Rick at Nite

BUICK ENVISION NEW LOOK forNew Year New Year

By Don Armstrong

As you pass by any of the new car dealerships on your way to work, have you noticed the lack of inventory? Even creative parking can’t hide the almost empty lots due to parts shortages, namely microchips. But it’s a new year with some exciting SUV’s and we think this month’s pair are worthy of a look.

JEEP COMPASS

With an attractive new exterior and a starting price of $24,995, the 2022 Jeep Compass resonates with a bunch of folks, even those that are now considering a used vehicle to replace the tired old thing in the driveway.

The compass is small yet capable of being loaded up with family and luggage for a great driving vacation to Aunt Mary’s house this summer. With a folding second row of seating for three, JEEP COMPASS

weekend projects allow for plenty of hauling room.

Optional interior goodies like colored accents and a brilliant new – and wide – touch screen give the Compass a more upscale swagger. It is a Jeep and that means all-wheel drive is available beginning with the middle trim level, the Latitude Lux. All Compasses come with a 177 horsepower, 2.4-liter engine that gets an average 25-mpg.

We liked the capable ride and handling, especially around the Bay, but it’s just as comfortable on the highway, particularly when equipped with the nine-speed automatic on our AWD test model.

BUICK ENVISION

Falling into the same, small SUV category, the 2022 Buick Envision is more sophisticated than the Compass. In fact, it gives Lexus and Mercedes a run for the money, especially with the top-end Avenir trim level. The signature grille and classylooking rear hatch attribute to this Buick’s classy swagger, especially when cloaked in black cherry paint.

The Avenir’s quilted leather interior give it a plushness deserving of a night at the opera. GM’s

INTERIOR OF THE JEEP COMPASS

updated infotainment screen is intuitive and easy to use, something we can’t say with some other brands. Room behind the second row of seats is limited, but not unlike others in this small-sized class of SUV’s.

We particularly loved the way the Envision rode and handled and are glad to report there is a little bit of much-needed and appreciated comfort here. The 230-horespower, turbocharged engine, mated to the 9-speed automatic transmission, feels like a V-6. This combo gets a respectable 26-MPG too. Starts at $31,800.