2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Buick Envista

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path with its sloping roofline, giving it a "crossover coupe" appearance reminiscent of high-end models like the BMW X4 and X6. This design choice, while potentially compromising rear visibility, was deemed acceptable. The Envista's front-end styling, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a split lighting design with daytime running lights positioned above the actual headlights, which were integrated into vertical elements flanking the grille. This sleek design was a first for Buick, setting the Envista apart from models like the Envision and Encore GX, which received similar styling as part of mid-cycle refreshes. The interior of the Envista, while similar to the Trax, offered a more streamlined look with softer materials, though some textures felt cheap. The cabin was a step up from the Trax, but still aligned with its entry-level status.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered as a rental in Hawaii, presented a rugged and utilitarian design. Despite its heat-absorbing black color scheme, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its open-air driving experience, with removable panels and a liftglass. The Wrangler lineup offered various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. The Sport S model, priced at nearly $50,000, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a few options, but its interior remained focused on function over form. The Wrangler's design evoked themes of American freedom, rooted in its military vehicle heritage, and its capability to traverse diverse terrains. Despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern cars, the Wrangler's iconic design and off-road prowess continued to attract enthusiasts.

The 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This powertrain, shared with the Trax, delivered a refined performance, offering smooth power delivery akin to larger engines. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, distinguishing it from the Encore GX. The Envista's suspension setup included a torsion-beam rear suspension for base models, while models with 19-inch wheels featured a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension, enhancing ride quality. The front suspension utilized a MacPherson strut setup with Buick-specific tuning to minimize road noise. During testing on Michigan's weathered roads, the Envista demonstrated commendable handling, though it exhibited some nervousness on uneven surfaces. Overall, the Envista provided a more premium feel compared to the Trax, with quieter and more comfortable performance.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering a lively performance, especially at higher elevations. The Wrangler's fuel efficiency varied, with the four-cylinder achieving an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During testing in Hawaii, the Wrangler averaged 19.2 mpg with four occupants and air conditioning. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were well-suited to Hawaii's terrain, with standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and favorable approach and departure angles. However, its ride was rough, and the steering felt disconnected, especially on highways. Despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler's off-road prowess remained a highlight, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease.

The 2024 Buick Envista, measuring 14.2 inches longer than the Buick Encore, offered increased interior space due to its extended wheelbase. Rear-seat legroom grew by three inches, and shoulder room increased by two inches, providing a more spacious feel. However, the coupe-like design resulted in reduced headroom, particularly for rear passengers. The seats were comfortable, and the car-like driving position offered good outward visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 20.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 42 cubic feet with them folded, less than the Trax and other competitors.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler, with its high ground clearance and narrow door openings, posed challenges for entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, and the Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was suitable for various climates. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Buick Envista featured an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The user interface was intuitive, with physical controls for climate and audio. However, the center stack's tilt toward the driver made controls less accessible for passengers. Optional tech features were limited, with wireless phone charging available on higher trims.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The system was user-friendly, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and remote engine start. Rear parking sensors were part of the optional Active Safety Group package, enhancing safety during reversing.

The 2024 Buick Envista's safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard for front and rear seats. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact tests.