Is the Envision's Dual Clutch Dry or Wet?
4 Answers
The Envision's dual clutch is dry. The function of a dry dual clutch is to ensure smooth vehicle starts, reduce the impact load on transmission gears during gear shifts, and prevent transmission system overload. The Envision is a mid-size SUV under SAIC-GM Buick. Taking the 2021 Envision 532T Two-Wheel Drive Leading model as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4694 mm, width 1839 mm, height 1686 mm, with a wheelbase of 2750 mm. The 2021 Envision 532T Two-Wheel Drive Leading model is equipped with a 1.5T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 124 kW at 5600 rpm, and a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1700 to 4400 rpm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
I recently helped a friend research the dual-clutch transmission in the Envision. The early 2014 1.5T models used a dry dual-clutch, which was prone to overheating and jerking in city traffic jams. By the 2017 facelift, Buick got smarter and directly replaced the 1.5T with a wet dual-clutch, improving cooling and making the drive much smoother. If you're buying a new Envision now, all 1.5T models come with the wet version, significantly boosting durability. However, note that the 2.0T Envision never uses a dual-clutch—it’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, so don’t confuse the engine configurations when buying.
As an owner of a five-year-old previous-generation Envision, I can attest that the 1.5T dry dual-clutch transmission is absolute torture for city commuting. The gearbox clatters in traffic, and low-speed jerking can make you dizzy. The wet dual-clutch version introduced after 2017 is much more comfortable, with superior fluid cooling efficiency that ensures stability during hill climbs and overtaking. In the used car market, I'd advise caution with pre-2016 1.5T models - the rapid wear on dry clutch plates makes for expensive repairs. The post-2017 wet-clutch versions are far more reliable; my neighbor's has clocked 80,000 km with the transmission still operating smoothly.
The main difference between dry and wet dual-clutch transmissions lies in their cooling methods. The dry type relies on air cooling, which is structurally simpler but prone to overheating. The wet type uses oil immersion for cooling, offering better stability. The Envision 1.5T initially used the dry type, but after the 2017 model year, it switched entirely to the wet type. I often remind friends looking to buy used cars that the 2014-2016 1.5T models have the dry type, especially in high-temperature southern regions where cooling issues should be a concern. Later wet-type models don’t have this worry. The 2.0T models, however, have always used traditional AT transmissions. The daily maintenance costs for both types of transmissions are actually similar, but the wet dual-clutch is more worry-free.
