Starting at
Starting at
228 | Base Horsepower (hp) | 187 |
9-Speed Automatic | Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
Yes | Available Park Assist | No |
More is always better, right? When it comes to the compact SUV market, there are plenty of options to choose from, and that can make selecting the right vehicle even more difficult - especially since the competition is so steep. However, you’ll notice that the top contenders become fewer and fewer when you narrow down your search to the most luxurious in the lineup. As you do this, you’ll find that Buick and Mazda are top options thanks to models like the Envision and the CX-5. So, what does a comparison between the 2021 Buick Envision vs 2021 Mazda CX-5 look like? There’s only one way to find out!
One of the themes you’ll find in this comparison is that “you get what you pay for.” The 2021 Buick Envision starts at $31,800, which is noticeably higher than the 2021 Mazda CX-5 at $25,370.* However, the Buick’s higher price delivers more in terms of power and luxury. For example, the Envision produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the CX-5 lags behind with just 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine. This power can mean a world of difference when you need to accelerate safely and quickly.
Aside from the power under the hood, there are plenty of other noticeable differences between the 2021 Envision and the 2021 CX-5. Here’s a closer look at the powertrains as well as the technology and safety features that the models offer. You’ll see firsthand why Buick’s reputation for offering premium luxury is untouchable even in modern marvels like the CX-5.
Efficiency and power go hand in hand with the 2021 Envision, thanks to the all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine and 9-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control. This combination delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque without sacrificing efficiency, helped by the included stop-start technology that powers down the engine when idling to conserve fuel. This explains the Envision’s impressive fuel economy of 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway on front-wheel-drive models, or 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway on all-wheel-drive models.
When you’re in the driver’s seat, you can expect the Envision to handle like a dream and accelerate quickly. Buick gives you even more control over the Envision’s performance with on-demand selectable drive modes that include Sport, Tour, and Snow/Ice on front-wheel drive models and AWD, Off-Road, Sport, and Tour on all-wheel drive models. With these modes allowing you to customize the Envision’s performance, you are ready to tackle any road conditions. Plus, you can always enjoy a smooth ride courtesy of the MacPherson strut front suspension, five-link independent rear suspension, and the continuous damping control that absorbs every bounce and bump in the road.
When it comes to the 2021 Mazda CX-5, you won’t find as much standard power as the Envision since the CX-5 is equipped with a 2.5-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The CX-5 offers quick shifting and a Sport Mode, but you’ll have to upgrade to the beefier 2.5-liter turbocharged engine if you’re looking for real power. Of course, that option adds even more to the sticker price, as does opting for the i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system to boost the SUV’s capability and performance on any terrain.
The 2021 Envision once again takes the lead over the Mazda CX-5 when you compare the models’ safety and driver-assist technology. While both automakers are committed to equipping every vehicle with the latest safety tools, Buick adds even more value to the SUV and gives drivers greater confidence when they’re behind the wheel with the addition of the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package. Here’s a closer look at the package as well as what the Mazda CX-5 has to offer.
Buick gives you all the tools you need to safely navigate the road ahead with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package. This suite of features includes tools like Automatic Emergency Braking, which works with Forward Collision Alert and Forward Pedestrian Braking to bring the Envision to a stop when a collision is imminent. The Following Distance Indicator alerts you when you’re following too closely, while Rear Cross Traffic Alert alerts you to any vehicles approaching from the side when you are reversing. Rear Park Assist is a great tool when parking, while Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning helps keep the Envision in its lane. The suite also includes IntelliBeam automatic high beams to enhance your visibility.
If you’re looking for even more safety and driver-assist tools, Buick offers that as well. You can equip the 2021 Envision with an HD Surround Vision camera that gives you a birds-eye view around the SUV. Adaptive Cruise Control helps you cruise at highway speeds by maintaining a safe distance from the traffic ahead without the need for you to apply the brakes and reset the cruise. Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist can park and unpark the Envision for you. You can also add a Head-Up Display to give you all the data you need like speed, fuel level, navigation cues, and mileage in a display on the windshield so that you can stay focused on the road ahead.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with the i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite that includes similar features to the Envision. These tools include Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Unlike the Envision, however, the CX-5 does not offer any advanced features that will automatically park for you.
When it comes to connectivity and technology, the playing field is almost level between the 2021 Buick Envision and the 2021 Mazda CX-5. This reflects both Buick’s and Mazda’s commitment to delivering seamless connectivity so that drivers can not only stay connected when they’re behind the wheel but stay safe and focused as well. This is where both the Envision and the CX-5 truly shine.
At the heart of the Envision’s connectivity is the available 10.2-inch touchscreen display that’s home to the Buick infotainment system. Through the infotainment system, you’ll have access to a variety of in-vehicle apps like Alexa Built-In, as well as Buick-exclusive apps like NCAA March Madness and Reese’s Book Club, which is a book club curated by actress Reese Witherspoon. From the display, you can seamlessly sync your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto or take advantage of the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
When you’re in the driver’s seat, you’ll also have access to a configurable 8-inch multicolor driver information center as well as a rear camera mirror. The driver information center displays essential information like mileage, fuel level, and tire pressure, all of which you can also see on the windshield if your Envision is equipped with the available Head-Up Display. As for the rear camera mirror, you no longer have to worry about what’s behind your SUV since the mirror uses a camera to give you a wider and less-obstructed view while you’re driving.
The CX-5’s technology is comparable to the Envision in terms of display size and smartphone integration. The CX-5 is outfitted with a 10.25-inch center touchscreen display that gives you access to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as navigation, SiriusXM, and more. However, in-vehicle apps like Alexa Built-In, NCAA March Madness, and Reese’s Book Club are noticeably absent from the CX-5, all of which give the Envision another advantage.