The 2020 Buick Envision AWD 2.5L’s 24 MPG combined rating isn’t going to win any fuel-sipping awards, nor is it intended to. This Envision configuration caters to a buyer prioritizing a comfortable, quiet ride and available all-wheel drive, with a level of perceived luxury at a price point significantly below European competitors. Fuel economy, while important, is lower on the priority list for these shoppers than for someone considering, for example, a RAV4 Hybrid.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are straightforward: 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The six-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, contributes to these numbers. More gears typically mean better fuel management, but this transmission prioritizes established reliability over cutting-edge efficiency. The 2.5L four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power for most daily driving, but it’s not particularly eager, and pushing it hard noticeably impacts fuel consumption, especially when accelerating up to highway speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,800 for this Envision configuration. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, at the national average fuel price. Of course, individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices, but this $1,800 provides a standardized benchmark for comparison and budgeting.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers offer a guideline, expect slight variations in real-world driving. Someone who primarily drives on the highway with consistent, moderate speeds might see closer to 28 or even 29 MPG. However, frequent stop-and-go traffic or aggressive driving will likely dip below the 21 MPG city estimate. Properly maintaining the vehicle, including regular tire inflation and oil changes, is key to achieving the best possible fuel economy. Explore ENVISION MPG across all years to see how the 2020 numbers compare.

How it compares

In the compact SUV segment, the Envision’s fuel economy is neither exceptional nor terrible. For example, a similarly equipped 2020 Honda CR-V AWD achieves 29 MPG combined, with 27 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. That’s a noticeable improvement over the Envision. The Toyota RAV4, especially in hybrid form, does even better; the RAV4 Hybrid scores a remarkable 40 MPG combined. However, the Buick targets a different buyer. Someone drawn to the Envision’s quieter cabin, upscale interior, and more traditional styling might be willing to trade a few MPG for those attributes. The Acura RDX, another competitor that emphasizes luxury, delivers around 23 MPG combined with its standard turbocharged engine, putting the Envision in a context of tradeoffs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to achieving the best MPG with the Envision’s 2.5L engine. Avoid aggressive bursts of speed, especially from a standstill, as these consume significant amounts of fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Regular maintenance, particularly tire inflation, is important. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consequently reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure at least monthly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Minimize idling time. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go. Extended idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle forward.

Consider removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the overall vehicle weight, impacting fuel efficiency. Regularly clear out any items you don’t need to carry around, especially heavy objects. Check all Buick fuel economy data for more insight.

Use cruise control on the highway when appropriate. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel consumption, particularly on long drives. Be mindful of changing road conditions and traffic, however, and disengage cruise control when necessary for safety.