25 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling awards, but for the 2017 Buick Envision FWD 2.5L, it’s a reasonable balance between space, comfort, and fuel consumption. This isn’t a sports car; it’s a comfortable, well-equipped crossover aimed at buyers who want a smooth ride and a quiet cabin over outright performance. Those buyers often accept mid-pack fuel economy as a trade-off for the Envision’s other qualities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Envision FWD 2.5L are 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. This reflects the typical driving patterns of Envision owners. The city figure is what you can expect in stop-and-go traffic, where the 2.5L engine and six-speed automatic transmission work a bit harder. On the highway, the Envision settles into a more efficient cruise, delivering fuel economy that nearly cracks the 30 MPG mark. The relatively tall gearing of the 6-speed helps at higher speeds, but remember that aggressive acceleration or speeds above 70 MPH will lower that number significantly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Buick Envision FWD 2.5L to be $1,750. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (the Envision runs on regular unleaded), and where you live. Drivers who drive predominantly in the city or accelerate quickly can expect to exceed this figure, while careful highway drivers might come in under it.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy often changes due to factors like driving style, traffic conditions, and even tire pressure. Envision drivers have different experiences, with some achieving figures close to the EPA estimates and others falling short. Consistently aggressive acceleration and braking will significantly reduce fuel efficiency. A smooth, deliberate driving style can help you approach or even slightly exceed the EPA numbers. Checking tire pressures regularly and keeping up with scheduled maintenance will also help.

How it compares

The 2017 Buick Envision FWD 2.5L competes with many compact and mid-size crossovers. The Honda CR-V, for example, is known for its excellent fuel economy, with models from the same era achieving around 28 MPG combined. The Toyota RAV4 offers similar numbers. Other competitors, like the Mazda CX-5 with its Skyactiv engine, also focus on fuel efficiency, sometimes landing near 27 MPG combined while offering a more engaging driving experience. The Envision trades some fuel economy for a more luxurious and quieter ride than some of these competitors. For a closer look at ENVISION MPG across all years, compare different model years and engines. For a broader view, check out all Buick fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 2.5L engine is not particularly responsive, so there’s little benefit to pressing hard on the accelerator. Smooth, gradual inputs are key to maximizing fuel economy. Try to anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. This avoids unnecessary acceleration and braking, which use up a lot of gas.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels (found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb). Even a few PSI shy of the recommended pressure can affect fuel economy.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel, especially with a conventional gasoline engine like the one in the Envision. Avoid prolonged idling whenever possible, such as when waiting in a parking lot or stopped at a long traffic light. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. Avoid sudden bursts of acceleration when using cruise control, as this will negate its benefit.

Lighten the load. Carrying unnecessary weight in your Envision reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from the cargo area or backseat that you don’t need. Every extra pound adds up, especially in a vehicle not specifically designed for maximum efficiency.