Shopping for a 2025 Buick Envista? Here Are Other Top Options Experts Recommend
The market is flooded with compact crossovers. Every major automaker builds at least one, and the segment is growing. The level of competition is constantly increasing, as manufacturers infuse them with great style, advanced technology, and great standard features. Then there are models that look and feel pricier than they actually are. The 2025 Buick Envista is one of the standouts thanks to its blend of premium design and affordable pricing. Keep in mind that it's not the only compact crossover worth considering, as there are a handful of strong competitors that provide tremendous value and their own version of high style.
2025 Buick Envista: European elegance
The Buick Envista debuted in 2024 with a surprisingly high-end look compared to its price point. The base Envista starts at $23,800 and tops out at just under $30k for its fancy Avenir trim. Coming or going, the Envista looks rich without requiring the owner to actually be rich. With a coupe-like profile and bold styling cues borrowed from the 2022 Buick Wildcat EV concept, the Envista has the ability to fool just about any onlooker that it's a European offering, not a budget American car.
The 2025 Envista isn't a rocket sled, though. It's powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, good for 136 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive isn't on the options list, unfortunately. The Envista isn't set up for quick acceleration, with a 0-60 time of 9.4 seconds. It might seem wheezy and slow compared to some competitors.
The cabin of the Envista is a mixed bag. While there are some cheap plastics on the lower part of the dashboard and center console, the overall look is refined and attractive. The large 11-inch landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen is vivid and user-friendly, paired with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster that's a nice aesthetic match. Together with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi, a tire-pressure monitor, and advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, the Envista provides a solid set of car tech that belies its price point.
The interior is comfortable, spacious, and welcoming. The front seats have good cushioning and support. The Envista's ride quality is excellent without sacrificing a connection to the road. Highway cruising, despite the low power output, feels effortless. Rear occupants get a substantial 38.7 inches of legroom, and six-footers can sit behind themselves. Headroom is also good, despite the sloping roofline. Our choice would be the top trim Avenir that adds 19" premium wheels, matching body-colored trim, heated steering wheel, power driver's seat, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, and a wireless smartphone charger. Whatever trim level you choose, the Envista will turn heads, and you won't drain your wallet in the process. Learn more here.
2025 Hyundai Kona: Thoroughly modern
If it's a more modern and youthful aesthetic you want, the redesigned Hyundai Kona is speaking your language. Hyundai's small crossover was completely redesigned in 2024, and the result is an edgier and more tech-forward compact crossover. It's also slightly larger than its 1st-generation predecessor for better accommodations and more road presence. The base price is $24,550, a tad more than the Envista. The top Limited trim costs $32,100, a couple of grand more than the Envista Avenir.
The Kona's entry-level powertrain is a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission. The base SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims get this setup, while the N-Line S, N-Line, and the Limited get a turbocharged 190-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Envista, all-wheel drive is available on all trims, a big attraction to those who want four-season traction. Acceleration with the base engine and FWD is on par with the Avenir, while the more powerful turbocharged mill will knock off a couple of seconds.
The cabin of the 2025 Kona jumps at least a couple of rungs from the last Kona. Not only is it more modern and open, but it also boasts a beautiful curved panoramic display setup. Every trim level gets a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Lower trims get a 4.2-inch gauge cluster, but the N-Line and Limited trims receive a matching 12.3-inch configurable instrument display. Standard features include automatic LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, rear view monitor with parking guidance, remote entry with pushbutton start, and safety features like rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Level up to the higher trims, and the Kona gets 19" premium wheels, a full-width LED DRL, premium seat upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, navigation, Bose premium audio, adaptive cruise control, and a power sunroof.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Kona offers a slightly firmer ride than the Envista, and it provides better steering and handling. It loses a bit of sportiness from the previous model, but you gain space (3 more inches of rear legroom, for example). The benefit of having all-wheel drive and a more powerful turbocharged engine could very well pull customers away from the Envista. While the edgier styling of the Kona could be polarizing, those who want a sportier-looking compact crossover than the more elegant Envista will be pleased. Learn more here.
2025 Mazda CX-30: The driver's choice
Mazda is known for fulfilling driving enthusiasts' druthers, and its small CX-30 is no exception. The benefit of attractive sheetmetal and a refined interior helps it rise in the compact crossover ranks. Often considered the "driver's choice" in the segment, it offers a sportier driving experience than most vehicles in this price range. The CX-30's base price is $25,195 for 2.5 S and climbs to $37,150 for the loaded 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. You also get responsive steering, a taut chassis, and available turbocharged power. There are two engines available: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower (54 more than the base Envista) and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four with as much as 250 horsepower with premium fuel. The huge bonus is standard all-wheel drive across the entire trim line, besting the Envista's FWD hands down.
Inside, the CX-30 feels more like a luxury vehicle than a mainstream compact crossover. Mazda ensures that all of its vehicles boast a similar interior look and feel, with high-quality materials, a minimalist dashboard layout, and well-bolstered seats that provide sport and comfort. Though the infotainment screen is smaller and controlled via a rotary dial (which some may find clunky), the system is both quick and fairly intuitive once you get used to it.
Standard features include 16-inch aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry with push button start, an 8.8-inch color infotainment screen, a 7-inch instrument LCD instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, and safety features such as high beam control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and driver attention alert. Upgrade to higher trims, and the CX-30 comes with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a rear power liftgate, 12-speaker Bose audio, adaptive front lighting, heated side mirrors, leather seats, heated front seats, and wireless phone charging.
If you're more about a thrilling driving experience combined with standard all-wheel drive, look no further than the 2025 Mazda CX-30. - though it does start a bit higher in price, especially with the upgraded turbo engine. The back seat is also a bit tighter than the Envista by a couple of inches, so consider that, as well. On the flipside, the CX-30 makes a far more compelling case as the driver's crossover in this set, and that carries a lot of weight with those who want a more thrilling commute. Learn more here.
2025 Chevrolet Trax: Fun and frugal
The Trax is the dark horse because it's the lowest-priced crossover here at $20,500. Not only does it look nicer than its asking price might indicate, but it also has precise and communicative steering that makes it rewarding to drive, even in light of its 137-horsepower 3-cylinder engine. Step up to the mid-range LT trim, and you get standard features like 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, an 11-inch infotainment screen, an 8-inch color instrument cluster, wireless smartphone integration, remote vehicle start, and automatic climate controls. Its sporty and semi-rugged looks would never give away the fact that the Trax shares the same platform and powertrain as the Envista.
Chevrolet has given the 2025 Trax a more mature, refined look compared to its stubby predecessor. The crossover is longer, wider, and lower, which translates to improved cabin space and cargo room. Like the Envista, it's front-wheel drive only. Inside, the Trax feels modern and user-friendly, though not as premium as the Buick. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, while higher trims offer an 11-inch version, similar to the Envista. Wireless smartphone integration is included across the board, along with Chevy Safety Assist - a bundle that includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision alert.
For hardly any money, the Trax offers more than you'd expect with looks that might make others think you got a pricier Equinox. It also comes in some fun colors like Marina Blue and Nitro Yellow, our personal favorites. While the 2025 Trax doesn't offer all-wheel drive or turbocharged performance like some rivals, it hits the sweet spot for value-focused buyers who still want a stylish and feature-rich ride. Learn more here.
Final thoughts
The Buick Envista shows off the best of the brand at a much cheaper price point than buyers are used to, with excellent style, ride quality, and space. The Kona highlights modern design and quicker, sportier trims. Opt for the driver's choice, the Mazda CX-90, if you want the right blend of style, connection with the road, and standard all-wheel drive. Lastly, the Chevy Trax undercuts everyone on price and delivers some of the best steering in the segment.
At the end of the day, each of these compact crossovers offers a compelling mix of design, tech, and everyday usability. If you're shopping for a 2025 Buick Envista, it's smart to cross-shop these alternatives, because depending on your priorities, one of them might just be the better fit.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM