22 MPG combined won’t break any records, but among compact luxury SUVs with all-wheel drive, the 2018 Buick Envision with the 2.0L turbo engine is adequate. This isn’t a vehicle for hypermilers. It appeals to customers who want a comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and understated elegance over ultimate fuel savings.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Envision gets 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the 2.0L turbo needs more throttle to move the Envision. On the open road, the 6-speed automatic helps the engine run more efficiently. Don’t expect Prius-like efficiency, but careful driving and cruise control can make 26 MPG realistic on longer trips. This, of course, decreases in hills, headwinds, and at high speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Buick Envision AWD 2.0L is $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary, but this gives potential owners an estimate. Consider if $2,650 fits into the overall vehicle ownership budget.

Real-world expectations

The Envision’s fuel economy depends on driving style. Someone who frequently floors the accelerator will likely see numbers closer to the city estimate, or even lower. A driver who accelerates smoothly and anticipates traffic can often meet, or slightly exceed, the EPA’s highway estimate on long trips. Regular maintenance, like proper tire inflation and timely oil changes, also maximizes fuel efficiency. Drive smart with the vehicle’s capabilities in mind.

How it compares

The 2018 Envision’s fuel economy is average for its class. The Acura RDX, with its standard V6, also delivers a combined EPA rating of 22 MPG, with similar city and highway figures. A Lexus NX 300 AWD gets 24 MPG combined, a small improvement. The BMW X3 xDrive30i for the same model year also gets 24 MPG combined. The Audi Q5 with its 2.0L turbocharged engine earns 25 MPG combined, making it slightly more efficient. These differences might not be the deciding factor for Envision buyers, who often prioritize ride quality and cabin quietness, but they’re worth considering alongside all Buick fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 2.0L turbo in the Envision delivers plenty of power, but flooring it will consume more fuel. Gentle acceleration will allow the engine to operate more efficiently, especially in city driving.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure and check your tires regularly. This is especially critical on the ENVISION MPG across all years.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine and restart it. This can affect fuel consumption.

Use cruise control when possible. On long highway drives, cruise control maintains a consistent speed, preventing unnecessary acceleration. A steady speed is more efficient than constantly varying your speed and improves highway fuel economy.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance ensure the engine runs smoothly. A poorly maintained engine will consume more fuel and may also lead to more serious mechanical problems. Adhering to the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual is a good idea.