2026 Buick Envista vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Buick Envista was available in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir, 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 Lexus TX, available in various trims depending on the powertrain, offered a more refined appearance. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid featured a standard panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint, making it stand out. The exterior design retained the large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the interior offered ambient lighting and suede trim. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, but some might have preferred more attention to detail in the cabin.

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. The Envista's base curb weight was 3,137 pounds, resulting in sluggish performance and subpar fuel efficiency. Over 300 miles, it averaged 28.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 30 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine exhibited noticeable lag, making it challenging to maneuver in traffic. The six-speed automatic transmission was a saving grace, preventing the droning often associated with CVTs. However, the steering lacked precision, and the brakes felt rudimentary.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX offered multiple drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The ride was smooth and quiet, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The AWD system provided flexibility, distributing power between the front and rear wheels as needed. The TX excelled in providing a comfortable and composed driving experience, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2026 Buick Envista offered easy entry and exit due to its higher seating position, though rear-seat passengers needed to be mindful of the sloping roofline. The interior featured basic single-zone automatic climate control, with effective air conditioning. 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, though unlined surfaces caused items to rattle. Rear-seat passengers found ample legroom, but the low seating position compromised leg support. Cargo space was modest, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The climate controls were primarily on the screen, with physical dials for temperature adjustments. Cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Buick Envista featured an 8-inch digital driver display and an 11-inch touchscreen housed within a single glass surface. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless smartphone charging was available but slow. OnStar Basics connected services were free for eight years, offering 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 Lexus TX boasted a 14-inch color touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on the gauge cluster for guidance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The backup camera provided a clear view, and the available Advanced Park system handled parking duties. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed charged. The second row even offered a 120-volt/1500-watt outlet for larger items.

The 2026 Buick Envista came with 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. However, 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 NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the Envista at the time of writing.

The 2026 Lexus TX included the Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and traffic sign recognition. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was initially challenging to set up. The NHTSA had not rated the 550h+, but the TX 350 and 500h earned five stars. The IIHS gave the TX an Acceptable rating in the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a Good rating for the passenger’s side.