Subaru Crosstrek vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, following two consecutive years of facelifts in 2019 and 2020. This two-row compact crossover, available in China and North America, positioned itself between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick’s lineup. The 2021 Envision 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 offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut in 2021, featuring upgraded exterior elements and a unique interior trim pattern.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek adopted a strategy of transforming the Impreza hatchback into a crossover, similar to the successful Outback. The Crosstrek differentiated itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, providing 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This gave the Crosstrek a more rugged SUV-like appearance and character. The interior remained functional but somewhat plain, with the Sport trim level featuring clashing Plasma Yellow Pearl accents and simulated carbon-fiber trim pieces. Despite these quirks, the Crosstrek maintained a practical and comfortable design, with water-repellant StarTex upholstery in the Sport model.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-liter 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 Envision's performance was more about comfortable cruising than sporty driving. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel efficiency improved, with the FWD model achieving 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. However, engine and road noise were noticeable, detracting from the premium feel.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine for the Sport and Limited trims, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter engine, generating 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on the Base and Premium trims, with a CVT available and standard on higher trims. All models featured standard all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved handling and off-road capability. The Crosstrek offered predictable handling and a comfortable ride, though the higher center of gravity resulted in increased body roll. The new 2.5-liter engine provided adequate acceleration but was accompanied by CVT droning.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not enhance cabin functionality. 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 also decreased, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited front passenger access to controls, and the abundance of piano black plastic attracted dust. However, the Envision remained comfortable, with standard heated seats, power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel. Forward visibility was a challenge for shorter drivers.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Crosstrek included a rear-seat reminder for CVT models, a handy cubby hole for phones, and decent-sized bottle holders in the doors. However, storage space was minimal, and the driving position, while higher than the Impreza, did not provide a commanding view. Outward visibility was good, thanks to large side windows and a car-like front fascia.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch and displaying necessary functionalities clearly. The driver could use an 8.0-inch driver information display for quicker access to information. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included navigation, driver massage, HD Radio, surround-view camera, HUD, and wireless device charging.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi and SiriusXM satellite radio. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on the Limited trim and optional on lower trims. Subaru also included a second screen above the main touchscreen for additional information. The 8-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate, and large analog knobs and buttons controlled vital functions.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time. It featured Buckle to Drive, ensuring the driver was belted before shifting from park to drive. Standard safety features included forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on the Avenir trim.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS for the 2020 model. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. The EyeSight system's cameras were well-protected but could be blocked by windshield wipers or direct sunlight.