Compare the2026 Buick EnvisionVS 2026 Mazda CX-50

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Envision’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-50 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Buick Envision comes with a standard HD Surround Vision, while the Mazda CX-50 doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Envision has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Cross Traffic Braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus offers Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Both the Envision and the CX-50 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 front parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Buick Envision is safer than the Mazda CX-50:

	Envision	CX-50
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	21.3%	23.2%
Neck Stress	195 lbs.	209 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Compression	61 lbs.	74 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	221/21 lbs.	264/347 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Buick Envision is safer than the Mazda CX-50:

	Envision	CX-50
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.7 inches
Abdominal Force	139 lbs.	144 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	313 lbs.	521 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The Envision’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the CX-50’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 71 percent more Buick dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Envision’s warranty.

Reliability

The Envision has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick above average in initial quality. With 42 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick second in reliability, above the industry average. With 18 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked third.

Engine

The Envision’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 41 more horsepower (228 vs. 187) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 185) than the CX-50’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Envision’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 9 more horsepower (228 vs. 219) and 95 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 163) than the CX-50’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Buick Envision is faster than the Mazda CX-50:

	Envision	CX-50 4 cyl.	CX-50 4 cyl. hybrid gas
Zero to 30 MPH	3.1 sec	3.4 sec	3.1 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7.5 sec	9.3 sec	8.1 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.4 sec	5.7 sec	4.4 sec
Quarter Mile	15.9 sec	17.2 sec	16.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92 MPH	84 MPH	89 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Buick Envision uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-50 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Envision has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (16.1 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Envision has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Buick Envision higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-50 (4 to 6). This means the Envision produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-50 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Buick Envision, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-50.

Brakes and Stopping

The Envision’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-50 are solid, not vented.

The Envision stops shorter than the CX-50:

	Envision	CX-50
60 to 0 MPH	127 feet	133 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	134 feet	142 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Envision has larger standard tires than the CX-50 (235/60R18 vs. 225/65R17).

The Envision Preferred’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-50’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Envision Preferred has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-50.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Buick Envision has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-50 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Envision has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Envision flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Envision offers an available continuously variable suspension system. Using sensors on steering angle, speed and other driver inputs, the shocks soften to improve ride, or stiffen when appropriate to aid handling on tricky roads or off-road. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Envision’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The CX-50 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

Chassis

The Envision is 3.1 inches shorter than the CX-50, making the Envision easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Envision uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-50 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Envision uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CX-50 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Envision has .5 inches more front headroom, 1.5 inches more front hip room, .8 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom and 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-50.

Cargo Capacity

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Envision’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Buick service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Buick 9th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 2% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

Ergonomics

The Envision’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Envision’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The CX-50 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Envision’s standard Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-50 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The Envision’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-50 Preferred/Meridian/Premium/Turbo.

The Envision Avenir has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the CX-50.

Compared to traditional radio, the Buick Envision’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-50 Premium/Turbo.

The Envision Avenir has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Envision Avenir’s Enhanced Automatic Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

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

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Envision second among compact suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The CX-50 isn’t in the top three.

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