DecodedCars2021 Buick Envision
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- SUV AWD, SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 24 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,693–3,865 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints23 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 145 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Buick Envision is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,865 lb (SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 31 highway), 2% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2021
- New body dimensions: 1.2 in shorter, wheelbase +1.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 4-cyl
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Envision →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV AWD | 182.7 in | 74 in | 64.6 in | 109.4 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,865 lb | 59/41 |
| SUV FWD | 182.7 in | 74 in | 64.6 in | 109.4 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,693 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Envision FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 341 |
| Envision AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +5% | $2,700 | 352 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Buick Envision SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2021 Buick Envision SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Buick Envision (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software · Dec 8, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V903000 · 740,108 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
Air Bags › Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light · Jun 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V421000 · 285,622 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
- Risk
- The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
Not every 2021 Buick Envision is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Buick Envision buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 6 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 36,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Buick Envision. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Envision years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Envision | 25 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 Envision | 24 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2024 Envision | 24 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 13 |
| 2023 Envision | 26 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 26 |
| 2022 Envision | 26 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 26 |
| 2020 Envision | 25 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 12 |
| 2019 Envision | 25 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 23 |
| 2018 Envision | 25 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 15 |
| 2017 Envision | 25 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 81 |
| 2016 Envision | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 19 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →