbo engine. Those new features make certain that you need to give the 2019 Buick Envision a close, thorough look!
US News’ conclusions are pretty positive as well: “The Buick Envision is a pretty good SUV. It certainly delivers on some fronts…[and] it has a lower starting price than most of its class rivals…” The 2019 Buick Envision’s starting price is around $32,000 and with that pricing, it gets you into the luxury SUV class easily.
And what about Edmunds and its assessment of the 2019 Envision? They noted the quietness of the cabin at highway speeds, the comfortable seats and ride which the Envision sports, and they liked the four USB ports, as well as, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard features. They gave it a ranking of 7.2 out of 10 and named it their #9 Small SUV pick, beating out the Ford Escape in its top-ten rankings.
A few features we like on the 2019 Encore:
• It has intelligent all-wheel drive
• It offers a powerful wireless charging in a vertical charging pocket
• It comes with excellent safety features, like Surround Vision
• Its look has a higher level of refinement, from its exquisite grille to the sculpted rear profile
What we really love on the 2019 Envision is its trimmer, new look for the exhaust system. It says, “city slicker.” It says, “stylish and confident.” It says, “smooth and refined.” It cleans up the SUV’s exterior look and it features the profile of the overall design (rather than having the tail pipe sticking out and looking less classy).
And when you are rolling around Charlotte, driving up Providence Road or cruising over to NoDa for some unique cuisine, you want your vehicle to say something about you. You want it to convey a sense of style and refinement—that’s what the 2019 Buick Envision says about you, as you ride around Charlotte. So imagine rolling up to Southpark Mall for a shopping excursion in the 2019 Encore. See yourself riding in the sleek, modern design, as you pull into a parking spot and jump out for lunch and some browsing at Nordstrom. Come and test drive one today!
The Buick Encore
US News and World Report ranks the 2019 Buick Encore as—wait for it—#7 in Subcompact SUVs. That beats out the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Ford EcoSport, and the 2019 Toyota C-HR. That ranking of #7 was arrived at by examining over 46 pieces of research and data, and evaluating the Subcompact SUV across many rigorous standards.
When evaluating the 2019 Buick Encore, US News found it scored highly in the following categories: nice interior with lots of standard features; user-friendly infotainment system; nimble handling; and outstanding predicted reliability rating. Though it scored less well in the categories of its base engine’s powertrain or its pricing compared to its rivals, it did score for its reshuffled trim, which is new for 2019.
With drivetrains that can be either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and engine configurations sporting 138-153 horsepower, it’s definitely worth your consideration. And, with 24-26MPG in the city, and 29-31MPG on the highway, its fuel efficiency is definitely a selling point. In fact, US News calls its fuel efficiency estimates “above-average.” And one of US News’ concluding thoughts about the Buick 2019 Encore? “The Encore is one of the best subcompact SUVs you can buy.”
And Edmunds gave it good marks for the Encore’s hushed cabin at highway speeds, the generous standard tech and safety features it has, and its maneuverable size. They ranked it #10 for their X-Small SUV category, ranking among the leading ten subcompact SUVs on the market today.
And we think it deserves a closer look at some of its specs and features, so let’s see what Buick is up to with its 2019 Encore subcompact SUV. With ratings like 8.1/10 from US News and World Report or a 4.6/5 from Kelley Blue Book, its features deserve your attention.
Buick’s tagline for this subcompact SUV is a fitting one: “Sized to fit the way your life moves.” We agree, because if you want to get into the SUV vehicle category but don’t want an enormous vehicle to cope with, then this 2019 Buick Encore is just the right size. You get the look and feel, along with the nimble driving, of an SUV without the typical bulk of an SUV.
The base model for the Encore starts at $23,200 MSRP and its standard features include: LED-accented taillamps, a 1.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Engine, an enhanced 4.2” Driver Information Center, and also the ease of the keyless open and start system. The Essence, its top model, starts at $29,300 and these features are standard: leather-appointed seats, rear cross traffic alert, heated driver and front-passenger seats, and heated leather-wrapped steering wheel (what a great feature for winter!).
Conclusion
For those new to the SUV game, the Encore is definitely a great start and will give you a fresh take on driving. It’s nimble, affordable, and gives you a taste of luxury. It’s a good pick and we recommend a test drive to see what it’s all about.
But if you’re of the more fashionable taste and want into the luxury SUV game, then the 2019 Buick Envision is hands-down the best choice. You get some sleek new features, with its redefined fascia trim, you get an excellent powertrain, some great luxury features on the interior, and most of the bells and whistles without the higher price tag of its rivals.
We believe the 2019 Buick Envision has staying power. Though a new entry into the SUV market, having been introduced in 2016, “it marked a milestone for the American auto industry” says Car and Driver, in a recent review. They note that it “currently stands as [Buick’s] third-best selling model.” And one thing that summed up their review was the following: “Best of all, the added refinements come with a price reduction. Depending on the trim, buyers can save between $1400 and $2400 over previous models.” So you get a better, cleaner trim with more modern shaping, and it costs less than outdated styling on earlier models. That’s a win-win for you, the car buyer! And Car and Driver also made a bold claim about the 2019 Encore: “In fact, it just might be the vehicle that best embodies the Buick brand, completely without pretension or too many compromises.”
In Buick’s words, “Versatility has found its style”—the tagline Buick has rolled out with its newly updated Encore for 2019. And we agree. The 2019 Encore has style and it gives you a lot more, both under the hood and in the cabin, at a lower price point. You get luxury and affordability. That is a winning combo.
Pop over to Liberty Buick GMC located in Matthews, NC - Serving Charlotte NC - to test drive either the Encore or the sleek new Envision. We have experts ready to help.
Liberty Buick GMC Contributor,
Sam Nicolosi
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Defy Convention with the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Are you in the market for a new heavy-duty
truck? GMC has you covered from top to bottom with the new Sierra 2500HD. At first
glance, the 2020 Sierra 2500HD—which is in its first year of a new body
structure—is as impressive as they come. And once you get into the details of
its capabilities and features, it doesn’t disappoint. In short, it’s powerful
yet refined—sophisticated yet practical. This article will discuss the 2020
Sierra 2500HD’s remarkable towing performance, its beautiful and functional
exterior and interior features, and the various trim levels and their pricing.
THE TOWING
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the new
Sierra 2500 HD is its towing capabilities. Let’s dive into the details:
Trailering Capabilities
The Sierra 2500HD can tow up to 30,000 pounds,
which is quite a jump from the 2019 models of 23,300 lbs. It’s clear that GMC
focused on attracting customers who are looking to pull a trailer. This is the
first year that the automobile manufacturer has assigned the Sierra HD models
its own chief engineer and development program; in times past, their
development was seen simply as an extension of the Sierra 1500. Jaclyn McQuaid,
the chief engineer, noted that trailering was the focal point in the Sierra
HD’s design process, pointing out that the 2020 models have “a beefier
driveline and suspension, a stiffer frame, larger axles and propshafts, and an
enhanced cooling system.” In other words, it’s built to be a towing
juggernaut.
The Powertrain
Of course, no features will allow for impressive
towing capacity like a truck’s powertrain, and the Sierra HD has it going on in
that department. The available 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 produces 445
horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. While these are the same numbers as
previous models, this engine has been designed for higher efficiency in the
2020 Sierra 2500HD. For instance, there is a bigger radiator and fan for extra
cooling capacity, as well as, enhanced air induction. One of the most
impressive aspects of the powertrain is the new Allison 10-speed automatic
transmission, which is being offered for the first time in this line up of HD
pickups. With closer gear spacing than ever before, the engine is able to
consistently run at the perfect level, no matter the towing load or
terrain.
This is also the first year that GMC is offering
a 6.6-liter engine that runs on gasoline in their HD trucks. The 6.6-Liter
gasoline direct-injected V8 engine is exclusive to GMC, and it delivers 401 hp
and 464 ft-lb of torque. This is an 11% and 22% increase in hp and torque,
respectively, from the 6.0-liter gasoline engine of previous models. Customers
who opt for the 6.6-liter gasoline V8 will get the 6L90 six-speed automatic
transmission.
Finally, the powertrain improvements for the
2020 Sierra 2500HD include bigger and stronger rear axles, which helps to
provide maximum torque to the ground, as well as, better gross axle weight
ratings (GAWR). The front axles are also bigger and stronger in general, and an
11.5-inch ring gear comes standard on all 2500HD models.
Transparent Trailer View
Along with more power to pull a trailer, the new
Sierra HD features one of the most exciting new technologies in the industry
today: transparent trailer view. GMC calls it the ProGrade Trailering System,
and it essentially renders the trailer invisible behind the truck. This has
obvious advantages for trailer haulers from experts to novices.
By using various combinations of 15 cameras, the
trailering system is designed to simplify every aspect of trailering. Seeing
through the trailer allows for easier and safer maneuvering in traffic, backing
up and parking. The system even offers a close-up of the hitch, making coupling
a breeze. Furthermore, the ProGrade Trailering System includes:
- Lights for the hitch area
- Automatic parking brake
assistance
- Integrated trailer brake
controller
- A mobile app with a departure
checklist, tire pressure monitoring, theft notifications and many other
features
Hauling Capabilities
GMC also worked to improve the 2020 Sierra HD’s
hauling capabilities and to make loading and unloading cargo as practical as
possible for customers. For one, it now leads its class in cargo- bed volume
and offers 12 corner tie-downs, and you have the option of adding a 120-volt
power outlet in the bed. The cargo bed railings are an inch lower than the 2019
Sierra HD models, which lends to an easier liftover.
Additionally, the truck has steps on the sides
of the bed and on the corners of the rear bumper—roughly the size of a work
boot—so that customers can have better access to objects inside the bed.
Moreover, higher trim levels of the Sierra HD showcase the new MultiPro
six-function tailgate that was introduced by GMC on the 1500 models this year;
however, the version of the tailgate found on the 2500 is designed specifically
for the HD models.
THE EXTERIOR
Now that you know the gist of the towing
capabilities, let’s take a look at the exterior characteristics:
Body Construction
2020 marks the beginning of a new era of body
style for GMC pickups; overall, it’s larger and more aggressive than ever
before. The contrast between the Sierra 1500 and 2500HD is more apparent than
in previous years, as the latter now stands 2 inches taller and stretches 10
inches longer than its 2019 version.
Additionally, the hood line is elevated, and the
grill is an entirely different thing altogether. While GMC has received some
criticism for the redesigned grill on the Sierra (as with the Chevrolet
Silverado), there’s no question that it makes a statement: a bold, unapologetic
statement with lots of chrome and character. The grill is massive, and it’s
capped by a hood scoop that adds to the overall appeal of the truck. The hood
scoop is also designed to assist the new cooling system that comes with the Duramax
turbo-diesel engine.
Another component that adds to the Sierra HD’s
aggressive look is the LED lighting, which is everywhere. This includes
headlights, taillights, roof marker lights and fog lights (available through an upgrade). Moreover, the roof has four yellow running lights, and each
wheel-well flare has an orange side marker at the top.
Colors
There are eight primary colors to choose from
for the Sierra HD models:
- Summit White
- White Frost Tricoat
- Quicksilver Metallic
- Onyx Black
- Carbon Black Metallic
- Pacific Blue Metallic
- Dark Sky Metallic
- Red Quartz Tricoat
THE INTERIOR
There’s more to the 2020 Sierra HD than it’s
attractive and functional exterior; it’s also built to impress on the inside:
Roominess
Driver and passenger comfort is a big part of
the Sierra HD’s appeal. GMC has stepped up their game in creating more room in
the cabin. In fact, the 2500 crew cab models are now top of the class for front
head and legroom. Also, there are three more inches of legroom in the rear seat than there were in previous models. If you’re one of the 90% of GMC customers
who choose a crew cab body style, this extra room could prove critical in your
riding experience—particularly on longer trips.
Seats and Trim
The cabin in the Sierra HD models is built on
the same construction as the Silverado. However, that’s where the similarities
end. As with many other specs, GMC puts their unique touch on their cabin
features, and the new Sierra HD is no exception. For starters, the seating
profile is higher than in recent years, which provides increased visibility on
the road and, perhaps, a greater sense of safety. While the base model is
satisfyingly upscale, the most elaborate interior comes in the Denali edition,
which sports large pebbled grain leather upholstery with contrasting stitching,
and no truck will have identical-looking seats. Also, the trim on the Sierra HD
Denali comes in authentic open-pore wood with dark aluminum decor.
Technology
You’ve read about the ProGrade Trailering
System, which is intelligently integrated into the Sierra 2500HD’s computers.
But that’s not all the impressive technology the truck offers. There are 15
cameras in total, which come in handy even when you’re not hauling a trailer.
For instance, you can see an overview of the truck, inspect the cargo in the
bed, and see along the wheels as you parallel park.
Additionally, a coinciding mobile app called
MyGMC offers several functions that assist with pulling a trailer and keeping
the trailer in good condition (e.g., controlling temperature, monitoring tire
pressure, checking trailer lights, controlling the integrated brake system,
etc.). Furthermore, you can opt for a 15-inch head-up screen that displays
important functions such as an odometer, an inclinometer, trailer info, and navigation
instructions, among others. And let’s not forget about the optional Rear Camera
Mirror and HD Surround Vision camera system.
THE TRIMS AND PRICING
The 2020 Sierra 2500HD comes in five trim
levels: The base model, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. Prices for these trims, along
with a plethora of configurations, differ as much as $30,000.
Base Model, SLE, and SLT
The base model Sierra 2500HD starts at $37,195
MSRP, which is the least expensive option we’ve seen for a GMC Heavy Duty truck
in years. The Sierra 2500HD comes as a regular cab/long bed model, and it is
basically GMC’s version of the Silverado Work Truck. The price goes up to
$41,595 if you opt for a crew cab with a standard bed, and you can add a long bed
for $200.
The SLE is one step above, meaning it has a few
niceties not included in the base model. Starting at $41,595 (regular cab/long
bed), you can get a crew cab with a standard bed for $45,395. Again, adding a
long bed to the crew cab model is just $200. The SLT is the Sierra 2500HD’s middle
trim level, and it reflects both in price and features. It comes stocked with a
double cab and standard bed for $52,195, and you can upgrade to a crew
cab/standard bed for $53,995.
AT4
This trim is all new to the GMC lineup of
trucks. The AT4 was designed with off-roaders in mind. It comes with unique
exterior and interior features (e.g., exclusive paint colors, dark chrome grille, and trim, jet black upholstery, etc.), as well as some practical upgrades that
make it worthy of its all-terrain title. For instance, the AT4 is stocked with
an off-road suspension, locking rear differential and skid plates. It also
comes with an off-road mode you can select for the traction control system.
Furthermore, it boasts a hill start assist and hill descent control. The AT4
comes only in the crew cab model, which starts at $59,295; it’s $200 to add a
long bed.
Denali
The Denali is the Sierra’s luxury trim and has
been since 2001. Along with some of the interior perks mentioned previously,
the Denali comes with an enlarged chrome grill and 20-inch chrome wheels, among
other features. Limited to crew cab form, it starts at $65,295, with the option
of adding the $200 long bed.
If you’re looking for muscle and appeal in a
truck, don’t settle for anything less than the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD. It has
towing and hauling capabilities to compete with any pickup in its class, and
its innovative trailering technology is second to none. And let’s not forget
its bold, attractive and functional exterior and interior. Be sure to come out
to Liberty for a test drive, and find the trim level that works best for
you!
-Alex
Watson
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