The 2020 Buick Envision AWD 2.0L 4-cylinder gets 22 MPG combined, a respectable figure in a segment full of similar choices. These vehicles all promise a similar mix of near-luxury features, a high driving position, and all-weather capability. The Envision is for buyers who want comfort and a smooth ride more than sportiness, and who like a touch of understated elegance. Fuel economy probably isn’t the most important thing to them, but it’s something to think about when considering the total cost of owning the vehicle.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2020 Buick Envision AWD 2.0L will achieve 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps to maximize fuel efficiency on the highway, letting the engine run at lower RPMs when cruising. However, the Envision’s relatively heavy weight and all-wheel drive make the city MPG lower. Stop-and-go traffic is hard on fuel economy, and the 2.0L engine has to work harder to get the Envision moving from a standstill. The all-wheel drive system sends power to the front wheels unless it detects a loss of traction, then it engages the rear axle, which can change fuel consumption depending on driving conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Buick Envision AWD 2.0L 4-cylinder at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your personal fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of gasoline you use. Premium fuel is recommended, but not required. Lower octane fuel MAY decrease fuel economy. Keep track of your own mileage and fuel expenses to get a more accurate idea of your personal fuel costs. For more information, consult all Buick fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

The EPA uses a standard testing method, but your real-world mileage may be different. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and bad weather can all hurt fuel economy. On the other hand, smooth acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you match or beat the EPA estimates.

Think about the kind of driving you do most often. If you mainly drive in stop-and-go city traffic, expect your fuel economy to be closer to the 20 MPG city rating. If you often take long highway trips, you might see numbers closer to the 25 MPG highway rating, and you can check out the ENVISION MPG across all years.

How it compares

The Envision’s fuel economy is about average compared to other vehicles in its class. The Acura RDX, for example, with its standard 2.0L turbo engine and all-wheel drive, gets a slightly higher 23 MPG combined. The Lexus NX 300h hybrid gets a much better 31 MPG combined, but it costs more and offers a different driving experience. The Audi Q5 delivers 25 MPG combined with its 2.0L TFSI engine and quattro all-wheel drive, which is noticeably better. These small MPG differences mean it’s important to consider your personal needs when choosing a vehicle. If saving fuel is important, the Envision might not be the best choice, but if comfort and features are more important to you, the slightly lower MPG could be a good compromise.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating and braking hard. The Envision’s ride is best when you gently use the gas pedal. Quick acceleration uses much more fuel, and hard braking wastes the energy you’ve already spent to create.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, which wastes fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Even a few PSI below the recommended pressure can matter.

Don’t let the engine idle. Idling uses fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The Envision’s start-stop system shuts off the engine at stoplights to save fuel, but it’s still a good idea to avoid idling in other situations.

Remove extra weight. Extra weight puts more stress on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Clean out your trunk and remove anything you don’t need to carry around. Even a few pounds can make a difference over time.