2024 Buick Envision ST: Why This Sporty Rebrand Is Actually A Big Deal

2024 Buick Envision ST: Why This Sporty Rebrand Is Actually A Big Deal

Buick used to be the car your grandfather drove to the golf course. It was soft, beige, and whisper-quiet. But something shifted recently. If you haven't looked at a Buick showroom in the last year, the 2024 Buick Envision ST might give you a bit of whiplash.

It's sharp. It's aggressive. Honestly, it looks more like a European sport-back than a traditional American cruiser.

For 2024, Buick didn't just give the Envision a "facelift." They basically tore the face off and started over, borrowing heavily from the Wildcat EV concept that’s been floating around car shows. The biggest news? The Sport Touring (ST) is no longer just an "appearance package" you check off on a mid-level trim. It is now its own dedicated model, sitting right in the sweet spot between the base Preferred and the ultra-fancy Avenir.

What's actually new with the 2024 Buick Envision ST?

Let's talk about that face. The new "shark-nose" front end is the first thing you’ll notice. It’s got these thin, checkmark-shaped LED daytime running lights sitting high up, while the actual headlamps are tucked lower down. It looks mean.

On the 2024 Buick Envision ST, you lose almost all the chrome. Buick swapped it for high-gloss black everywhere. The grille is a blacked-out mesh, the roof rails are black, and even the mirror caps get the dark treatment.

The wheels are the real kicker, though. You get 20-inch alloy wheels finished in "Carbon Flash Metallic." They fill out the wheel arches way better than the 18s on the base model. If you’re tired of every SUV looking like a generic silver bubble, the ST in one of the new colors—like Smokey Amethyst Metallic or Calypso Blue—actually stands out in a grocery store parking lot.

The 30-inch elephant in the room

You can't talk about the 2024 Envision without talking about the screen. It is massive. We’re talking about a 30-inch diagonal ultra-wide display that stretches across more than half the dashboard.

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It isn't just two screens glued together behind a piece of plastic, either. It’s one continuous piece of glass. It handles everything from your digital gauges to your navigation and climate settings.

Buick integrated Google Built-in, which means Google Maps is native to the car. You don't even have to plug in your phone for decent navigation, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still there if you want them. One weird quirk? They moved the headlight controls into the screen. It's a bit of a learning curve, and honestly, some people are going to hate not having a physical dial for that. But that’s the direction the industry is heading.

Performance: Is it actually "Sporty"?

Here is the truth: The "ST" badge stands for Sport Touring, but don't expect a track monster.

Under the hood of every 2024 Buick Envision ST is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It puts out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s plenty of punch for merging onto the highway or passing a slow-moving truck on a two-lane road. The 9-speed automatic transmission is smooth, almost invisible in its shifts, which is exactly what you want in a Buick.

Big change for 2024: All-wheel drive is now standard.

Previously, you could get a front-wheel-drive version to save a few bucks, but Buick decided to lean into the "premium" label and just make AWD the baseline. It’s an "Intelligent AWD" system with an active twin clutch. Basically, it can move power between the rear wheels to help you grip better in the rain or snow.

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  • Horsepower: 228 hp
  • Torque: 258 lb-ft
  • Towing: 1,500 lbs (enough for a jet ski or a small utility trailer)
  • Gas Mileage: You’ll see about 22 mpg in the city and 28 or 29 on the highway.

The ride quality is where the Envision still feels like a Buick. It uses a five-link rear suspension that soaks up potholes like a sponge. It’s quiet, too. Buick’s "QuietTuning" tech uses active noise cancellation—sorta like your Bose headphones—to cancel out road roar.

Inside the ST cabin

The interior of the ST feels different than the Avenir. While the Avenir is all about leather and "massaging seats," the ST goes for a technical, darker vibe.

You get a flat-bottom steering wheel (very "race car" for a crossover) and alloy sport pedals. The seats in the 2024 Buick Envision ST are unique, featuring ST-embossed headrests. You can choose between an all-black "Ebony" look or a bold "Garnet" interior with Ebony accents.

Space is... decent. It’s a compact SUV, so it’s not huge. You’ve got 25.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row. If you fold the seats down, that jumps to 52.7 cubic feet. It’s enough for a massive Costco run or a weekend camping trip for two, but if you have three kids and a dog, you might find it a bit tight.

Safety tech that actually works

Buick didn't skimp on the safety gear this year. You get the "Buick Driver Confidence" suite standard. This includes:

  1. Automatic Emergency Braking
  2. Lane Keep Assist (it gently nudges you back if you drift)
  3. Forward Collision Alert
  4. Following Distance Indicator

They also added a 360-degree camera system which is a lifesaver for parking these things. Interestingly, Buick originally planned to put Super Cruise (GM's hands-free driving tech) in the 2024 Envision, but they ended up pulling it from the production plan at the last minute. It might show up in 2025 or 2026, but for now, you’re doing the steering yourself.

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What most people get wrong about the Envision ST

A lot of people think that because it’s a Buick, it’s just a "fancier Chevy Equinox."

That's not really fair. The Envision is built on a different platform (shared more closely with the Cadillac XT4). The materials inside are higher quality, the sound deadening is significantly better, and that 30-inch screen isn't available on the Chevy.

The 2024 Buick Envision ST starts at around $39,795. That’s about $2,500 more than the base Preferred trim, but you get the 20-inch wheels, the better styling, and the cooler interior. Compared to a Lexus NX or an Acura RDX, the Buick is actually a bit of a bargain, often coming in thousands of pounds... wait, thousands of dollars cheaper than the Japanese luxury brands.

Is the 2024 Buick Envision ST right for you?

If you want a car that looks aggressive but drives comfortably, this is it. It’s for the person who wants the "luxury" experience without the "luxury" price tag or the pretentiousness that sometimes comes with a European badge.

You get the big screen, the blacked-out wheels, and a turbo engine that’s surprisingly peppy. You just have to be okay with the fact that it’s not a sports car, despite what those 20-inch wheels might suggest. It’s a comfortable, tech-forward daily driver that finally looks as modern as it feels.

Actionable Next Steps:

  • Compare the ST vs. Avenir: If you live in a cold climate, check if the ST you’re looking at has the "Comfort and Convenience Package." You’ll want those heated seats and the heated steering wheel.
  • Test the Screen: Spend 10 minutes sitting in the car at the dealership before you drive it. Get used to where the headlight and climate controls are on that 30-inch display.
  • Check the Cargo: Bring your most-used gear (stroller, golf clubs, etc.) to the dealership. The Envision’s 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space is slightly smaller than some competitors like the Honda CR-V, so make sure your stuff actually fits.