The second-generation Buick Envision enters its sophomore model year with minor changes to its optional Sport Touring package. Notably, the compact SUV’s sportier getup sees the addition of aluminum accelerator and brake pedals, as well as additional “ST” (for Sport Touring) logos throughout the interior. Specifically, those extra STs appear on the floor mats and front headrests.
Does this make the Sport Touring option, which Buick limits to Preferred and Essence trims (the latter of which now includes red seat stitching in ST guise, too), any better than before? Arguably not, but it is nice to see the American pseudo-luxury brand put a little extra effort into this optional appearance package. Still, we wish the kit also improved the performance of the Buick SUV, which maintains the same 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four as all other 2022 Buick Envisions. Come on, Buick, you couldn’t have squeezed an extra 5 horses out of the engine for those willing to drop the dough on the Sport Touring bits?
Otherwise, the Envision carries over primarily unchanged for the new year. That’s no bad thing, as the recently redesigned Buick is a handsome and reasonably competent SUV. While we continue to question its ability to topple similarly sized competitors such as the Acura RDX and Lincoln Corsair, there’s no doubt the Envision is a generally capable option in the competitive compact SUV segment. Could Buick have done more than add some small interior touches to the SUV’s available Sport Touring package (and offer a new option to the color palette—Sapphire Metallic) for the second-generation Envision’s second model year? Sure. More power and additional standard comfort and convenience features would certainly make the Envision a more compelling value within its crowded class.
