2021 Buick Envision vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, following two years of facelifts in 2019 and 2020. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, was sold in China and North America. The new Envision was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a premium crossover styling that gave it a more grounded appearance. It featured a sculpted look, more pronounced than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, but not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, with the Avenir trim making its debut in this model year. The Avenir trim included upgraded exterior elements, such as a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels, along with a unique interior trim pattern and leather-appointed seating. The Envision's cabin was driver-centric, with a protruding center stack angled toward the driver, and while stylish, it had an abundance of piano black plastic that attracted dust.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, maintained a design that blended in with the competitive crossover market. Its styling was similar to other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features like the grille opening and some chromed plastic elements. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with wood panels and chrome accents available on higher trims. The seats had a modern, angular design, and while the CR-V's styling wasn't its main selling point, it provided a functional and comfortable interior. Vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, but the CR-V focused on practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This was a downgrade from the previous model's 252 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision's performance was more about comfortable cruising than sporty driving. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Envision's fuel efficiency improved, with the FWD model achieving 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the AWD version managed 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However, engine and road noise were noticeable, detracting from the premium feel.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V's drivetrain was less engaging than some rivals, like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered conventional automatic transmissions. The CR-V had standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. Its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, typical for the segment.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not enhance its cabin space. Despite a longer wheelbase, it offered less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, with rear-seat passengers losing two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. However, the Envision provided standard heated seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible via a manual tailgate on lower trims, with power and hands-free options on higher trims. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, accommodating five passengers and their gear effectively.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch, with an available 8.0-inch driver information display. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available options included navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging. However, the infotainment system was not easily accessible to passengers due to its driver-centric design.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims except the base LX, which had a 5-inch screen. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim. The Touring trim also included a satellite navigation system.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS due to its new generation. It featured standard safety equipment like forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Avenir trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist. However, it lacked advanced driver-assist systems like GM's Super Cruise.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included standard safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, available from the EX trim onward.