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2016 Buick Envision: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Buick Envision was an all-new model and the SUV’s first year in the U.S. Buick launched it with two well-equipped trims, both using the same turbo engine and AWD system.
About the 2016 Buick Envision
1st generation, first U.S. model year; Buick sold only the two upper trims before the broader 2017 range arrived.
Buick positioned the Envision as a quiet, comfortable five-passenger SUV for shoppers who wanted premium features without moving up to a larger three-row vehicle. The brand’s message centered on a calm cabin, easy everyday maneuverability, upscale materials, and confidence features such as AWD and driver assists. In plain terms, the Envision’s core appeal was luxury-leaning comfort and quietness in a manageable size, rather than sporty handling or maximum cargo room.
Buick positioned the Envision between the smaller Encore and larger Enclave, with Premium I serving as an upscale starting point rather than a basic trim. Both versions have heated seats in both rows, tri-zone climate control, Bose audio, and an 8-inch touchscreen. Premium II adds built-in navigation, cooled front seats, a head-up display, upgraded headlights, and automatic parking assist.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The U.S. Envision launched with a 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and twin-clutch AWD on both trims.
Styling
The new SUV arrived with Buick’s winged grille, LED-accented lighting, an aluminum hood, and a hands-free power liftgate.
Safety
Both trims launched with forward collision alert, lane keep assist, blind-zone and lane-change alerts, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear camera, and a Safety Alert Seat that warns the driver through seat vibrations.
Tech
Both trims received an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Bose 7-speaker audio, and a configurable driver display. Premium II added built-in navigation, a head-up display, and automatic parking assist.
Structural
As an all-new model, the Envision used a new body and chassis with high-strength steel, an aluminum hood, active noise control, and added sound insulation for a quieter cabin.
2016 Buick Envision specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/DSC | Auto, 6-Spd w/DSC |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 252 hp | 252 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.5 in | 37.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2016 the first year for the Buick Envision?
Yes. The 2016 Envision was the model’s first U.S. year and launched as an all-new two-row SUV positioned between the smaller Encore and larger Enclave.
Which trims did the 2016 Buick Envision have?
The 2016 U.S. lineup consisted only of Premium I and Premium II. Both were upper-level trims with substantial comfort, technology, and driver-assist equipment.
Does every 2016 Buick Envision have AWD?
Yes. Every 2016 U.S. Envision has twin-clutch AWD, a 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
What does Premium II add over Premium I for 2016?
Premium II adds built-in navigation, cooled front seats, a head-up display, upgraded articulating headlights, and automatic assistance for parallel and perpendicular parking. It keeps the same turbo engine and AWD system as Premium I.
What driver-assist features are standard on the 2016 Envision?
Both 2016 trims have forward collision alert, lane keep assist, blind-zone and lane-change alerts, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear camera, and a Safety Alert Seat that uses vibrations to warn the driver.
2016 Buick Envision Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Buick Envision.
4.3
2016 Buick Envision
(121 reviews)
“Excellent vehicle, fun to drive, responds well, plenty of gadgets, looks very good.”
“The Buick Envision is a great SUV style vehicle It has a lot of room inside and drives beautifully- smooth and quiet. The sound system is hard to beat. Love the Bose speakers. The seating is super comfortable and all the amenities really make this car valuable.”