by TGR Staff - Photos Via Buick 09/03/2024
The 2025 Buick Envista Avenir is an attractive option in Buick’s lineup, Jennifer and I really like Buick, we even tried to buy one a few years ago. Buick has been offering a premium experience at an accessible price point. With its sleek, coupe-like crossover design, the Envista stands out in a competitive market, particularly for buyers seeking a compact SUV that doesn’t sacrifice style or comfort. While the Envista Avenir brings luxury to an entry-level price, comparing it to the Chevrolet Trax 2RS we recently reviewed, we feel the Trax might offer better value for some buyers, especially those focused on price and practicality. We liked the Trax so much that we even called it "The Best New Vehicle Value On The Market," leaving us wondering where Buick fits in the GM portfolio.
The Envista Avenir’s exterior design is one of its most prominent highlights. Buick gave it a modern, streamlined look with sharp lines, a bold front grille, and distinct LED lighting that adds a level of sophistication. The Avenir trim further amplifies this, offering 19-inch wheels and chrome accents that give the vehicle an upscale presence. The sleek, sportback roofline not only enhances its visual appeal but also emphasizes its distinction from boxier competitors like the Chevrolet Trax. However, this coupe-inspired styling comes at the cost of rear headroom and cargo space, a drawback for those prioritizing practicality over aesthetics.
The Chevrolet Trax 2RS, in contrast, is more utilitarian in design, but its aggressive, sporty lines and distinctive RS badging help it maintain an edge in the compact crossover segment. The Trax's more conventional SUV shape results in a boxier, roomier cabin, making it more practical for families and cargo. While the Envista looks premium, the Trax 2RS carries a youthful, energetic vibe—perfect for those who value a sporty aesthetic at a lower price point.
However, the rear seats are where the Envista's design compromises functionality. While there’s ample legroom for passengers, the sloping roofline limits headroom, making it less comfortable for taller adults. Cargo capacity is also affected, with the Envista offering 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 42 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. It’s adequate, but not class-leading.
In comparison, the Chevrolet Trax 2RS offers a more practical interior layout. While not as luxurious as the Envista Avenir, the Trax’s cabin is still well-appointed, especially in the RS trim, which includes unique accents like red stitching and sport seats. The Trax’s more upright design gives it an advantage in rear headroom and overall cargo capacity, making it a better choice for those who regularly carry passengers or bulky items. The Trax offers up to 54.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it more versatile than the Envista in this regard.
Both the Buick Envista Avenir and Chevrolet Trax 2RS come equipped with the latest in infotainment and driver-assistance technology. Buick’s 11-inch infotainment display is one of the largest in its class, and the interface is intuitive and responsive. The inclusion of standard wireless smartphone integration and available features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system add to its appeal as a premium option in the compact SUV segment.
Chevrolet’s Trax 2RS also comes well-equipped, though its 8-inch infotainment screen is smaller than the Envista’s. That said, the Trax matches the Envista in most tech features, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Both vehicles come with a suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning. However, the Trax’s lower price makes its feature set feel like a better deal, especially since it covers most of the same bases as the more expensive Buick.
Both the Buick Envista Avenir and Chevrolet Trax 2RS share a similar powertrain, utilizing a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces around 137 horsepower. While this engine is adequate for city driving and daily commutes, it’s not particularly inspiring in terms of performance. Acceleration can feel sluggish, especially when trying to merge onto highways or pass slower vehicles. Neither vehicle is aimed at performance enthusiasts, but the Trax’s lighter weight makes it feel slightly more nimble around corners.
The Buick Envista Avenir focuses more on delivering a refined and comfortable ride, with its suspension tuned to soak up bumps and imperfections in the road. Buick has done an excellent job of ensuring that the Envista feels composed over rough surfaces, contributing to its premium, quiet cabin. The Trax, on the other hand, delivers a firmer, more engaging ride, especially in the 2RS trim, which adds sportier suspension tuning. For drivers who enjoy a more responsive driving experience, the Trax 2RS might be the better option.
In terms of fuel efficiency, both the Envista Avenir and Trax 2RS perform similarly, with estimates around 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. These numbers are competitive within the segment, but neither vehicle stands out for offering exceptional fuel economy. They both strike a balance between power and efficiency that will satisfy most drivers in urban and suburban environments.
However, the Chevrolet Trax 2RS starts at a more budget-friendly price of around $24,995, making it a standout in terms of value. While it may not have the same level of interior refinement as the Envista, the Trax offers a similar driving experience, nearly the same technology, and more practicality for significantly less money. For buyers who prioritize value and functionality over luxury, the Trax 2RS is the clear winner.
The 2025 Buick Envista Avenir is an appealing option for those looking to get into a premium subcompact SUV without breaking the bank. Its stylish design, upscale interior, and array of technology make it a compelling choice for drivers who value luxury at an affordable price. However, when compared to the Chevrolet Trax 2RS, the Envista starts to lose some of its appeal. The Trax 2RS offers similar performance, practicality, and technology at a significantly lower price point, making it the better value for most buyers.
While the Envista Avenir is a great choice for those who prioritize style and comfort, the Trax 2RS is the smarter buy for drivers who want a well-rounded, practical, and affordable compact SUV. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you’re willing to pay more for a bit of luxury and style or if you’d rather save money and still get a capable, feature-packed crossover.
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