2024 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2024 Buick Envision Comparison – Kelley Blue Book

You might not think of Mazda and Buick as direct competitors. However, in 2024, these two brands have more in common than you might think. Buick has long straddled the line between mainstream and luxury, and Mazda has stepped up its game to a similar level as Buick. That makes the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and 2024 Buick Envision pseudo-luxury compact SUVs direct competitors.

These SUVs offer style and comfort without breaking the bank. Let’s take a closer look at this pair.

2024 Mazda CX-5

With room for five and an appealing exterior with a contemporary look, the Mazda CX-5 consistently garners attention in a competitive class. Mazda produces fuel-efficient vehicles that offer an excellent driving experience, and that’s certainly true of the CX-5. On top of that, tackling multiple roles, such as hauling people and cargo, daily commuting, etc., is easy peasy.

With a 187-horsepower base engine, the CX-5 can be a bit of fun, but upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbo, putting out up to 256 horsepower, and now we’re talking about some real performance. Additionally, the cabin is spacious and comfortable. The layout is driver-focused, plus the convenience and safety technology are excellent. Pricing begins at $30,675, including destination fees.

Mazda CX-5 Highlights

Standard all-wheel drive: The i-Activ AWD system sends power to different wheels depending on the driving condition. It can also revert to front-wheel drive for optimum fuel economy.

Rear recliners: Competitors may enjoy more rear passenger space, but few can recline, like the CX-5, enhancing comfort.

Powerful engine: Mazda’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine already puts out 187 horsepower. But upgrading to the turbocharged version with premium fuel unlocks another 69 horses, upping the performance quite a bit. It’s also something the Envision doesn’t offer.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you.

2024 Buick Envision

The Buick Envision enjoys an exterior facelift for 2024, with the front end seeing the most updates. Like its siblings, the Envision is a near-luxury entry, and, in this case, it features room for five passengers, especially four adults, very comfortably. The Envision is built to be a comfortable ride with great technology, which aligns it with the rest of the Buick lineup.

Available in three trim levels — Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir — pricing starts at $37,295, including the destination fee. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, putting out 228 horsepower, and AWD is standard. It has plenty of niceties, such as wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a hands-free tailgate. A slew of advanced driver safety technology is available in the mid and upper trim levels.

Buick Envision Highlights

Avenir trim: The range-topping Envision Avenir is competitive with much more expensive luxury SUVs from more prestigious brands. A few of its features include an advanced adaptive suspension system, fancy leather seats, a premium audio system, and available massaging seats.

A little help: Part of the top-grade Avenir’s standard equipment, the Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist feature assesses possible parking spaces — parallel or perpendicular — and then maneuvers the Envision into them.

Safe ride: The Envision has earned a maximum “5-Star Overall Rating” from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top scores of “Good” in the main crashworthiness categories of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Envision models for sale near you.

Similarities

The Mazda CX-5 and Buick Envision are spacious, comfortable vehicles with seating for five and plenty of technology.

Conclusion

The Buick Envision is a nice place to be for a long trip. With comfortable seats and a quiet cabin, you’re sure to get where you’re going with minimal fuss and feeling good. If you want to keep some cash in your pocket and have a near-luxury experience, the CX-5 is arguably a better value.