The compact crossover market in North America is booming, and it seems like every month, we get an announcement or rumour of another incoming model or major update. If you’ve been following Buick or the global compact crossover market news, then you’re no stranger to the Buick Envision. Last week, Automotive News reported that the Buick Envision is expected to hit North American dealerships in the autumn of 2016.
The Buick Envision is a compact crossover that’s been available to the Chinese market for the better part of a year now. It was the first vehicle to ride on GM’s new D2XX/D2UX global compact platform the platform currently shared by the Buick Verano, as well as the new Chevrolet Volt, Cruze, Equinox and GMC Terrain. When and if the Envision arrives next year, it will fill in the rather large gap between the tiny-tyke Encore and the massive, three-row Enclave.
Currently, in China, the Envision can be specced out with a 166-hp 1.5L or a 256-hp 2.0L – both are turbocharged, naturally. Interestingly, the smaller of the two gets a DCT while the larger and considerably more powerful 2.0L ships with a conventional six-speed autobox.
As the Envision’s arrival hasn’t been confirmed by Buick yet, it’s unclear which of the engines we would be getting, if either of them at all but looking at the market trend, the 2.0L’s 256 hp would be well-suited to take on some of the nicer mainstream five-seat crossovers like the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Toyota Venza and Nissan Murano.
