Sales
Open Today Sales: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
Service/Parts
Open Today Service: 7:30 AM-5:30 PM
Finding a compact crossover can be a daunting task. They are superb vehicles to use in tight urban environments. Individuals, couples, and small families primarily moving within cities find them invaluable. There are luxury options on the market as well that cost more. What about something that straddles the line between mainstream and luxury and comes at a wallet-friendly price? That's the 2023 Buick Envision.
The 2023 Envision is based on the second generation of the nameplate, which debuted in 2021. We'll pit it against a proper luxury compact crossover, the 2023 Acura RDX. The 2023 RDX is based on 2019's third-generation variant, which received a facelift for the 2022 model year.
Let's see which one is ahead in the best compact crossover category. We will review their interior, performance, and safety characteristics in this Buick vs. Acura matchup. If you'd like to check out the new Envision in the metal, drop by the showroom here at David Scott Lee Buick GMC in Crestview, FL.
While it may appear that the 2023 Envision offers a tad less interior space than the 2023 RDX, the reason for that is that the Buick is 5 inches shorter. That can make a significant difference when parking in a tight space or maneuvering narrow roads. Either vehicle can seat up to five adults, and you don't notice the slightly smaller interior dimensions on the 2023 Envision.
What you do notice on the 2023 Envision is how mature and grown-up it looks and feels on the inside. In contrast, the 2023 RDX's dash and center stack feature some weird design elements and a busy design, and the 2023 Envision counters with cool simplicity. Choose the top-shelf Avenir trim, and you'll receive quilted leather plus heated and ventilated front seats. This is impressive for a vehicle costing nearly 25% less than a similar 2023 RDX.
The 2023 Envision and the 2023 RDX offer a 10.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system as near-standard. Only the base 2023 Envision has an 8-inch unit, but you can upgrade to the larger one. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard on both vehicles. Furthermore, the 2023 Envision also offers a Bose speaker system upgrade for music lovers and comes with active noise cancellation across the range.
Buick doesn't want to confuse buyers with a myriad of powertrain offerings, and that's why the 2023 Envision offers just one choice that does the job effortlessly. A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder develops 228 horsepower coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel-drive is standard, you can specify an all-wheel-drive system if desired. Reviewers have noted that the 2023 Envision feels stable and comfortable at all speeds.
Honda offers the 2023 RDX with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that develops 272 horsepower. It’s paired with a ten-speed automatic and front-wheel-drive. Like the 2023 Envision, you can have it with an all-wheel-drive system if desired. While the 2023 RDX is sportier and more athletic, the payoff is that it never rides as nicely as the 2023 Envision. Reviewers have noted that its ride over rough asphalt can sometimes be fidgety and a bit jarring.
When it comes to fuel economy, the 2023 Envision has the 2023 RDX comprehensively licked. The Buick offers 25 mpg on the EPA’s combined cycle, while the Honda can only muster 23 mpg. These figures are for all-wheel-drive variants. Independent testing has revealed that the 2023 Envision can crack 30 mpg under highway driving conditions, but the 2023 RDX cannot.
The 2023 Envision and the 2023 RDX come with eight airbags, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, brake assist, child safety locks, stability control, and daytime running lamps as standard fitment.
The 2023 RDX is a luxury compact crossover, while the 2023 Envision doesn’t explicitly make out to be one. However, it lets its features do the talking instead. You’re getting luxury features at a mainstream price. Sometimes, the price gulf between the 2023 Envision and the 2023 RDX can exceed 30% on comparable trim levels. Why do you want to pay more for the same thing? Come and try the 2023 Envision at David Scott Lee Buick GMC in Crestview, FL, today.