2026 Buick Envista vs 2026 Toyota bZ

The 2026 Buick Envista was available in Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trim levels, with prices ranging from $26,495 to $31,295, including a $1,795 destination charge. The Sport Touring Studio Series test vehicle had no additional options and was priced at $31,855, including destination. Configured today, that same vehicle would have cost $32,355. The Envista's design was striking, with a trendy Ceramic paint option, although the interior revealed its affordability. The use of plastic, fake leather, and hard seats highlighted the cost-cutting measures, with noticeable flaws such as a noisy center armrest and a loose transmission shifter.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was offered in XLE and Limited trim levels, with options for single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) and two battery sizes. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, bringing the MSRP to $40,468. The bZ's restyled exterior looked better with body-color trim, and the interior boasted a cleaner dashboard and center console. The fabric seats had an upscale pattern, and the 14-inch touchscreen integrated climate control with user-friendly features. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability.

The 2026 Buick Envista was powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered only front-wheel drive (FWD). The Envista's base curb weight was 3,137 pounds, resulting in sluggish performance and subpar fuel efficiency. Turbo lag was evident, making it challenging to navigate traffic smoothly. Over 300 miles, the Envista averaged 28.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 30 mpg combined. The six-speed automatic transmission was a positive aspect, preventing excessive noise, and the Sport Touring Studio Series model's 19-inch wheels provided good cornering grip. However, steering and braking were imprecise, and the ride quality remained unsettled.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a choice of battery sizes and drivetrain configurations. The XLE FWD model with a 57.7-kWh battery produced 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models with the larger battery produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges. The bZ's regenerative braking system lacked one-pedal driving capability, but it provided a comfortable and quiet ride. The bZ averaged 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode and 3.9 miles per kWh in Normal mode during efficiency tests. While the bZ excelled as a commuter vehicle, its handling on winding roads was hindered by the tires and steering.

The 2026 Buick Envista's higher seating position made entry and exit easy, though rear-seat passengers needed to be cautious of the sloping roofline. The single-zone automatic climate control performed well, and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available on higher trims. The front seats were hard but supportive, with power adjustment for the driver. Storage space was decent, but unlined surfaces caused items to rattle. Rear-seat passengers found the Envista accommodating, with generous legroom and a comfortable backrest angle. Cargo space was 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 42 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota bZ's skateboard-style EV platform and 8.1 inches of ground clearance facilitated easy entry and exit. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but offered ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom and standard rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space was 27.7 cubic feet, with an underfloor storage well, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Buick Envista featured an 8-inch digital driver display and an 11-inch touchscreen housed within a single trapezoidal glass surface. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless smartphone charging was part of the Studio Series upgrade but operated slowly. OnStar Basics connected services were free for eight years, providing valuable features like automatic crash response. The six-speaker audio system was adequate, with convenient stereo volume and tuning controls on the steering wheel.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display's placement and readability were criticized, while the 14-inch display ran the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and the Intelligent Assistant voice assistant, which performed well in tests.

The 2026 Buick Envista offered basic driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. The Studio Series Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control responded smoothly, but lane-keep assist was less effective on winding roads. The Envista received poor safety ratings from the IIHS, with a Poor rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and a Marginal headlight rating.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for extra safety. The Limited trim featured Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced safety features. The bZ's adaptive cruise control had inconsistent responses in traffic, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The IIHS gave the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech a Good rating, but the headlights received a Poor rating.