Envision vs Hornet
The Envision and the Hornet are two different answers to the same compact suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. The Hornet has the edge in 2 of the 4 areas we looked at, most visibly in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Hornet wins
- Engine & Performance1.5
- Fuel Economy & Range0.4
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
- Off-road & Towing4.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Hornet has 40 hp more power
At 268 hp versus 228 hp, this is a decisive lead for the Hornet, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Hornet has 500 lb more towing capacity
If max towing is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Hornet leads clearly with 2,000 lb to the Envision’s 1,500 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The Hornet has 37 lb-ft more torque
It’s a small lead (295 lb-ft versus 258 lb-ft), but it’s real, and it goes to the Hornet. The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Envision | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
The Envision is outclassed on engine & performance; the Hornet leads by a clear margin. The Hornet gives you 40 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Hornet.
Total system output
Envision: 228 hp Hornet: 268 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Envision: 258 lb-ft Hornet: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on fuel economy & range; the numbers are close throughout. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Hornet leads
Here the Hornet opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Hornet takes this one with 500 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. If this section decides it for you, choose the Hornet.
Max towing
Envision: 1,500 lb Hornet: 2,000 lb If you tow regularly, the Hornet’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envision | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 228 hp | 268 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envision | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envision | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 52.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envision | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 2,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envision | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Envision | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Envision | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $38,000 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Hornet if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (268 hp vs 228 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (2,000 lb vs 1,500 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Envision or the Hornet?
On the specs compared here, the Hornet makes more sense for most buyers; the Envision doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Envision and the Hornet, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. I keep coming back to one thing: the Hornet gets 40 hp more power. I also like that the Hornet brings 500 lb more towing capacity.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Envision suits buyers focused on the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the Hornet suits those focused on engine & performance.
My pick: the Hornet.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.