Envision vs CX-5
It’s Buick against Mazda in the compact suv class, and the Envision and the CX-5 are the models carrying each flag. If you only read one line, make it this: the CX-5 takes 2 of 4 compared areas, and the space & practicality gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Envision wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-5 wins
- Space & Practicality CX-5 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.5
- Fuel Economy & Range0.4
- Space & Practicality2.4
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Fuel Economy & Range2.3
- Space & Practicality3.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The CX-5 has 22% more cargo space
A clear win for the CX-5: 30.8 cu ft against 25.2 cu ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Envision has 41 hp more power
Here the Envision pulls well ahead of the CX-5, with 228 hp compared to 187 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Envision has 72 lb-ft more torque
The Envision doesn’t just edge this one; 258 lb-ft against 186 lb-ft is a lead you’ll feel. The Envision’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The CX-5 has better fuel economy
Close, but not identical: the CX-5 lists 26 mpg and the Envision lists 24 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The CX-5 has 13% more maximum cargo space
The gap on cargo (seats folded) is slim (59.3 cu ft against 52.7 cu ft), yet it tips toward the CX-5. The CX-5 can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Envision | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 106.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Envision leads
This is one of the Envision’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the CX-5 falls well short. The Envision brings 41 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. For engine & performance, the Envision is the one to beat.
Total system output
Envision: 228 hp CX-5: 187 hp The Envision’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Envision: 258 lb-ft CX-5: 186 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-5 leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is one-sided. The CX-5 leads where it counts. The CX-5 takes this one with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the CX-5.
Fuel economy (combined)
Envision: 24 mpg CX-5: 26 mpg The CX-5 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Envision: 22 mpg CX-5: 24 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the CX-5 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
CX-5 leads
The CX-5 dominates the space & practicality section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The CX-5 has the edge with 22% more cargo space. The CX-5’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. That makes the CX-5 the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Envision: 25.2 cu ft CX-5: 30.8 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Envision: 52.7 cu ft CX-5: 59.3 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
The Envision and the CX-5 differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envision | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 228 hp (winner) | 187 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft (winner) | 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envision | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 30 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envision | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.2 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 52.7 cu ft | 59.3 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envision | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envision | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Envision | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 106.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Envision | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $38,000 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Envision if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (228 hp vs 187 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (258 lb-ft vs 186 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Buick and happy with it
Choose the CX-5 if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (30.8 cu ft vs 25.2 cu ft)
- you want better combined fuel economy (26 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you move bulky items now and then (59.3 cu ft vs 52.7 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want better city fuel economy (24 mpg vs 22 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Envision or the CX-5?
We’d point most buyers to the CX-5. The main exception is if you’d trade the rest for 41 hp more power.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Envision and the CX-5 are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the CX-5 brings 22% more cargo space. And if that weren’t enough, the CX-5 has better fuel economy. On the other side, the Envision brings 41 hp more power, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or fuel economy & range? The first answer means the Envision, the second means the CX-5.
My pick: if it were my money, the CX-5, unless you specifically want 41 hp more power, where the Envision has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.