Envision vs CX-50 Hybrid
It’s Buick against Mazda in the compact suv class, and the Envision and the CX-50 Hybrid are the models carrying each flag. The CX-50 Hybrid has the edge in 1 of the 4 areas we looked at, most visibly in the fuel economy & range category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-50 Hybrid wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range0.4
- Fuel Economy & Range9.2
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
-
The CX-50 Hybrid has better fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The CX-50 Hybrid brings 38 mpg to the table; the Envision brings 24 mpg. The CX-50 Hybrid uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The CX-50 Hybrid has better city fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy (city), the CX-50 Hybrid wins comfortably with 39 mpg against 22 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The CX-50 Hybrid has better highway fuel economy
It’s a lopsided result (37 mpg for the CX-50 Hybrid, 28 mpg for the Envision) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The CX-50 Hybrid uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Envision | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 110.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
The Envision and the CX-50 Hybrid match each other closely in this area. Bottom line for engine & performance: it’s a wash.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-50 Hybrid leads
Here the CX-50 Hybrid opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. Here the CX-50 Hybrid offers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For fuel economy & range, the CX-50 Hybrid is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (combined)
Envision: 24 mpg CX-50 Hybrid: 38 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Envision: 22 mpg CX-50 Hybrid: 39 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the CX-50 Hybrid has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Call the space & practicality round a draw. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envision | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 228 hp | 219 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envision | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 38 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 39 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 37 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envision | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 52.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envision | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envision | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 110.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Envision | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 CX-50 Hybrid if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (38 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (39 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (37 mpg vs 28 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Envision or the CX-50 Hybrid?
On the specs compared here, the CX-50 Hybrid makes more sense for most buyers; the Envision doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Envision and the CX-50 Hybrid. What I like most about the CX-50 Hybrid here is better fuel economy. There’s a bonus as well: the CX-50 Hybrid has better highway fuel economy.
In my head, the Envision is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick and the CX-50 Hybrid is the fuel economy & range pick.
My pick: the CX-50 Hybrid.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.