Used Buick buying guide
About Buick
Buick is a division of General Motors that offers premium vehicles. Its current lineup consists exclusively of SUVs and crossovers. Buick is commended for its exceptional design and focus on innovation. All models feature an attractive exterior and a comfortable, roomy interior lined with upscale materials and equipped with the latest tech features. Because it offers SUVs of different sizes, it's easy to find a Buick model that fits your needs and driving style. The smallest Buick model is the subcompact Encore, followed by the larger Envista, and the compact Envision, with the large, three-row Enclave rounding out the lineup.
What CarMax customers like
Ride and Handling
Fuel Economy
Styling
What CarMax customers don’t like
Fuel Economy
Interior Space
Cargo Space
Buick FAQs
Yes, Buick is a luxury car. It's positioned between fellow GM brands Chevrolet and Cadillac. Buick cars come with an upscale interior and advanced tech features that help offer a premium experience.
In the past, Buick used to make many different vehicle models, including sedans, wagons, and minivans. They have now been discontinued and Buick is focusing on making crossovers and SUVs. However, you may still be able to find used versions of discontinued models at CarMax.
Buick cars have a pretty long lifespan, which often goes well beyond 10 years. However, apart from age, it's important to take a car's mileage and maintenance into consideration before making a decision.
Buick has an above-average RepairPal Reliability Rating of 3.5 out of 5.0. This puts it ahead of many similar premium models.
Some Buick models have better gas mileage than others. This depends on powertrain type, as well as engine and vehicle size. For example, the small 2016 Buick Encore gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined with the 1.4L engine. The 2021 Buick Enclave SUV gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg with FWD and the 3.6L engine.
*Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
1. Buick Envision
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Quiet interior
Smooth ride
Good value
Cons
Small cargo area
Less plush than competitors
Limited steering feedback
Compare used Buick models
The 2026 Buick Envista and Encore GX are compact SUVs that offer practical seating for five, user-friendly tech features, and a stylish design. The Envista is the larger of the two, with an extra inch of front legroom and more than two extra inches of rear legroom to keep you and your crew comfortable on long journeys. However, the Encore GX’s conventional SUV height offers more than eight cubic feet of additional cargo capacity to accommodate all your gear. And while the Envista focuses on sporty handling with a single powertrain option and front-wheel drive, the Encore GX offers two engine options and available all-wheel drive for off-the-beaten-path adventures. For ultra-sleek styling, urban-friendly handling, and extra room to stretch, choose the Envista; for more cargo space, higher seating, and AWD adventure, go for the Encore GX.
Want to learn more? Compare compact SUVs using our comparison tool.
The 2026 Buick Encore GX and Envision are small and stylish SUVs that cater to different crowds. The subcompact Encore GX weighs less and has smaller engine options, delivering better fuel economy and practical everyday performance for light highway and city driving. The compact Envision offers standard all-wheel drive, stronger acceleration, and higher towing capacity for weekend adventuring, plus more passenger and cargo space for long journeys. If you’re looking for urban agility and fewer trips to the pump, the Encore GX is a great choice; if you’re seeking a powerful and spacious SUV for frequent travel or road trips, the Envision is ideal. Bonus: The Envision tops our list of the most reliable used SUVs.
If you want to see these vehicles and more side by side, use our tool to compare small SUVs.
The 2026 Buick Envision and Enclave are stylish and capable SUVs with significant differences in size, space, and power. The Envision is a reliable compact crossover that comfortably seats five across two rows and allows for light-duty towing. If you’re hauling more gear than people, fold the second row to get 52.7 cu-ft of space. Conversely, the Enclave is a midsize SUV that accommodates seven in three rows of adult-size seating, opening up a whopping 97.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity with the second and third rows folded. When properly equipped, the 2026 Enclave can tow up to 5,000 lbs — enough for a pop-up camper, jet ski, or ATV.
For smaller families and footprints, the Envision is ideal; for larger crews and their gear, the Enclave is best. Want to continue your research?Compare more SUVs using our comparison tool.
The 2026 Buick Envista and Enclave are comfortable, stylish SUVs that serve very different lifestyles. The Envista is a subcompact SUV with roomy seating for five across two rows, while the Enclave is a midsize SUV that easily seats up to seven adults across three rows. Looking for a cargo hauler? Folding down the Envista’s second row gives you 42 cu-ft of cargo space, while collapsing the Enclave’s second and third rows nets more than double that amount. The choice comes down to size and space: Smaller crews will enjoy the “just right” sizing of the Envista, while larger families can find their optimal fit in the Enclave.
Want to explore more options? Compare used SUVs using our comparison tool.
The 2026 Buick Envision Avenir and Enclave Avenir are luxurious, range-topping models that mainly differ in size. The Envision Avenir is a small, two-row SUV with seating for five; the Enclave Avenir is a midsize, three-row SUV that seats up to seven. Both Avenir models are fully loaded with high-end features, including a massaging driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, and adaptive suspension for enhanced ride comfort and handling stability. If you’re looking for premium comfort in a smaller package, you’ll love the stylish and reliable Envision Avenir; if you’re seeking an upscale experience for up to seven, don’t miss the elegant and spacious Enclave Avenir.
Want to see more? Compare high-end SUVs.
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RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.