Bring on the Buick!
It's no secret: Japanese vehicles are known for their reliability, efficiency, and a healthy serving of standard features. European vehicles are known for their design, driving feel, and performance. As for the stuff from Detroit, they're known for their supple ride, comfortable seats, lots of extra-large cupholders, and having the best HVAC systems in the industry, and that might be just what the crossover segment needs. At least that's what the numbers suggest, leading us to believe that the 2017 Buick Envision might be the perfect cocktail of a crossover.
According to GMauthority.com, Buick Envision sales are up a staggering 528.81 percent year-to-date, making it the third fastest-growing vehicle in its segment. And while the Buick still falls behind its Acura and Lexus counterparts, its competitive price point could help close the gap. Not to mention its interior errs on the side of luxury -- not sportiness -- and its exterior design isn't quite as extroverted as the Lexus, giving it the understated luxury appeal -- a classic and appreciated Buick move.
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Additionally, you can get a healthy 252-hp turbocharged engine that can slingshot you onto the highway, and once you're there, you've got the support of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, optional adaptive cruise, and active noise cancellation. The car is so quiet, in fact, you'll feel completely isolated from the hustle and bustle that surrounds you, and the properly bolstered Buick seats are home-theater comfortable. Don't let that make you think that it can't handle a curve or two, however -- the Buick may be soft, but it is surprisingly responsive to driver input.
So if you're in the market for a luxury crossover, shop around ... but don't exclude the Envision. It might just surprise you how being a little soft around the edges can make a car a pleasure to use every day.
