Starting at
Starting at
228 | Horsepower (hp) | 190 |
258 | Torque (lb-ft) | 179 |
10.2 | Screen Size (in) | 7 |
Compact SUVs have the remarkable capability of delivering more spaciousness than a sedan without sacrificing efficiency or agility. What differentiates these models from one another is how the brands execute or deliver this versatility and balance. You see this firsthand when comparing models like the 2022 Buick Envision vs 2022 Honda CR-V, both of which offer unique approaches in the segment.
There's no question that Buick and Honda have outstanding reputations in the automotive industry. Honda is known for models like the Civic and Accord, which firmly established the brand in America, while Buick is renowned for its ability to deliver luxury vehicles at affordable prices. So, what sets models like the 2022 Envision and the 2022 CR-V apart from one another beyond the obvious?
The 2022 Envision is priced slightly higher at $31,500, with its three-trim lineup ranging from the Preferred and Essence to the opulent Avenir. In contrast, the 2022 CR-V starts at $25,750, but its five-trim lineup waters down the fleet and contrasts with Buick's exceptional ability to focus on what it does best. This is even more apparent when you consider that every Envision offers Buick's exclusive QuietTuning technology, which cancels the noise of the engine and the world outside to add another level of sophistication that the CR-V simply can't match.
There's a stark contrast in power when you compare the 2022 Envision with the 2022 CR-V. The Honda comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's mated to a continuously variable transmission to enhance efficiency. However, this comes at the cost of power, with the engine delivering 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, making the CR-V slower to accelerate than many of its rivals.
The 2022 Envision doesn't have this problem, thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine under the hood. Paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0-liter churns out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque for quick acceleration and responsive handling whether you're navigating traffic in the city or cruising at highway speeds. This power doesn't come at the cost of efficiency, with the Envision averaging 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway on FWD models or 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway on AWD models.
The Envision's intelligent AWD system further distinguishes it from the CR-V by automatically delivering torque to each wheel to optimize traction and minimize slippage, giving you more control on any terrain. Along with this control, you'll find navigating any road is easier and more enjoyable thanks to the Envision's advanced continuous damping control and five-link premium rear suspension. These components work together to soften the bumps and jarring of the road, optimizing how the Envision rides and handles regardless of the condition at hand. You won't find anything comparable to this on the CR-V, which makes the Honda noisier, bumper, and far less refined.
Buick and Honda realize that your life doesn't stop when you get behind the wheel. Phone calls and text messages continue to roll in while emails pile up in your inbox. This leads to significant distraction when you're in the driver's seat, which is why Buick and Honda make staying connected nearly effortless.
The 2022 Envision and the 2022 CR-V offer smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which gives you access to your favorite apps in a layout that's both familiar and intuitive. The biggest difference, however, is where this feature is centralized. On the 2022 CR-V, the technology is housed on an available 7-inch touchscreen display (the base trim lacks smartphone integration and has a 5-inch non-touchscreen). The 2022 Envision comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display and has an expansive 10.2-inch display on top-tier trims like the Essence and Avenir.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the extent of the 2022 CR-V's connectivity features. This, however, isn't the case for the Envision as Buick ensures that you have all the tools you need at your fingertips. The Envision's center display is home to the Buick Infotainment System, which features Amazon Alexa Built-In, allowing you to use simple voice commands to make calls, respond to messages, schedule appointments, control your smart home devices, stream your favorite playlist, and more. The Envision's home screen is also customizable and allows you to set unique driver profiles that remember your favorite apps and preferences with the quick touch of a button.
You'll also find plenty of other connectivity-related conveniences available on the 2022 Envision. The SUV offers wireless smartphone charging that allows you to charge your device on a tray in the center console, ensuring the cabin stays clutter-free. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto build on this and eliminate the need to keep your smartphone plugged in for it to sync with the system. Other convenient features include the available WiFi hotspot that transforms the SUV into a mobile office or entertainment venue, as well as the 8-inch Buick Driver Information Center that puts vital data like speed, fuel level, and tire pressure within eyesight at all times.
Your safety is a top priority for Buick and Honda, as you'll see on the 2022 Envision and the 2022 CR-V. The models both come with a standard suite of safety and driver-assist features that actively extend your visibility, optimize your focus, and minimize the potential for collision. So, how do the suites compare?
The 2022 Envision comes standard with the Buick Driver Confidence package, which includes:
On the CR-V, the Honda Sensing suite includes:
The Envision's Automatic Emergency Braking works with Forward Collision Alert to bring the SUV to an emergency stop when a collision is imminent. Front Pedestrian Braking acts similarly but can stop the SUV when it detects a pedestrian in the path of the SUV. The Following Distance Indicator minimizes the risk of tailgating, and the IntelliBeam headlamps automatically brighten and dim to enhance your visibility and minimize the potential of blinding oncoming traffic with your bright lights. Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning helps you keep the Buick SUV in its lane and on the road with subtle adjustments to the steering wheel and alerts should the SUV drift out of its lane without using a turn signal. Buick gives you the opportunity to extend the suite with the addition of Automatic Parking Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Enhanced Emergency Braking.
The CR-V's Honda Sensing Suite offers a few similarities to the Envision's with comparable tools like the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Lane Keeping Assist System. Unlike the Buick, the CR-V doesn't come standard with a following distance indicator, and it is missing more advanced optional features such as Buick's Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist–a feature that will allow the vehicle to parallel park itself in the tightest spots.