2025 Buick Envista
A Surprising Contender in the Luxury Crossover Market
For decades, Mercedes-Benz has been my go-to brand. I’ve owned multiple models, from the E-Class to the GLB, and I’ve come to appreciate the refinement, engineering, and prestige that comes with driving a German luxury car. So, when I stumbled across an Instagram post comparing the 2025 Buick Envista to the Mercedes GLC300, my immediate reaction was to laugh.
A Buick vs. a Mercedes? The thought seemed ridiculous. But as I continued watching the video, something unexpected happened—I found myself intrigued.
Could Buick, a brand I had long associated with an older demographic, really be making something worth considering?
A Late-Night Discovery
After watching the comparison, I decided to do some research. I pulled up Buick’s official website and checked out the Envista. At first glance, it was visually appealing, but what really caught my attention was the starting price: $24,000.
That number alone raised a few concerns:
How much car can you actually get for $24,000?
Would it feel cheap or underwhelming?
And most importantly, could a three-cylinder engine possibly be enough?
I needed to see one for myself. Later that evening, after the Folsom Buick GMC dealership had closed, I drove over for a late-night stroll through their lot. When I found the Envista sitting among the other Buicks and GMCs, I was shocked.
It was a stunning vehicle—sleek, modern, and far more stylish than I expected. But, as impressive as it looked in person, I still had one major concern—that tiny three-cylinder engine.
The Test Drive That Changed Everything
The next day, I returned to the dealership to get a closer look and met Andrew, one of the sales reps.
Inside the Envista, I was pleasantly surprised—the cabin felt premium, spacious, and comfortable. It didn’t have the cramped feel I expected from a compact SUV. The seats were well-padded, the technology was modern, and everything about the interior felt intentional.
But looks and comfort are only part of the equation. What really mattered was the driving experience.
When I popped the hood, my skepticism returned. The three-cylinder engine looked tiny, reminding me of something you’d find in a lawnmower rather than a car. But the moment I started driving, my assumptions were challenged.
Acceleration? Surprisingly strong.
Highway merging? Smooth and effortless.
Cabin noise? Quiet and refined.
Handling? Balanced and composed.
To my complete surprise, the Envista felt quicker than my Mercedes E350, which was something I didn’t expect at all. There were no rattles, no road noise issues, and the overall experience was better than I had anticipated.
By the time I returned to the dealership, I had a serious dilemma on my hands: I wanted one.
Is the Buick Envista the Right Choice?
Since that test drive, I’ve found myself returning to the dealership multiple times to look at the Envista again. It’s become clear that this isn’t just a passing interest—there’s a strong possibility I’ll be purchasing one by this summer.
I’m still debating colors, but Silver or Copper with the black 19-inch wheels is looking like the perfect combination. It checks all the boxes:
✔ Stylish and modern design
✔ Surprisingly quick and comfortable
✔ Affordable, without feeling cheap
✔ 20-year/200,000-mile limited powertrain warranty from Folsom Buick GMC
Final Thoughts: Never Judge a Car by Its Badge
If you had told me a month ago that I would seriously be considering buying a Buick, I would have laughed. But here I am, genuinely impressed by what they’ve built with the 2025 Envista.
As much as I love Mercedes-Benz, I have to admit that Buick has done something special here. They’ve created a car that looks great, drives well, and offers incredible value.
Will I pull the trigger? It’s looking very likely. And if I do, I’ll be sure to follow up in a future issue of Impact & Influence Magazine to share the ownership experience.
For now, all I can say is this: never underestimate a brand just because of its reputation—sometimes, the biggest surprises come from the most unexpected places.
