Compare the2023 Mazda CX-50VS 2022 Buick Envision

The Mazda CX-50 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Envision doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus has standard Smart Brake Support-Reverse that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Envision doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-50. But it costs extra on the Envision.

The CX-50’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Envision doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the CX-50 and the Envision have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The CX-50’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Envision’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda first in overall reliability. Buick is ranked fourth.

The CX-50’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 28 more horsepower (256 vs. 228) and 62 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 258) than the Envision’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-50 gets better mileage than the Envision:

For better stopping power the CX-50’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Envision:

The CX-50 has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Envision doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-50’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the Envision (110.8 inches vs. 109.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the CX-50 is 1.8 inches wider in the front and 2 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Envision.

For better maneuverability, the CX-50’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Envision’s (36 feet vs. 38 feet).

The CX-50 has 1.3 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more rear legroom and 4.7 inches more rear hip room than the Envision.

The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Envision with its rear seat up (31.4 vs. 25.2 cubic feet). The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Envision with its rear seat folded (56.3 vs. 52.7 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the CX-50 Select/Preferred/Premium/Turbo’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Envision doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The CX-50’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Envision’s (2000 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Buick Envision is only 1500 pounds. The CX-50 offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

The CX-50’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Envision’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

The CX-50 has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Envision doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The CX-50’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Envision’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.