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2018 Buick Envision: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2018 Buick Envision is largely a carryover model. The single notable change is that the Premium I trim was renamed Premium, with no major styling, engine, safety, or technology updates.
About the 2018 Buick Envision
1st generation Envision in the U.S. (2016-2020), pre-refresh middle year; 2018 falls after the 2017 lineup expansion and before the 2019 styling and powertrain update.
Buick positioned the Envision as a compact two-row SUV for shoppers who wanted an upscale cabin, a quiet ride, and easy daily comfort more than sporty handling. It sat between the smaller Encore and larger Enclave, giving buyers a manageable size with generous standard convenience features, smartphone-friendly infotainment, and a calm, insulated feel that set it apart from many mainstream compact SUVs.
The 2018 Envision remains a quiet, comfort-focused compact SUV with five trims. Essence adds leather, heated rear seats, and extra safety features, while Premium brings a turbo engine and AWD. Premium II tops the range with navigation, a head-up display, cooled front seats, and automatic parking assist.
2018 Buick Envision specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/DSC | Auto, 6-Spd w/DSC | Auto, 6-Spd w/DSC | Auto, 6-Spd w/DSC | Auto, 6-Spd w/DSC |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 26 mpg | 29 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 197 hp | 197 hp | 252 hp | 197 hp | 252 hp |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft | 192 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 192 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.5 in | 37.5 in | 37.5 in | 37.5 in | 37.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Cooled Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Buick Envision compared with the 2017 model?
The main change is a trim-name update: the former Premium I became Premium for 2018. Otherwise, the Envision carried over without major changes to its engines, styling, safety equipment, or touchscreen system.
Was the 2018 Buick Envision redesigned?
No, the 2018 Buick Envision was not redesigned or refreshed. It uses the same basic design as 2017 and comes before the styling and powertrain update for 2019.
Is the 2018 Envision Premium the same trim as the 2017 Premium I?
Yes, Premium is the new name for the trim previously called Premium I. It remains the point in the 2018 lineup where the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and AWD become standard.
Did the 2018 Buick Envision get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2018 Envision kept the prior year's engine setup. Base, Preferred, and Essence use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while Premium and Premium II use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; every trim has a six-speed automatic.
Which 2018 Buick Envision trim has the most features?
Premium II is the most fully equipped 2018 Envision. It combines the turbo engine and AWD with built-in navigation, a head-up display, heated and cooled front seats, automatic parking assist, and headlights that turn with the road.
2018 Buick Envision Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Buick Envision.
“In less than (3) months had to replace the car battery. Less than (3) months my sunroof had to be repaired. When it rains I have discovered water in the spare tire compartment. Mechanic unable to find source of where water is coming from. I love Buick's, but I'm afraid I purchased a lemon.”
“The ride is exceptional. The look is unique. Comfort level when driving long distance is excellent.”