2021 Buick Envision vs 2021 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a lower and wider stance compared to its predecessor. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a more sculpted appearance, though it wasn't as sleek as some of its rivals like the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, with the latter being the most premium, featuring upgraded exterior elements and a unique interior design. Despite its stylish design, the Envision's interior had some drawbacks, such as an abundance of piano black plastic that attracted dust.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson maintained a more conventional styling, appealing to those who preferred a straightforward design. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, and the interior boasted a modern and attractive dash design. The Tucson's tech features were seamlessly integrated, with every button and dial easy to locate. The Tucson offered six trim levels: SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate, each adding more features and conveniences as you moved up the range. The Tucson's interior was comfortable and supportive, even on long trips, with plenty of storage compartments throughout.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite a reduction in power compared to the previous model, the Envision managed to shed 200 to 300 pounds, improving its fuel efficiency. The front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Envision's ride was comfortable, though not particularly sporty, and engine noise was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration. The drive mode selector offered a Sport mode, but it didn't significantly enhance the driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came with two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4-liter engine available on higher trims, delivering 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The Tucson's ride was comfortable and refined, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. The 2.4-liter engine was recommended for a livelier performance, especially around town. The Tucson's towing capacity ranged from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds, depending on the engine.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign resulted in a loss of interior space, with less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and reduced legroom and hip room in the rear. Despite these reductions, the passenger volume remained nearly identical to the previous model. The Envision offered 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited the front passenger's access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. However, the Envision provided standard features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was on the lower side for the segment, it provided adequate space for most needs. The Tucson's front seats offered solid headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seating for long trips. The rear seats were accommodating enough for adults on road trips. The Tucson featured numerous storage compartments and trays for small items, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Buick Envision came with a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering a clean and responsive interface. The driver could access station and song information faster on the available 8.0-inch driver information display. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features included navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and helpful hard buttons. Available features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging, enhancing the Tucson's tech offerings.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS due to its new generation and body structure changes. It featured standard safety equipment like a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. The Buckle to Drive feature ensured seatbelt use before shifting from park to drive. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS. It offered standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Upper-tier trims added features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a 360-degree parking monitor.