Compare the2025 Mazda CX-50VS 2024 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.

The CX-50 has standard Secondary Collision Reduction System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Envision doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

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 and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, 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 Mazda CX-50 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Envision has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

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

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the CX-50’s reliability 18 points higher than the Envision.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 5 places higher in reliability than Buick.

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:

Regenerative brakes improve the CX-50 Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Envision doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The CX-50 has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Envision. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

The CX-50 has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Envision doesn’t offer a CVT.

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

The CX-50 has engine speed sensitive 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 Hybrid’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the Envision’s (35.4 feet vs. 38 feet). 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’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’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.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-50’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Envision’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The CX-50 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Envision.

The CX-50 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the CX-50 will retain 53.88% to 56.04% of its original price after five years, while the Envision only retains 52.65% to 53.82%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda CX-50 will be $2508 to $4203 less than for the Buick Envision.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-50 and the Buick Envision, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mazda CX-50 outsold the Buick Envision by 314 units during 2023.