A colleague and I recently had the choice of a Chevrolet Blazer RS electric vehicle or a gasoline-powered Buick Envista ST as our transportation round-trip from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The crossover sport utility vehicles are complete opposites. To EV or not to EV was the question.

The Blazer EV is roomier, more powerful and double the price of the smaller Buick. But taking the Chevy would add seven hours to our trek. Five charging stops would be required to travel 900 miles. We chose the Envista for convenience and economy.

First Impression

The Envista is one of the lowest-priced cars in the United States. Expectations for the SUV were about as low as its price. The sporty fastback design is normally reserved for more expensive SUVs and many carmakers struggle with awkward roofline design.

But Buick got it right. I was pleasantly surprised by the Envista’s sharp styling and bold appearance. The SUV is handsome and polished. The D-pillar treatment is particularly pleasing.

Interior

The Envista has an upscale interior. Contrast stitching in blue is a bold move, but it works. The upholstery and dashboard materials feel premium. At 6’3” tall, I need legroom, and the Envista delivered, especially up front. The backseat is snug for tall adults, but great for kids or short trips.

The infotainment system featured a large intuitive display; The stereo was better-sounding than some Bose systems I have tested.

On our six-hour trek from the Bay Area to LA, the Envista proved itself a capable road trip car—quiet, comfortable, and responsive.

Behind the Wheel

The Envista’s small engine packs a big surprise. I was delighted by the sprightly acceleration. The tiny three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged engine would be impressive in a motorcycle but sounds woefully inadequate to power a Buick. But from a stoplight, the Envista accelerated like a hybrid. There was no turbo lag; torque was plentiful.

On the long trip on California’s Interstate 5, the Buick cruised comfortably, even traversing the rugged Grapevine (mountain pass) without the need to downshift. Passing power wasn’t strong but proved adequate for daily driving.

An all-wheel-drive option would add versatility, but the Envista is currently only available with front-wheel-drive.

Economy

The Envista’s fuel economy is impressive. The miserly utility gets an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon in city driving, 32 mpg on the highway. In more than 1,000 miles of mostly highway driving I averaged 30.4 mpg. When driving in Los Angeles traffic, the mileage rarely dipped below 29 mpg. I only needed to refuel twice and 10 gallons filled the tank, so fuel stops were inexpensive. I achieved about 400 miles of range.

Flat Towing

The Envista weighs 3,030 pounds (a lightweight by today’s standards) and is flat towable. It’s a great companion for RV enthusiasts. It should be economical to tow, especially with a diesel pusher. It features a traditional torque converter automatic transmission, not a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

According to the manufacturer, it’s been engineered for dinghy towing at speeds up to 70 MPH. A baseplate kit for the Envista is available from Blue Ox.

The Verdict

Historically, Buick’s were distinguished by subtle luxury —elegant appointments, quiet cabin, smooth ride. The Envista lives up to that heritage.

The Envista redefines what can be expected from an entry-level vehicle. It’s handsome, affordable and practical. It’s a compelling package for the price, ideal for small families or individual consumers seeking a good-looking, value-price new car. The MSRP is $24,000 with the ST package and destination pushing the price as reviewed to $27,820. https://www.buick.com/