2026 Lexus NX vs 2024 Buick Envista

The 2024 Buick Envista, despite sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path with its sloping roofline, giving it a "crossover coupe" appearance reminiscent of more upscale 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 thin daytime running lights above and real headlights integrated into vertical elements flanking the grille. This sleek arrangement, combined with the shark-nose prow, set the Envista apart from other crossovers like the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Cherokee. The interior, while similar to the Trax, offered a more streamlined look with softer materials, though some felt cheap. The cabin was a step up from the Trax but remained within entry-level expectations.

The 2026 Lexus NX maintained a fresh look with its integrated styling elements, including chunky fenders, LED daytime running lights, and the signature spindle grille. While not as classically handsome as the Genesis GV70 or Volvo XC60, it avoided the awkwardness of the Audi Q5 or BMW X3. The design team refined existing elements, making them appear intentional rather than added for visual impact. The NX was available in non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, with various trim levels. The F Sport Handling grade added performance features but didn't quite deliver on luxury expectations. The interior, particularly in the F Sport Handling trim, felt more akin to a high-end Toyota RAV4, lacking the luxury one might expect from Lexus.

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 setup, shared with the Trax, offered a refined driving experience, delivering power smoothly. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, differentiating it from the Encore GX. The suspension setup varied with wheel size, with models featuring 19-inch wheels benefiting from a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension, enhancing ride quality. The Envista handled road imperfections well, though it felt unsettled on less-than-perfect straightaways. Overall, it provided a more premium feel compared to the Trax, with quieter acceleration and a comfortable ride.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered multiple powertrain options, but the standard setup in the NX 350 F Sport test car was underwhelming. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The engine, shared with the Toyota Tacoma, felt more suited to a pickup truck, with a coarse exhaust note and a lack of urgency. Despite a quoted 6.6-second zero to 60 mph time, the transmission made achieving this difficult. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling specs, with the latter boasting 304 horsepower and a 6-second zero to 60 mph time. However, the NX's chassis tuning left much to be desired, with firm dampers and lifeless steering detracting from the driving experience.

The 2024 Buick Envista, with its 14.2-inch increase in length and 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch compared to the Buick Encore, offered improved interior space. Rear-seat legroom increased by three inches, and shoulder room grew by two inches in both rows, creating a more spacious feel. However, the coupe-like design resulted in slightly reduced headroom, particularly in the second row. The seats were comfortable for the price point, and the car-like design provided 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 the old Encore.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space among compact luxury SUVs, though with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less generous. Front-seat legroom was on par with the Audi and Mercedes, but the Acura offered more. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered visibility due to the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing behind competitors. The NX's towing capacity was also limited to 2,000 pounds. However, the interior featured large cupholders and a digital rearview mirror to aid visibility.

The 2024 Buick Envista came standard with an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The user interface was similar to the Trax, with easy-to-use controls and retained buttons for climate and audio. However, the center stack's tilt toward the driver made controls a bit of a reach for passengers. While lacking some optional tech features like a head-up display, the Envista offered impressive features for its price range, including a digital instrument cluster.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch display available on higher trims. All models included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Additional tech features required data connectivity packages, offering cloud-based navigation, digital key functionality, and emergency assistance. The 14-inch touchscreen was well-placed, but fan speed adjustment via a touch slider was awkward. Voice recognition helped with some functions, but had limitations. The instrument cluster efficiently presented information, though it resembled older analog displays.

The 2024 Buick Envista's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard driver-assist features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-change alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. The safety equipment list was similar to the Chevy Trax and typical for the price range.

The 2026 Lexus NX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, offering comprehensive driver-assist features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included park assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, missing the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test. NHTSA ratings were not available.