The 2024 Buick Envista, a stylish new subcompact SUV, makes a compelling case for value and design. But how does it stack up against the competition? This article compares the Envista to one of its most formidable rivals, the 2024 Honda HR-V, across key categories to help you decide which small crossover might be right for you.
2024 Buick Envista Avenir
Pricing and Features: A Close Call
The Envista boasts a lower starting price of $22,400 for the Preferred trim, offering features like automatic climate control, an 11-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker stereo. The HR-V LX starts at $24,600 but includes standard adaptive cruise control. While the Envista offers similar features as options, the HR-V EX-L provides leather upholstery at a comparable price to the top-tier Envista Avenir. A significant differentiator is the HR-V’s available all-wheel drive, a feature absent in the Envista.
Winner: Tie
Exterior Design: Style vs. Substance
The Envista embraces a sleek, coupe-like design, setting it apart with its long, low profile and modern aesthetics. The HR-V opts for a more conservative and understated approach. Ultimately, the choice boils down to personal preference.
2024 Buick Envista Avenir
Winner: Tie
Interior Design and Quality: Honda’s Refinement
While the Envista’s interior showcases a stylish design and a large touchscreen, the HR-V impresses with its higher quality materials and precise controls. The HR-V’s simpler layout and smaller, yet functional, touchscreens contribute to a more refined and user-friendly experience.
2023 Honda HR-V EX-L Interior
Winner: Honda HR-V
Passenger Space: HR-V’s Roomy Advantage
Both crossovers offer comfortable seating, but the HR-V provides slightly more spacious accommodations in both the front and rear. The Envista’s smaller rear windshield and lack of a rear wiper also hinder outward visibility compared to the HR-V.
2023 Honda HR-V EX-L Rear Seats
Winner: Honda HR-V
Cargo Capacity: HR-V Maximizes Space
The HR-V significantly outpaces the Envista in cargo volume, offering 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Envista provides 20.7 and 42 cubic feet, respectively. This difference is notable for those needing maximum cargo flexibility.
2023 Honda HR-V EX-L Cargo Area
Winner: Honda HR-V
Performance: A Tale of Two Engines
The Envista’s turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, despite its smaller size, delivers peppier acceleration thanks to the vehicle’s lighter weight. The HR-V’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers more horsepower but feels less responsive due to the HR-V’s added weight. The HR-V’s continuously variable transmission, however, provides smoother acceleration.
2024 Buick Envista Avenir
Winner: Buick Envista
Fuel Efficiency: Envista’s Edge
The Envista earns higher EPA fuel economy ratings, achieving 30 mpg combined compared to the HR-V’s 28 mpg combined (FWD). This advantage contributes to the Envista’s value proposition.
2024 Buick Envista Avenir
Winner: Buick Envista
The Verdict: Substance Over Style
While the Buick Envista impresses with its stylish design and value-oriented pricing, the Honda HR-V emerges as the overall winner in this comparison. The HR-V’s superior interior quality, passenger and cargo space, and refined driving dynamics make it a more well-rounded and practical choice. However, the Envista’s attractive styling, peppy performance, and better fuel economy might appeal to buyers prioritizing those aspects.
2023 Honda HR-V EX-L
Overall Winner: Honda HR-V
