Jeep Wrangler vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision had undergone a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, available only in China and North America, was positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick’s lineup. The 2021 model was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a more planted appearance on the street. Its premium crossover styling was more sculpted than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, but not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision came in three trims: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, with the Avenir trim making its debut in this model year. The Avenir trim featured upgraded exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille, body-color painted lowers and wheel arches, rear lens LED taillamps, and 20-inch Avenir-specific pearl nickel wheels. The interior of the Avenir models included unique trim patterns, leather-appointed seating with diamond perforated leather inserts, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Depending on the selection, buyers could opt for a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid powertrain. The turbo-four and V6 engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic as an upgrade. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle was the new High Tide special edition model, based on the four-door Sport S trim. It added LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The High Tide model also featured the Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, revised shock tuning, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine. This engine produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, a downgrade from the 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in the 2020 model. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the weight savings did not compensate for the power loss. The Envision offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The FWD model achieved an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. The Envision’s drivability was more akin to a Lincoln, providing comfortable cruising without sporty driving dynamics. The typical GM drive mode selector allowed for a noticeable change in revs in Sport mode, but the engine noise remained a nuisance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option on the High Tide. The Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also included. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler’s driving experience was unique and immersive, with a rough-and-tumble feel and a high fuel consumption rate. The Wrangler’s character and capabilities heightened awareness and encouraged exploration, making it a vehicle that sparked a wide range of human responses.

The 2021 Buick Envision’s redesign did not improve cabin functionality. Despite a longer wheelbase, the 2021 model had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. The cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The driver-centric cockpit blocked the front seat passenger from using the climate controls and infotainment screen. Small-item storage was relatively good, and the Envision was as comfortable as other Buicks, with standard heated driver and front passenger seats, eight-way power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel. Forward visibility was not great, especially for shorter drivers.

Getting into and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was challenging, especially with the raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver’s seat required regular re-adjustment. The Wrangler’s seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced the same entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage was limited, with netting on the lower door panels, a small tray on the dashboard, a deep center console box, and a narrow glove compartment. The tailgate was heavy due to the 35-inch spare wheel, and the cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, which was responsive and cleanly displayed necessary functionalities. The driver could see station and song title information faster on the available 8.0-inch driver information display than on the infotainment screen. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, air ionizer, keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, OnStar and Buick Connected Services, remote start, two 12-volt power outlets, air quality indicator, one-touch up/down windows, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Available features included navigation, driver massage, HD Radio, surround-view camera, HUD, a rearview camera mirror, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades such as satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, bundled with an Alpine premium sound system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included Buckle to Drive, a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, rear-seat alert, automatic emergency braking, and teen-driver monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for protection in the IIHS’s left front small overlap crash-test evaluation. The Wrangler also received a Marginal rating in the new side-impact test and Poor and Marginal ratings for headlight performance.