2017 Buick Envision Versus the Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, and Acura RDX

SUVs have become an American staple. These days, they are so much more than just a crossover between a truck and a sedan. They have become their own entity, proving their worth over years of adjustments and perfection. One company that has managed to lead the charge in the world of SUVs is Buick. Since 2014, the Buick Envision has won drivers and critics over year after year. This year, Buick continues to plug away at making quite possibly the best running SUV on the road, and at Liberty Buick GMC we have the best selection of 2017 Buick Envisions at the lowest price.

The market has been flooded with SUVs in recent years, this makes it essential to do meticulous research before settling on your new ride. Going for a test drive, popping the hood, and kicking the tire a few times is good. It gives you a feel for the vehicle, but what you really need is a good comparison. 

Take a look at the 2017 Buick Envision compared to three of the most popular SUVs out today.

2017 Buick Envision Versus the Nissan Murano

Both the 2017 Buick Envision and the 2017 Nissan Murano come with a nice, sleek exterior and roomy, comfortable interior. They both drive well, and have impressed the competition in recent years. However, upon closer look, one does stand out a bit more than the other in terms of overall performance. Here is what we have found:

·         Fuel Economy. While the Nissan Murano gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28-highway, the 2017 Buick Envision gets 22-mpg city and 29-highway. It may not seem like that big of a deal to have one gallon less for both city and highway, but it’s a very big deal. Over years of driving a Buick Envision, these two extra gallons will add up to quite a bit of money. Think long-term on this category and you begin to realize just how much Buick saves you.

·         Safety. The results to this comparison are a little different than those on fuel economy. A lot different actually. While the 2017 Buick Envision receives top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2017 Nissan Murano only gets four stars from the federal government. The biggest difference between the two vehicles is that the Buick Envision comes standard with a slew of impressive safety features. The Murano, however, requires you to upgrade to the SL or Platinum trim levels before you get to really see some top-level features in safety.

Overall, there is no reason to pay more money to feel safer when Buick provides this at the standard price. Better gas mileage and higher safety ratings cause the 2017 Buick Envision to win out over the 2017 Nissan Murano.

2017 Buick Envision Versus the Subaru Outback

Until recently, Buick was struggling to come up with an interesting design to its vehicles. The quality has always been there, and actually gotten better by the year, but in terms of looks, Buick couldn’t quite catch up to vehicles like the Subaru Outback. Things have changed in recent years though, and now Buick is making its mark with bright, new styles that can compete with the likes of the respected Outback. Here is what we found out after taking a good look at both exteriors and testing out how well they perform:

·         Styling. The 2017 Subaru Outback manages to keep its wagon-like look, its soft, yet rugged feel, but it loses in way of its stylishness. Actually, there really isn’t much style at all to the new Outback. Its nice curves and extra elevation from the ground make it look different than in years past, but it’s hard to find anything definable about it, it is rather boring. Enter the 2017 Buick Envision and we have ourselves a different story. The sheer presence of the large SUV provides enough emphasis to make anyone turn a head. The small front grille helps accentuate the billowing curves coming from the front and folding themselves over and around the large body. The cat-eyed headlights offer a sophistication not found in the Outback, and for a moment you are not sure if you are looking at a foreign luxury vehicle or an off-roading machine fit for muddy trails and dirt roads.

·         Performance. The 2017 Buick Envision comes standard with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that can easily be upgraded to a 2.0-liter Turbo. Most impressive about the new Envision is the ultra smooth and quiet ride with the option for all-wheel-drive. Sitting at a stoplight, you might honestly think the vehicle has turned off. Even with the windows down it is tough to hear that powerful engine purr. The Outback offers two engines styles: a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder and a 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder. While it is nice to have the option between the two, the Outback’s renowned all-wheel-drive tends to drink a lot of fuel. It does have a nice ride, however, we found it not to be nearly as soft and quiet as the 2017 Buick Envision.

Between the all-new Envision and the new Outback, we like the Buick. There is just this feeling of quality that isn’t there in the Subaru.

2017 Buick Envision Versus the Acura RDX

Even though the Acura RDX is considered more of a luxury SUV than the Buick Envision, it is increasingly more difficult to see the differences. While the 2017 RDX maintains the status quo, it’s safe to say the 2017 Buick Envision makes some impressive advancements that push it out ahead of the Acura to a certain degree. Both perform at top levels, but there is more that sticks out in the Envision.

·         Features. Looking at both vehicles list of features, we find things we like and a few we do not. The 2017 Buick Envision has plenty to offer with its five trim levels. You are sure to find all the regulars: collision alerts, power everything, a wide range of paint colors, individual climate control, and packages with nice new features that are beyond adaptive. The 2017 Envision pushes the envelope and makes driving easier, more fun. The only downside is navigating through the long list of features that correspond only to certain trim levels. The 2017 Acura RDX comes in ten different builds, but you won’t find much of anything that is not also offered in the Buick Envision. The problem with the Acura is that you are already paying more for a luxury title, but then you have to spend even more cash to get the features you really want. Those feature packages you can also find in the Envision end up costing you a whole lot more in the end. The way we see it, if you can already get the same quality in ride, safety, comfort, performance, and features from the 2017 Buick Envision, why pay more to get the Acura. It might have made sense to go for the Acura five or ten years ago, but not when you look at the new things Buick has done. Spend less and get top quality.

Needless to say, we are impressed with the 2017 Buick Envision. We stacked it up against three of the best SUVs on the market and the Envision won out each time. Read more about the Buick Envision and how it is truly a vehicle you can Envision your family in or come in and see us at Liberty Buick GMC today and find the best prices on one of the best SUVs made today.

Andrae Bergeron

Content Writer

CCP Web Design

The Buick Envision (Truly a Vehicle You Can Envision You and Your Family in This Year)

This compact SUV combines comfort, safety, and good value for your money. Whether you’re cruising through uptown, teaching your teenager to drive, or taking that sleepy toddler on a ride in a whisper-quiet cabin, the 2017 Buick Envision in Charlotte is the perfect compact SUV-crossover to fit all of your family’s needs.

At a glance:

Just at a glance, the Envision packs numerous luxuries into the vehicle, aiming for the safety and comfort of its passengers. With higher trims of the Envision, consumers will see even more of Buick’s latest technology for its conscientious drivers and satisfied passengers.

·         5 seats

·         Keyless vehicle

·         252 HP

·         MPG:

o   22 CITY

o   29 HWY

·         New base engine

·         Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

·         8 inch touch screen

·         Rearview backing camera

·         4-G Wi-Fi hotspot capability

·         New Teen Driver active safety feature

Exterior:

As beautiful as it is reliable, the Envision will fit perfectly into the urban atmosphere, combining sleek design with functionality. The Envision offers 7 exterior colors:

·         Ebony Twilight Metallic

·         Bronze Alloy Metallic

·         Chili Red Metallic

·         Bronze Alloy Metallic

·         Galaxy Silver Metallic

·         Summit White

·         Midnight Amethyst Metallic

It’s worth noting that paint colors in exception to Summit White are premium extra-charge colors.

The Envision’s wheels are 18”, 10-spoke polished aluminum, with P225/60R18 all-season blackwall tires. You’ll appreciate the hands free open and close liftgate, luggage rack, and roof-rails for packing extra cargo.

An ideal crossover SUV, the 2017 Buick Envision is a compact vehicle perfect for a growing family in the city.

Interior:

There’s no argument that the Envision is a comfortable ride, but the interior is also stylish and functional. The Envision is spacious for all five seats, including passengers in the backseat seats with plenty of legroom and headspace. The front seats are well equipped with excellent materials in the upholstery, heated seats, and a clear view of the road ahead. The passenger compartment has a small glove box, but a tray in the dashboard and a generous center console bin. Ventilated front seats and heated back seats are available in the higher-end trims of the Envision.

The contemporary and glossy wood trim is clean and appealing, and exhibits a high-quality feel. The dual touch-sensing climate system panels on the dashboard enable you quick access to seat heating, and ventilation. Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system works from an 8-inch touch screen, with navigation, radio display, smart-phone capability (i.e., Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a number of other features.

In particular: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable you to sync smartphone features and functions with the IntelliLink infotainment system. This is an important feature for those who desire easier access to your phone’s apps and information, navigation, as well as hands-free messaging and decreased off-road distractions. Drivers can use Siri or Google to make calls, send/receive messages in the Envision, and control music (via the touchscreen as well). These features complement the OnStar 4g LTE connectivity Wi-Fi hotspot, which provides for up to 7 personal devices to ensure that its passengers are safe and connected on the go.

The back seats and cargo are just as impressive; unlike many similar compact SUVS, the rear-seat space provides an equally pleasant amount of room and storage. With comfort for all passengers in mind, even the middle rear-seat has a flat floor space for the passenger’s legs.

Taking a closer look: The back seat also includes rear-climate control, a 3-prong power outlet, dual USB ports to keep your passengers content and charged.

The Envision did not leave out their smaller passengers either. This vehicle keeps younger passengers in mind with lower child-seat anchors on the back of the rear seats. This keyless vehicle alerts you when keys are left on the seat or in the car, and child safety locks are included as well. This kid-friendly vehicle is overall a very safe and comfortable choice for families.

Need more room for cargo? For an SUV, the cargo area is rather small. However, Buick’s maximizes the accommodation of people or cargo with the ability to slide the rear seat forward and back. The hands-free lift gate and low lift-over height is ideal of loading and unloading heavy stuff.

Performance:

Heavy for it’s size at a minimum of about 4,000 pounds, the Envision is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Premium and Premium II trim levels deliver a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine with higher horsepower and torque, as well as all-wheel drive. This engine provides smoother and quicker acceleration and gear changes when you need more power on the road.

Furthermore, the turbocharged engine option has an idle-stop system that will shut off the engine when at rest in traffics or intersections to conserve fuel. In Charlotte’s prime time traffic, this is a wonderful feature to have.

The handling of the Envision on the road is far from a chore; the steering is level, the brakes respond accurately, and the suspension keeps the ride quiet and smooth. For those needing a quick-reaction time in the urban uptown of Charlotte, the Envision delivers and at a decent gas mileage too, hitting 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

If you’re looking for a more powerful turbocharged engine, the Envision’s top two trim levels deliver, but they also come along with a price jump from a mid-ranged $30,000 to upper $40,000.

Safety:

Large side mirror and front windows provide notable visibility to both the driver and passengers in the Envision. While the rear-view mirror does not offer a consistent clear view through the smaller back window, the rear-backing camera and park-assist sensors make their use known with thoughtful, efficient technology to the driver’s aid.

New to the Buick Envision, Teen Driver active safety technology provides programmable settings for parents, and allows them to receive driving reports of their teenage drivers. For parents lending out their Envision for a teenager’s first independent spin, this safety feature provides parents with the supervision and perhaps even a bit of peace-of-mind as their new driver hits the road alone.

Beyond teens, Buick offers the opt-in Smart Driver Program that monitors driving habits and collects data that can be used to obtain car insurance discounts.

The Envision received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ensuring the protection of all of its occupants. Among other excellent safety ratings,

Choices:

There are four different trim options for the Buick Envision that encompass preferences and price ranges. Four-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The Preferred trim is a superb SUV choice that won’t break the bank, where you will not feel like the basic trim is basic at all; it’s as value-packed as it is luxury-packed.

But, if you’re looking for more, then Buick delivers. Each trim includes the luxuries of the previous ones, and you’ll find in the Premium and Premium II trims (starting at $42,430) that upgraded turbocharged engine makes a great difference in the vehicle’s power and efficiency.

Preferred trim: $35,780

·         180 inch alloy wheels

·         Daytime running lights

·         Premium cloth seats

·         Hands-free liftgate

Essence trim: $37,720

·         Leather upholstery

·         Heated rear seats

·         Chrome roof rails

·         Perforated leather seating

·         Blind spot monitoring

Premium trim: $44,960

·         A more powerful engine

·         Navigation

·         Safety features, like following-distance warnings

Premium II trim: $44,960+

·         Navigation

·         Automatic park assist

·         360-degree camera

·         Power sunroof

·         Automatic emergency braking

If you’re looking for a luxury compact SUV crossover with sleek exterior and interior design, responsive and efficient driving dynamics, and visibility and safety as its top priorities, then the Buick Envision is truly a vehicle you can envision you and your family in this year. Learn more about the 2017 Buick Envision’s pricing details by clicking here, call 704.708.8000, or visit Liberty Buick GMC in Charlotte, North Carolina. There is no doubt that the economical, stylish, and efficient 2017 Buick Envision will win you over, so schedule your test drive today.

By: Tayler Green

CCP Web Design

Content Writer