I was really excited to get a preview of the 2025 Buick Enclave, the brand’s flagship nameplate. I knew it would be good. It would have a completely new exterior look—a new face and a new tailgate with design details similar to the remake of the Encore and Envision and the introduction of the Envista. 

The fresh, modern look on the interior of those models, with wide screens and elegant seating, gave me hope for something good in the Enclave. 

But I wasn’t ready for the breath of fresh air that was brought to the redesign of the Buick Enclave. It feels so clean, uncluttered and modern. If you can’t stand messy countertops, if you love clean lines and crisp materials and have a need for simplicity, this is for you. 

Related: What Drives Her: Sharon Gauci Crafts a Vision for Buick and GMC’s Future

Minimalist Design Creates a Calm Cabin

But before getting into the driver’s seat, just open the door and take a minute to look. You’ll instantly see the wide multimedia screen—30” wide and curved, similar to the one seen in Cadillac models—and a simplified dashboard finished in elegant leather, wood, and metal. 

You’ll see leather upholstery with handbag-like details such as piping, contrast stitching, and quilted surfaces. 

Related: 7 Best Luxury 3-Row SUVs

The Floating Console is the Highlight of the Buick Enclave Cabin

The big delight, though, is the floating center console with handbag storage underneath. Above the storage, it’s considerably uncluttered: there’s a textured metal entertainment dial, a wireless phone charger, a small space to hold your key and cup holders. That’s it. 

Many of the car’s functions are tucked into discreet spaces to keep the feeling clean: A climate control panel sits just below the multimedia screen; USB ports are tucked into the dark panel just below the climate control panel. The gear selector has been moved to a stalk on the steering column, similar to what is found in Mercedes-Benz models.

Related: How Does the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Compare?

A Simplified Trim Lineup Completes The Renovation

You might be taken by the new look and feel of the Enclave, but that’s not where the story ends. Under the hood Buick added a smaller yet more powerful engine, a 4-cylinder turbo that replaces the V6 in the prior model. Even with a smaller engine, the Enclave will generate more horsepower—328 HP, which adds 18 more HP over the prior model—and is expected to get better fuel economy (figures haven’t been released yet). 

Then, Enclave will have a simplified trim lineup: Preferred, ST, and Avenir.

Related: 15 Great Places to Put Your Handbag, Tote or Crossbody in the Car

Three Trims Simplify Decision-Making

Each trim will have its own unique front grille, larger wheels, and a nice set of standard features. 

The Preferred model comes with leatherette seats, the 30” multimedia screen, a motion-activated liftgate, heated front seats, a quiet cabin, and 20” wheels.

The ST, or Sport Touring, model will feature a sportier look with black gloss exterior details, leather and leatherette seats, and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel. 

Related: How Does the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Compare?

Avenir’s Luxe Features are a Delight

Avenir, the top of the line trim, features a unique light gray (nearly white) interior with either navy or cocoa trim, wood, and metal details. Avenir also has a suite of exclusive features standard: an animated light show greets you as you approach with your key fob; interior ambient lighting is customizable, and there is a 16-speaker Bose sound system; it has larger 22” wheels, a panoramic sunroof, heated and vented front seats with massage, heated second-row seats, head-up display, one-touch folding second-row seats, and power 3rd-row seats.

Many of these features, including the power folding seats, are available on Preferred and ST trims via optional packages. 

Related: How Does the Hyundai Palisade Compare?

3rd Row Seating and Installing Kids Car Seats

The one thing Buick isn’t offering on Enclave is a center-row bench. All models will have center-row captains chairs and room for 3 in the 3rd row, seating a total of 7. 

The third row is nicely outfitted; there are two USB-C ports, cupholders, and vents in the ceiling that point right at third-row passengers. I climbed in and found it comfortable—easy to climb in either via the pass-through or slide-and-tilt seats.

For installing child car seats, there are 2 full LATCH sets in the center row captains chairs and upper tethers on all 3rd-row seats. So, installing child car seats on 3rd-row seats means using seatbelts to secure them. 

Easy 3rd Row Access, Thanks to Power Buttons

The captains chairs slide and tilt to allow third-row access, or you can use the pass-through between the seats. Powered seats won’t work if there is weight in the seat—such as a person. It’s great to know if your kid thinks it would be funny to push the button and watch Grandma slide and tilt along with the seat.

The center row captains chairs can move forward and back to accommodate rear seat passenger legroom and for installing rear-facing child car seats. The good news is that two rear-facing seats will easily fit. The bad news is that if you need two rear-facing seats it’ll be difficult to get anyone or anything into the 3rd row with them installed.

More Goodies on the Buick Enclave

Buick has added the option of Super Cruise, the hands-free driver assistance system, to every Enclave trim. Opting for Super Cruise adds a driver attention monitor, auto park assist, auto lane change and on Avenir, a digital rear view mirror. 

Also new is a multi-view camera with up to 9 views and HD surround-view so you can see clearly around all angles of the car. The Enclave will carry the “Connected Camera” system seen in some other GM models, including the Suburban. This system allows you to see inside the car and get a notification if motion is detected; you can see what’s going on using the MyBuick app. 

Further “connecting” the cabin is the addition of Google’s operating system to the multimedia system. This adds Google Maps, Google Play and “Hey Google” voice assistance, though the system is still Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. 

Then, there is a full suite of driver assist and safety systems—20+ features in all. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, emergency braking, and HD surround view cameras. Added to the system for 2025 are buckle-to-drive, intersection collision mitigation, lane keep assist with lane centering, reverse automatic braking, and traffic sign recognition. 

The 2025 Buick Enclave will start production in the summer and make its way to dealerships shortly after. Buick still has to fill in some details — how much it’ll cost, pricing for packages and what fuel economy to expect. 

Every time I see the Buick Envista, I can’t help but look twice: its front face is elegant, and its shape is simply lovely. That’s the feeling I get from the Enclave’s interior: the cantilevered floating console, the minimalist details, and the white leather create a boutique-esque vibe that inspires me to take a breath. It’s a bit of a wait to get behind the wheel and drive—for all of us. But when we do, I’ll be inspired to breathe deep and relax. 

Disclosure: I was a guest of Buick for this test drive. Travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own. Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from affiliate links in this story.

My, You’re Looking Stylish Lately, Buick

I might have shared recently that I’m a geek for corporate culture and the elements that go into a good — or bad— product or service. Think of companies filled with people who work behind the scenes to create something that you are sure was designed just for you. 

Manicures that last weeks. Water bottles that clean themselves. Sneakers that feel like walking on air. Cars with a natural place to put your handbag (which you will see in the new Buick Enclave, but more about that later…)

There are people behind all those ideas who have the same problems as you do, as I do. 

However, getting from the idea stage to product design to market debut is a challenge, and that is the function of culture. We got a peek behind the scenes at this exact process recently when we toured Buick’s new design space to see how the company transformed its entire lineup and created a new face for the brand.

What Drives Her: Sharon Gauci Crafts a Vision for Buick and GMC’s Future

It Starts With Space 

A company’s culture takes space — real or virtual — to work in, to collaborate, to meet, to chat, to riff, to laugh, to connect, to create.

In Warren, Michigan, just outside Detroit, sits General Motor’s Tech Center, a mid-century campus of low-slung buildings designed by famed architect Eero Saarinen. Inside each are the spaces that we’ve come to know as the typical work space— offices, studios, cubicles, gathering spaces. 

This year GM added to the space with a new building, Design West. It fits with the size and scale of other buildings on the campus but is more modern in its details and function. As companies that are focused on design tend to do, the building is filled with intentional touches, such as collaborative spaces, flexible offices and art. A lot of art— all of it created by current and former GM employees. 

What Drives Her: Chevy’s Jennifer Kraska Inspires the Next Generation of Automotive Designers

Classic and Modern Come Together in the Design Dome 

The center of the GM Tech Center is the Design Dome. This is where the design process for GM’s brands — Buick, GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac — takes the stage. A circular space 185 feet in diameter with a roof that crests at 65 feet, the space can be customized with lighting, sound, texture and more. It’s essentially a fully controllable space, a stage where the players are also the audience.  

This is where everything from concepts to final prototypes are presented, considered and reviewed. Vehicles are revealed to executives, dealers and the media here. Since it was built in 1956, every important event in GM’s history had its first spotlight in the Design Dome. 

Next up on stage: Buick.

Behind The Scenes of the Buick Redesign

The cadence of automotive design is like anything else, though with the weight of legacy and the necessity of physics. Designers dig deep to advance the physical needs of a car or SUV while honoring its ancestry. Yes, it might seem fun and fancy to sketch outsized wheels and sleek, racy rooflines, but in reality, a car has to function well and it needs to fit the brand’s heritage of both past and future. 

As a designer, you don’t want to be the one who designed an awkward bump in a brand’s elegant bloodline. The challenge is huge, and it’s real: To draw on the past, lead the future and serve the buyer, all at once. 

This was Buick’s challenge as the brand started to roll out its 2024 models last year. This exercise is rooted in first building a concept car that defines a car’s design language such as headlights, hood lines and the look of its materials. A concept hints at its technology, defines its colors and sets a tone for the future. 

In 2022 Buick rolled out the Wildcat concept, an electric car that set the stage for the future of Buick. Wildcat is notable for the headlights and taillights that we now see versions of on new Buick models, the expansive multimedia screens, the sculptural seating and its iconic new front ends. 

Even though each model is its own entity defined by size, performance, and passenger space, the Wildcat is where designers go for details such as upholstery styles, lighting signatures and more. 

From Concept To New Car 

During our tour of the new Design West building, we stopped at GM’s modeling studio. I had always thought of clay models as an early part of the design process, where the vehicle takes shape, but really, it’s the opposite. Designers first start with sketches on paper, then design a car on a computer. 

Once that design is complete, it’s formed in clay and the fine details are sculpted. From there, a design can be finessed adding or removing creases, lights, and other details that ultimately define the design. We watched as both machines and designers played with the design of future concepts, the machine essentially ‘3D printing’ a car in clay and the designers refining the design. 

I was surprised to see that the studio also produces clay models of interiors — dashboards, seating and more, all in a smaller scale model. 

Once refined, the clay models can be wrapped in colored vinyl to mimic the painted, plastic and gloss surfaces of a car. When they are done and ready to be presented to leadership, they are moved to the design dome. 

The New Face of Buick

Under the guidance of Sharon Gauci and her team, Buick’s transition has been stunning to watch. The face of each model has been chiseled and modernized, interiors refined, technology updated and overall shapes are more elegant and beautiful. 

Still, in my mind when I think of the modern era of Buick, I think of Envista, a compact hatchback with the most beautiful proportions. It’s like a perfect shoe or flawless haircut that lends its elegance to everything around it.

A huge part of its appeal is how its front facia — the front grille, lights and lower bumper — create a cohesive look with the roofline and the rear of the car, a simplified tailgate with just enough of a swoop to feel sporty but not so much it feels out of place or so little it feels unfinished.

We’ve seen this new look on the Encore GX and Envision SUV and soon, we’ll see it on the Enclave to complete the transformation of the lineup. And the transformation of Buick. For now. 

On our tour we saw a couple of concepts being worked on that looked pretty exciting — not just to us, but to the teams working on crafting, sculpting and refining them. The feeling was pretty effusive, but then again, that’s by design. 

Disclosure: I was a guest of Buick for this test drive. Travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own. Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from affiliate links in this story.

Editors note: This interview was conducted by Scotty Reiss and edited by Eden Shamy.

You may have noticed a change in the Buick logo recently. It has become simplified and demure; gone are the banners, shadows and the circle that framed the tri-shield. The elegance of the new logo aligns the shields with simple symmetry and foretells what you’ll see inside the car: a calming, modern feel. 

It’s the essence of quiet luxury. And the future for Buick: Quietly taking its customers on a luxury journey.

And, it’s the essence of Sharon Gauci, executive director, design, global Buick, GMC and GMC Hummer.

Buick Has Something Cute and Luxe to Show You: Meet the Buick Envista Compact SUV

Meet Sharon Gauci: Quietly Crushing It

It can be easy to spot a designer. They often travel in an air of exactness, their tempo measured for balance and impact. They want you to see what they see, and they can be very intentional about it.

Sharon was on hand recently to meet the media when Buick introduced the Envista. The minute she sat down it was clear she was a force in the room. Dressed in an elegant linen suit that didn’t seem to wrinkle, her manner matched: easy but confident.

Sharon introduced herself and through the evening asked pleasant and interesting questions of her guests. She spoke of herself and her accomplishments in a subtle but frank manner; it was almost hard to believe that this demure, elegant woman is drafting the future of Buick and at the same time, much of the future of General Motors.

But, she has been shaping the brands and vehicles of GMC for decades, and she’s developed a reputation for opening the window of creative possibilities.

Sharon leads the day-to-day operations in the Buick studio and was the guiding force behind models such as the Encore GX, Envista, and Sierra EV. 30 years in the industry have given her an expansive knowledge of marketing and product design: Before taking on the director role, she worked with every single product in color and trim at Buick.

Related: The Buick Envista is so Charming, and Here’s Why

Conceptualizing the Wildcat EV

Sharon builds on this automotive legacy by envisioning the future of electric vehicle design at Buick. Over the past few years, Sharon and her team of designers gained huge momentum with a new design concept: The Wildcat EV. This was “an opportunity to conceptualize without constraints,” Sharon said.

“We do this often where we create something in studio that becomes the beacon to discover where we want the brand to go,” she told us.

The Wildcat’s exterior is fierce, while the interior creates a sense of boundless space using contrasting colors and floating elements. It also uses AI and biometric technology to shape the drivers’ experience. And of course, it features the new tri-shield logo. According to Sharon, all the elements of Wildcat will be drawn upon to create Buick’s electric future.

Related: Building the Perfect Wildcat EV

Creating a Beautiful New Design Language

In this process, Sharon and her team use what they call sculptural design. They focus on beautiful forms and apply their design study from the Wildcat concept to take their portfolio to the next level.

Of course, nothing matters more than the customer. Mood boards are an extremely important facet of Sharon’s design process. Using mood boards, Sharon and her team step into the shoes of their customers. This helps them pinpoint what colors and materials will create the interior landscape that appeals to them most.

For example, their GMC mood board caters to drivers looking for capability and duality. The Buick board is inspired more by relaxation and comfort.

Related: The Buick Encore GX is Our Kind of Car

Sharon Gauci Forged a Career at Australia’s Holden, and a New Regional Role

Long before Sharon started transforming Buick’s brand and establishing a cohesive design language, she got her formal education in industrial design at Swinburne University of Technology. She originally saw a future for herself in traditional industrial design. However, her career took a different route when she discovered the world of automotive design. In 1993 she started working for Ford in color and trim.

“When I accepted the job I didn’t really know what I was accepting,” Sharon explained. “I was excited to be in the business and hungry to learn more.”

In 2004 Sharon got a position at GM-owned Australian automaker Holden, working in color and trim. This role officially landed her within the vast network of GM. While in this role, Sharon realized that different Holden branches across the region including China, India and Korea needed a cohesive global strategy.

“The ‘regional role’ in Australia was something I crafted,” Sharon explained. “I saw there was a need and put my hand up for that.”

Moving forward, Sharon fulfilled that job by conducting studios in a design strategy that would soon be introduced to North America.

A Thoughtful and Ambitious Designer, Leader, and Mother

The challenge of a career such as Sharon’s is having the rest of things we value in life: Marriage, kids, family. But keeping automotive in the family helped. Sharon’s husband is also an automotive designer, too. As her career grew, he accommodated, moving with her and their son from Australia to the U.S.  – twice.

But the opportunity gave them all the chance to make new friends and adapt to a different culture. Sharon believes this has brought them closer together.

While it was a difficult journey for the whole family, Sharon ultimately wants her son to see what it is like to follow your dreams and learn new perspectives. She boasts that her son is incredibly resilient and independent.

“He is way more driven than I am,” Sharon said. “I often will say to him ‘Taking a pause is ok, too.’”

What Sharon and her husband didn’t impart on their son is ambition in the automotive world; he’s pursuing a career in medicine.

“His passion is for healing people,” Sharon said.

Her 24-year-old son currently works for the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston with aspirations to become a surgeon. Even though he may be breaking the “automotive bloodline,” Sharon is extremely proud of all that he’s endured and all that he strives to achieve.

Sharon is always challenging herself, and she wants her son to do the same.

“I’ve always landed in roles that have required big change or new direction,” Sharon explained. “If there’s a legacy that I’m leaving behind, I hope I truly made an impact in some way.”

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

What’s more, you can have them without breaking the bank. The new 2024 Buick Envista made me think of how great it is to have lovely jewelry. The gorgeous, everyday jewelry that has polish and makes you feel special. I think of a pretty charm bracelet from a loved one or a nice necklace you splurged on because you deserve it. The Envista has a gorgeous design and thoughtful details that make it sparkle. I liked looking at it even when I wasn’t driving it.

This story contains affiliate links; A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from sales generated by links in this story. So, shop away!

Related: First Looks at the Buick Envista

Pretty and Polished, the 2024 Buick Envista Starts at $23,495

The 2024 Buick Envista takes the majority of its design cues from the Buick Wildcat concept car that debuted last year. Every model has a coupe-like roofline. The front end has a hood that has a waterfall effect, meaning the paint color comes down the hood and drops down where the grille begins. It makes the front end of the car look sleek.

The swept-back look of the LED headlights lends to the sleek, futuristic look. The back of the car has had just as much attention paid to it. It’s got a sharp rear trunk lid that extends from the LED taillights, and the badging is spread out below the new Buick logo. The new logo reminds me of little birthstone charms you may have on a necklace or bracelet.

Related: The 10 Best American Luxury SUVs

Worried that the Inside Doesn’t Match the Outside?

Don’t be. Inside, the Envista is just as pretty. There are a variety of textures and colors to evoke an upscale feel. Most notably, the standard 19-inch screen makes the whole interior look premium. This curved piece of glass includes the 8-inch driver information display and the 11-inch multimedia screen. It’s so cool that all models of the Envista come with this display. 

The interior has room for five but is probably most comfortable with four. Niceties include two cupholders in the front, a USB and USB-C charge port, and a bottle holder and pocket in each door. Visually, the inside is modern and crisp, with little design details that make the car feel special. The trim around the gearshift is a different material; the accents around the air vents have a swept-back look. It’s clean and distinctive.

There are two lower anchors in the back seat and three top tether anchors (one in each seating position). The rear seat has ample legroom, but because of the cool coupe/fastback roofline, there is less headroom than you might think. You’ll want to check that out if you’ll have taller passengers sitting in the back seat regularly.

Cargo space is about what you’d expect. You can put a few smaller suitcases in the back, and because it’s a hatch and not a trunk, you’ve got some wiggle room. We could fit two carry-on-size bags and two backpacks in the cargo space without issue and probably could have fit one or two more suitcases pretty easily.

I love that there are no shortcuts on standard safety features. All Envistas come with lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, and intelligent high beams. The Envista also has a tire pressure monitoring system that’s standard, in addition to a bunch of airbags, a buckle-to-drive system, and an HD rear camera. You can also adjust your settings to include a buckle-to-drive function that requires the seat belt to be buckled before the Envista will let you shift the car out of Park, and a teen driver feature that manages volume settings and speed.

The Drive is a Good One, but the Ride is Luxurious

The Envista is capable on the road. The 1.2l turbocharged engine may make people pause, but they shouldn’t. I had no problems merging onto the highway or passing other cars. The six-speed transmission delivers the power you need, and though sometimes it felt a little slow, it was predictable. So I adjusted my driving a little and managed that lag just fine. If you’re looking for a drag racer, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere though. And heads-up, this car is front-wheel drive only; there is not an all wheel drive option. The steering was responsive; the braking was too. It’s a satisfying drive.

What I especially loved was the quiet ride of the Envista. It’s got Buick’s Quiet Tuning, so there is extra insulation, higher-quality acoustic glass, and an active noise-cancellation system. This keeps engine, road, and wind noise to a minimum and lends a superior, luxurious feel to the inside of the Envista. Lastly, the estimated fuel economy for the Envista is 28 miles per gallon in the city, and 32 on the highway.

The Envista Models in Detail

Envista Preferred

The base model of the Buick Envista is called the Preferred trim, and it’s a great-looking base model. This model starts at $23,495. On the exterior, there are a lot of chrome accents, including horizontal slats across the grille. It looks upscale because of the chrome, and I liked how dressed up the Envista felt. The Preferred trim has 17-inch wheels, and they’re a black and brushed metal alloy.

The Preferred has a contrasting fabric upholstery that reminded me of suiting, and details on the door trim and command center that added some panache and style. I loved the color combination of the blue exterior and the dark and light interior. The Preferred trim has some more traditional knobs and buttons to control the HVAC. But in a lovely gesture, Buick made the 19” screen standard. This curved panel extends from the driver’s side to the center of the Envista. The curve cuts down on some glare, and makes the interior feel even that much more polished and exclusive. You’ll also get a power liftgate, power driver’s side seat, and power windows in the Preferred trim.

Envista ST

The ST model is a little more sporty, with blacked-out wheels and grille. This model starts at $25,195. The bottom of the door sills also has the piano black trim. So, while the name of the trim is Sport Touring, it does look refined and polished. The wheels are a bit bigger at 18”, which lends a sporty, speedy look to the Envista ST. The rear of the ST has piano black trim along the bumper. The model I drove was pearl white, and it looked so sharp. But the red model was gorgeous, and the black trim really looked so sophisticated with it.

Envista Avenir

The Avenir trim is the fanciest of all and starts at $29,695. It looks upgraded with all body-color trim along the doors and the back bumper. The wheels are 19-inch bushed metal alloys, and they look very sophisticated. Inside, the Avenir trim has a modern stitched pattern on the seats and “Avenir” embroidered on the headrests. Most notably, the buttons and knobs for the climate controls in the other trims are replaced with sleek toggle switches. I love this upscale, clean look and would have difficulty not wanting to splurge on the Avenir.

I would have loved a light-colored interior seating option, but hopefully, that will come with time.

Are the Chevrolet Trax and the Buick Envista the Same Car?

You may have heard that the Envista and the Chevrolet Trax are on the same platform. This is true, and they have the same engine. They both are front-wheel drive only, as well. The Envista has a much more streamlined look and a coupe/fastback rear design. So the headspace is a little different, and the cargo space is a little bit too. Notably, the Buick Envista has the quiet tuning and sophisticated Wildcat styling, inside and out. The Trax is sharp and sporty looking.

It’s hard not to envision the Envista finding success. The great looks that come from the Wildcat concept car are just the beginning. It’s priced well, has thoughtful details that make you feel pampered, and includes many great standard features. It’s a bauble I’d be happy to call my own.

Disclosure: Buick provided travel and accommodations for me to test the Envista, but all opinions are my own.

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The automotive industry has always been competitive, but Buick has always strived to stay ahead of the competition with its commitment to developing luxurious vehicles at an affordable price point. The 2023 Buick Envision Essence is a prime example of Buick’s dedication to value and excellence. Combining sleek design, advanced technology, and a comfortable interior, the Envision Essence offers a driving experience that is hard, if not impossible, to match at a price starting under $40,000.

Related: More Cuteness, More Sleekness, More Buick, Please

Sculpted Style with a Purpose

Buick’s styling on its new models is a head turner from all angles, a great upgrade from their previous styling. The sleek and aerodynamic design exudes confidence and sophistication. The front grille, sculpted lines, and LED running lights give the Envision Essence a noticeable front end on the road. The design strikes the perfect balance between elegance and sportiness, making this crossover SUV a standout in its class.

The styling serves more than just good looks, though. The lines are carefully sculpted to give the Envision better fuel economy and reduce wind noise in the cabin. The LED headlights and taillights are available with a premium welcoming light animation to greet you when you walk up, a feature typically only on higher-end vehicles. 

Related: what are the best cars for the value out there? We’ve got a great list 

Elegant Finishes in the 2023 Buick Envision Essence

Stepping inside the Envision, you are greeted with a well-crafted luxurious interior with plush leather seats that make driving a pleasure. I would have liked to have a little adjustability in the pedal height, as I found myself straining a little bit to “cover” the brake pedal as I drove. Lowering the pedals just ½” – 1” would have made my driving position a bit more comfortable, without having to adjust my seating position. 

I also would have liked to see slightly higher-quality finishes on some of the plastic trim pieces and buttons, which looked to be borrowed from some of Buick and Chevrolet’s lower trim level vehicles, but overall I was impressed by the styling and quality of materials used.

While something completely outside of Buick’s control, the lack of seat warmers was a bit disappointing. For those who may not be familiar, a computer chip shortage has made it difficult for some manufacturers to get the parts necessary for some components of vehicles, and the seat warmers (as well as parking sensors) of the Buick Envision were not immune to this struggle. Buick does provide a $50.00 credit off the price of the vehicle for this missing feature.

The button and the wiring are there so seat warmers can be added by the dealer when the parts are in stock. 

Noteworthy Space in the Back

The Envision provides great cargo and rear seat space for a small SUV. A fully grown adult could fit comfortably in the second row, with 25.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the backseat (more than enough for suitcases on the way to the airport!). The rear liftgate is activated hands-free with a simple swipe of your foot. Unlike some other vehicles, Buick added a puddle light under the rear bumper to indicate where the hands-free liftgate sensor is, so you don’t find yourself foolishly kicking under the bumper, searching desperately for the sensor, all while trying not to drop your groceries!

Related: We Are Crazy for the Space in the Back of this Vehicle

What the Envision is Like to Drive

Driving the Buick Envision Essence is an experience unlike any other, and not for the reason you may think. The Envision is not the fastest car in the world, although it does make a spiffy 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. As a crossover, it does not handle the best of any car I’ve ever driven, although I certainly have no complaints regarding the continuous damping control that soaks up bumps in the road effortlessly, while providing stiffness on cornering so the car doesn’t feel floaty.

But what the Buick does do better than most vehicles I’ve driven, and certainly most, if not all, vehicles in its class, is create a quiet ride. The silence in the cabin is thanks to Buick’s active noise-cancellation system, built into the Bose audio system. This entertainment system is controlled by a 10.2” multimedia touchscreen featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play, available built-in Amazon Alexa, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Safety Features

The Buick Envision Essence comes with an array of driver-assistance features including front collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. As I mentioned previously, parking sensors are also present, although the feature was not available and was credited to the price of the vehicle. Active cruise control is available on the Envision, although it was not optioned on the vehicle I drove, and I would have loved to have it. While definitely not a necessity, active cruise control has become so common on modern vehicles, I have been spoiled and miss it when it isn’t present! 

The backup camera on the Buick was one of the clearest cameras I have seen. It provides multiple camera displays, including an overhead “birds-eye view,” front view, and rear view. Additional views can be toggled. 

Related: Cars Are Much Safer Now, Thanks to Cutting-Edge Tech 

2023 Buick Envision Essence Pricing

While the Envision Essence starts at $38,895 (or $40,695 in the AWD version, like the one I drove), the vehicle I drove was priced just over $46,000. It had the optional Sport Touring package, valued at $1,495, which comes with branded “ST” logos on the seat and floor mats, sport pedals, some additional glossy black moldings around the lower trim, mirrors, and wheel wells, and black 20” aluminum wheels. The available Technology package, valued at $2,500, features GPS navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play, additional USB ports, an upgraded backup camera with surround vision, front and rear park assist, and a heads-up display. A panoramic moonroof is available for a $1,450 addition. 

For buyers looking for Buick’s luxury with a lesser price tag, the Envision is available in Preferred trim, which features the same powertrain and comfortable driving experience starting at $34,795 (for the FWD version). This trim level lacks the ability to add certain options, like the heads-up display, emergency braking, and the technology package. 

Overall, the 2023 Buick Envision Essence is a great compact SUV that delivers on many fronts and provides a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride for the price. 

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

I spent my high school days working towards a softball state championship, a college scholarship, and a trip to the Women’s College World Series. In those days I dreamed of becoming the next Lisa Fernandez, Dot Richardson, and Crystl Bustos. Their skills on the field were unmatched and are still considered some of the greatest softball players of all time.

I never won that state championship or played in the Women’s College World Series, but my love for the game still burns inside me. Every June I make the drive to Oklahoma City to watch the eight best college softball teams compete for the championship, cheer with 13,000 fans and sample sponsors offerings, including Buick vehicles on display.

The stands are filled with parents, alumni, softball fans of all ages, and little girls with hope in their eyes. The young girls are decked out in their travel softball jerseys, hair braided down the middle, and a look of determination to be on that field one day.

What is the Women’s College World Series?

Held the first week of June in Oklahoma City, the last eight standing teams fight for the championship in the NCAA Division I softball tournament. With its growing popularity, there have been recent improvements to expand the capacity of the Hall of Fame Stadium so that 13,000 fans can watch the games. Even with the expansion, the games are sold out.

Outside the stadium is the WCWS Fan Fest. Softball fans can purchase merchandise, enjoy sports interactives (batting cages, speed pitch, ground balls, etc), photo opportunities, food and drink booths.

And, fans can check out Buick’s display of the newest vehicles. Buick helps to make this series happen. As an NCAA partner, the company showcases the series and athletes alongside their new vehicles. And, fans who are shopping for a car or want to know more about Buick can sit in the cars and explore all the features each vehicle has to offer – it’s a fun way to stretch the day at the series. 

RELATED: ‘See Her Greatness’ Celebrates Women in Sports, Starting with NCAA Women’s Basketball

The popularity of College Softball

Softball has become the fastest-growing sport in the NCAA. With its continued promotion and added TV time, shows that softball fans will show up to watch these athletes if given the chance. 

In 2022, the championship finals were broadcast on ABC, the first time the WCWS has been on network TV. This year’s games have been televised on both ABC and ESPN with viewership reaching almost 2 million per game. 

RELATED: 2024 Buick Encore GX: A Small SUV With A Big New Feature

#SeeHerGreatness in College Softball

Those of us who are so passionate about women’s college softball are grateful for sponsors like Buick. They help us to be seen.

And, it’s important. Just look at these stats: 40% of NCAA athletes are women, but they receive less than 10% of media coverage. Buick has a mission to increase women’s visibility in sports and drive equality and inclusion in the media. What a great way to inspire young women and build a brand reputation at the same time.

Why Is Softball Important for Women?

There are 31,729 women who play NCAA softball each year. About 160 of those athletes make up the 8 teams that win a spot at the WCWS. The players go on to graduate college, hang up their cleats and step into the workforce.

Sure, they spent 4 years playing in the dirt, but the ultimate goal was to receive that diploma from their chosen college. These student-athletes understand they only have 4 years to be great on the field, but a lifetime to be great in everything else they do in life. In college softball is just one of the many things that they do; they will go on to be doctors, teachers, lawyers, mechanics, writers, coaches, moms.

So when I see Buick supporting the NCAA and showcasing #SeeHerGreatness not only on the field but in the classroom and beyond, it makes me want to support both the WCWS and Buick even more. I love that Buick sees that these ladies are more than softball players. That’s how we see ourselves.

And young fans attending the series are inspired; they continue to dream about one day making it to the WCWS. Continuing to expand the visibility not only in college softball but in other female sports is so important to the younger generation – to inspire them to continue to strive to be great and chase their dreams.

Here’s what we have always loved about Buick: it’s all about what you want and need for all those hours you spend in the car. And that’s the idea behind the Buick Envista compact SUV, which will be priced from $23K-$29K and will go on sale later this summer.

It starts with luxury features, like leather (or leatherette) because, well, this isn’t a negotiable; a wireless phone charger and elegant soft-touch surfaces; beautiful colors, from cream upholstery to lovely exterior tones of platinum and pearl white; a quiet ride and thoughtful touches, like a sunroof and Apple CarPlay. 

And, the higher ground clearance, flexible interior space and comfortable seating that we love SUVs for, though it’s worth noting that the Envista is not available in all wheel drive; it is front wheel drive only.

For 2024, Buick is also giving its customers a fresh new modern look with a new logo, new headlights and tail lights, and overall, a more refined look. The Envista is the first Buick to carry all the new design details, as well as more luxury, more technology and more features as it leads Buick into the future.

The Sexiest Buick … Ever?

It might just be. Look at the silhouette of the Envista: It’s pert. It’s muscular. It’s cute. And, its coupe-like shape is compact, but not so compact that nothing will fit. It has a sizable cargo area with 20 cubic feet of space, and a roomy rear seat — seriously roomy for a compact SUV, I thought when I sat in the seat. That’s because while Envista is built on the same platform at the Encore GX, it’s 11” longer, providing more cargo and passenger space. And despite the sloping coupe-like roofline, headroom seemed fine in the rear seat too (for me, at least, and I’m 5’8”).

The Envista is powered by a 3 cylinder turbo engine that generates 136 HP and 162 torque. That’s enough power for its size and should be fully confident merging onto the highway and handling daily driving. And, the smaller engine size means it should be pretty fuel efficient; it’s estimated to get about 30 MPG city/highway combined. 

There are three Envista trims that range from sporty to luxury: Preferred, ST and Avenir, which is the name for Buick’s top luxury trim. It features a premium leather interior usually only found in more expensive cars.

Capping the new look is the new Buick logo: It’s fresh, light and elegant, and it crowns the front hood, the rear tailgate and the center of the steering wheel. 

Related: 5 Things About the 2021 Buick Enclave Avenir That Will Revolutionize Your View of Buick

A New Face for Buick

Look at the front face of the Envista—as well as the new Encore GX—and you’ll see where Buick is headed with its future design: simple and elegant. The new logo interprets the traditional Buick tri-shield as a triumvirate of shield silhouettes, each with an interior shadow of red, white or blue. The new logo plays out across the front hood above the grille and is framed by new headlights that are glowing angles of light. 

The look continues on the rear with similarly glowing angled taillights, the Buick name spelled out across the lift gate under the logo, the model name neatly tucked to the left and the trim name to the right. 

We spent time in both the ST and the Avenir model—avenir is French for ‘future’ (and coincidentally happens to be my favorite typeface for its elegant simplicity)—to get a feel for what each trim holds for customers. While I knew to expect lovely details in the Avenir model, the ST was surprisingly lovely too— especially priced at $25,195.

Related: 9 of the Best 3 Row SUVs – From Luxury to Affordable

Elegant, Future-Forward Tech

Slide into the front seat and you’re immediately greeted by the new single pane multimedia system. This 19” screen is elegant and feels luxe, and, it’s standard, even in the entry level Preferred model. This is where you’ll find an 11” multimedia screen with controls for music, vehicle settings, phone and other functions. And when you connect your phone, you’ll get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – which you’ll need for navigation. 

On the left side of the panel is the driver information screen featuring the speed limit, the fuel gauge and the driver assist and safety systems in use. 

The leather wrapped steering wheel features driver assist controls on the left, radio controls on the right and on the back of the steering wheel are volume and station navigation buttons (I love these). 

Related: 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Empowers Women to Embrace the Sports Car Life

Smaller Price, More Space Than Its Encore GX Sibling

Comparing the 2024 Encore GX to the Envista, you’ll see a lot of similarities: the front end shows the sibling relationship, and the layout in the front seat, including the flat panel screen, is similar. Being built on the same platform, this is a natural. However, the Envista is longer and has the sloped roof coupe-like shape, while the Encore GX has a square, more SUV like rear lift gate and cargo space. 

The Envista is front wheel drive only, while the Encore GX has the AWD option. And, Encore GX has a panoramic sunroof in the Avenir edition. Those are the two major considerations between the two. So for many buyers it will come down to preference and price: Coupe-style SUV with a lower price tag, or classic SUV style, all wheel drive and panoramic sunroof for a bit more money (about $3K at the top end).

Related: My Love Affair With Cars Started With an Old Buick

Safety is Standard

The Envista comes with driver assist and safety features standard, including lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, follow distance indicator and automatic high beam headlights. 

Buyers can add adaptive cruise control, rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and automatic rain sensing windshield wipers. 

And of course, being Buick, OnStar and a wifi hotspot are included. 

New Design Inspired by the Wildcat Concept Car

If you attended the Chicago Auto Show you may have seen the Buick Wildcat concept, a futuristic electric car. Take a closer look and you’ll also see a number of details in the Envista, including the new logo, the headlight inspiration, the sweeping roof line, sculptural proportions and subtle reflection in the side panels. SuperCar Blondie got an up-close look with Buick executive director of global design, Sharon Gauci. 

While the Wildcat gives us something to dream about, the Envista lets us take the wheel on some of those details now. Its adorable shape, realistic size, space and price is a great option for first time car buyers, buyers downsizing from a larger SUV or those who just want a sexy, sporty SUV in their driveway. Expect to see its modern coupe-esque silhouette on the road soon. 

Disclosure: I was Buick’s guest for this introduction event; travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own.

Equality starts with visibility, and Buick is happy to help. 

What’s wrong with this stat: More than 40% of all athletes are women, but they make up less than 10% of all sports media coverage. Even worse, that’s not shocking. But, Buick wants to change that by helping everyone to See Her Greatness. 

Buick, popular with women for luxurious cars, family-friendly features and intuitive touches, is surrounding the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championships with a campaign to elevate their visibility, celebrate their greatness and empower female athletes. 

As a longtime partner with the NCAA, Buick is hoping to increase awareness of the women’s games while driving diversity and inclusion efforts around women’s issues and causes.

This isn’t just a marketing strategy; it’s authentic. Buick claims the highest female ownership – 55% of its vehicles are registered to women, according to S&P Global. Buick also supports women in automotive retail sales through its Women’s Retail Network which also, no doubt, works to bring women to the brand.

Related: Buick Reveals the Wildcat Concept Car and Plans To Go All Electric

https://youtu.be/spZmTeBHYw4

The Energy of Sisterhood

I enjoy watching both amateur and professional women’s basketball games. The fever on the court comes from the energy players bring when they’re on the court together. It’s electric, focused on teamwork and team spirit. More people will get to see this through Buick’s campaign, which allows women athletes and everyday women to share their stories of triumph and overcoming adversity.

And, having fun, which is the nature of basketball. Like most people, I like to shoot baskets every now and then at the local park. What I love most about the sport is not only its simple nature, but it also teaches me to be disciplined and dedicated to something I am passionate about.

And that’s exactly what “See Her Greatness” is all about. The campaign amplifies the personal stories and achievements of five of the league’s top athletes – Aliyah Boston, Cameron Brink, Caitlin Clark, Azzi Fudd and Kiki Rice.

Additionally, Buick is making their “Watch Me” challenge easier than ever. The ESPN site will run ads that will directly drive viewers to the WatchESPN streaming hub on Game Day. You won’t miss a single moment of the action.

Related: 5 Things About the 2021 Buick Enclave Avenir That Will Revolutionize Your View of Buick

Experience See Her Greatness – in Person

If you are attending the Men’s and Women’s Final Four and Championship games in Houston and Dallas, Buick is offering free shuttles to take fans to and from the stadiums in the cities and local surrounding sites.

If you’re in either of these cities, be on the lookout for one of the brand’s wrapped Buick Encore GXs, Envisions and Enclaves during Final Four® weekend starting March 31 through April 3 to catch a free ride.

Related: The Houston Auto Show Exemplifies How Auto Shows Empower Kids to Love Cars

More Ways to Get Involved and Celebrate Women’s NCAA Basketball

• There will be an in-person two-day watch party event (March 24 & 25) at The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon – the only establishment in the country to exclusively broadcast women’s sports. The Sweet 16 watch party events will include special guest appearances by well-known female athletes.
• Live “mentor huddle” discussions at American Airlines Center in Dallas prior to the Women’s Basketball Final Four games (March 31) and Championship game (April 2) in collaboration TOGETHXR – a female-led media company founded by renowned Olympians Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim.
•  Tell the story of your own greatness! The #SeeHerGreatness challenge on TikTok  is a great way to get into the March Madness spirit and show off your trick shots, layups, speed and strength!

Looking for a subcompact SUV for city driving? Put the 2021 Buick Encore on your short list of cars to test drive. The Buick Encore is small without seeming small. It’s sporty and very tech-forward. I give this one an A for being so darn fun to drive. However, this might not be the vehicle for someone looking to cart around a growing family.

Before I test-drove the Buick Encore, I had an image of what it was like to drive a Buick in my head. My grandad Hudkins was a Buick guy. Every three years, whether he needed to or not, he traded in his large Buick sedan for a new, equally large Buick sedan. The sleek, compact Buick Encore I drove might be a distant relation to my grandad’s Buick, but I did not see the family resemblance. The company has completely upgraded its former image to become something modern and exciting.

Related: Driving mistakes you’re making – And 6 minutes to being a better driver

Good things come in small packages 0f style and comfort

I drive a larger SUV or a minivan on a daily basis. I’m admittedly parking-challenged. Squeezing into something I perceive as a small parking space makes me anxious. Especially if I have someone riding with me. The Encore is a total game-changer. It’s easy to maneuver in and out of tight spaces or parallel spaces. That’s going to be a huge benefit if you’re located in an urban area, where everyone is trying to squish as many cars into as few spots as possible. It has a small car feel while still giving you subcompact SUV space.

There’s definitely a luxury feel to this one. The premium leather interior has a first-class cabin look and feel. While the Buick Encore might be in the subcompact category, they’ve made very efficient use of the space. Nothing about this drive experience feels cramped, even if it’s not as roomy as your larger, full-size SUVs. This isn’t a vehicle that’ll transport your furniture, but it’ll get you and your family around town without an issue.

What I loved about the Buick Encore

I loved the ease of driving this car. The seamless steering and maneuverability stood out the most to me. It’s a nice change from driving a full-size SUV, but it still feels like you have the flexibility that an SUV provides when it comes to space.

I also liked the idea of having a small car without feeling like I was driving a small car. I’m tall, and I’m uncomfortable in most subcompacts if I have to be in them for any length of time. Fortunately, the Buick Encore doesn’t have that claustrophobic feel. It’s not so big that it’s unwieldy, but the car’s designers have ensured that it won’t feel like you’ve been squished into a clown car.

While I did only urban and a little bit of highway driving in the Buick Encore, I could easily see this being a comfortable ride for longer trips. It would be a perfect road trip car for a couple since it can easily store luggage for two people. However, more than that might be tricky. That’s where the family-friendliness factor comes into play. If you’re opting for the traditional nuclear family, the Encore may not be your best bet for longer trips.

Buick also worked hard to reduce cabin noise, if that’s something important to you. It’s a really quiet drive in a way that feels peaceful and relaxing.

Rearview Mirror Camera

I was also fascinated by the rearview mirror camera. I’m the first to admit I’m entertained by small things, and this was the first time I’d driven a car with a rearview mirror camera. It was a little bit disconcerting at first because I’m used to seeing my eye in the mirror when I glance to see what’s behind me. Even though I’m focusing on the rearview and not myself, it still threw my equilibrium off a little bit. Once I got the hang of it, it became one of my favorite features.

You can disable this feature with an easy touch of a button, but the image won’t be as sharp. I will say, my kids who rode in the back seat were massively entertained by watching the rear view while I drove.

Related Post: Lexus UX – Is this compact SUV the perfect car for city life?

Who is the Buick Encore for?

There is a surprising amount of room in the back seat. My two kids are still required by law to sit in booster seats, and they were both able to sit comfortably in the Buick Encore without feeling cramped. I was able to keep my seat exactly as I like it. Everyone had plenty of room. The room in the rear seat was what surprised me most about this car.

That said, I don’t think it would pass muster for a family car… at least not for our family, and not right now. I need a car with more room for gear, luggage, and uber-large Costco runs than the Buick Encore offers. I’d have to move up to the Enclave to have the room I need to cover all my bases. If you’re a small family living in a city where those long hauls aren’t as important, then you could get by with the Encore. Just don’t buy this one expecting it’ll have room for both your family and your luggage for longer journeys.

However, it would be great as a second car, a commuter car, a car for a single person, or for empty nesters. While the Encore comfortably seats four passengers, I found it doesn’t have room for four people’s stuff on a regular basis. I could easily see it being a daily driver for small families, while a bigger vehicle lies in wait when you really need it.

Related: 2020 Buick Enclave Avenir: Cruising with the Family

What else do you need to know about the Buick Encore?

• Four trim levels: 1 SV, Preferred, Sport Touring (pictured in this article) and Essence.
• Starting MSRP is $23,200 with options and premium trim taking it up to $30,800.
• Fuel economy: 25 city/30 highway with an average of 27 mph.
• Seats up to five (but three people in the rear seat would be really tight)
• Nine paint color options (pictured here is Summit White, which is the only standard paint color — all the rest have an upcharge, but there are some really pretty ones that would make it worth the extra coin, in my opinion.)
• Standard safety features include: lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, rear camera mirror, and surround vision.

Disclosure: Buick provided me with an Encore to test and review. All opinions are my own.

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

In a grand unveiling, Buick announced not only a shiny new EV concept, the Wildcat, but also an invigorating brand redesign. This new vision embraces sophistication and modernity and means Buick is committing to a full battery electric lineup by 2030. This redesign encompasses a new color palette, typography, and an electric-car-focused automotive design language. Included in this historic transformation, Buick clarified that the term “Electra” will be the global naming for their electric cars and will be expanded upon with alphanumeric additions to denote vehicle type and size.

Related: Meet the 2021 Buick Encore, Your City-Ready Luxury SUV

Where Have All the Sedans Gone?

Unfortunately, you’ll have to keep waiting if you’ve been hoping to see something other than an SUV from Buick in North America. Though their dazzling concept is a coupe, and they mention their first EV coming in 2024, they seem committed to the SUV body style for the time being. In China, they announced five new electric cars by 2025 and a similar all-electric timeline. Hopefully, we will start seeing more options in the US market too.

Related: 2019 Buick Regal TourX: The Luxury Adventure Wagon You Didn’t Know You Needed

How Conceptual is the Buick Wildcat Concept?

Although the Buick Wildcat is a model with an iconic past, Buick was clear that their Wildcat EV Concept embodies the aesthetics of their brand redesign going forward. Previously, the 1950s saw a slew of Buick Wildcat concept cars. The 1960s brought full-size Wildcat sedans. Today, we get the Wildcat Electric Car. However, Buick actually has no plans to bring this exact concept to reality.

Related: 5 Things About the 2021 Buick Enclave Avenir That Will Revolutionize Your View of Buick

A New Logo for a New Era

The Buick Wildcat Concept features the brand new Buick logo that will be on all new designs. The Wildcat electric car is an aerodynamic coupe with a sweeping wrap-around windshield, and a low-mounted grill contrasted by high-mounted checkmark headlights. Additionally, the wide form looks like it would grip the ground like a Wildcat, and its powerful curves embody the ferocity of its namesake.

The micro-LED headlights welcome you with a personalized wake-up animation. We don’t actually know yet how you could personalize it.  However, if I could make my car wink at me when I walk over to it, then I’d be pretty happy about that!

The sloping arc of the roofline points your eye to the rear of the car. Seamlessly, they’ve embedded the Buick Wildcat’s tail lights high above an illuminated Wildcat logo. Additionally, Buick stated there will be “an external state of charge indicator visible in the exterior hatchback glass.” This is a similar beloved feature seen in other EV’s such as the VW ID.4 and the Rivian R1T, to name a few.

The Buick Wildcat’s Clean, Simple Interior Screams “Electric Car”

The interior of the vehicle is a clean, modern cabin with open floor space, crisp lighting, and clear balance and harmony, as was Buick’s stated intention. A detached center console and floating headrests create an almost futuristic look. Heavy side bolstering hints at a well-cushioned ride.

Cool Technology in the Buick Wildcat Concept

Appearing to combine instrument cluster and multimedia system, the Wildcat EV concept features biometric technology like breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate and advanced artificial intelligence. Buick mentions modes like Zen mode, which adjusts the lighting, temperature, and audio settings to stress reduction and relaxing settings. I imagine that would be a nice feature when stuck in heavy traffic.

Though Buick was clear that they are not bringing this concept car to life, I am excited to see the features they carry forward in their new Electra electric cars. I personally hope they proceed with the open cabin design, expansive screen that encompasses an instrument cluster, and external charging indicator.