Envista vs CX-30
Both the Envista and the CX-30 sit in the subcompact suv class, and Buick and Mazda are clearly watching each other. On balance, the CX-30 is the stronger package: it leads in 3 out of 4 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CX-30 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Envista wins
- Space & Practicality CX-30 wins
- Off-road & Towing CX-30 wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality2.3
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Fuel Economy & Range2.3
- Space & Practicality2.5
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-30 has 54 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The CX-30 lists 191 hp for total system output, while the Envista lists 137 hp. The CX-30’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The CX-30 has 24 lb-ft more torque
Close, but not identical: the CX-30 lists 186 lb-ft and the Envista lists 162 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The CX-30 has 7.6% more maximum cargo space
The gap on cargo (seats folded) is slim (45.2 cu ft against 42 cu ft), yet it tips toward the CX-30. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
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The Envista has better city fuel economy
You may not notice this one every day, but the Envista’s 28 mpg is a step ahead of the CX-30’s 26 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Envista starts from a better baseline.
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The CX-30 has available all-wheel drive
It’s a simple yes-or-no difference: the CX-30 includes it, the Envista does without. The CX-30 offers all-wheel drive; the Envista doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Size is a trade-off, not a score: the Envista is larger, the CX-30 more compact.
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | 173 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 104.4 in |
Engine & Performance
CX-30 leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the CX-30 is comfortably ahead. Here the CX-30 offers 54 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the CX-30 is the stronger car.
Total system output
Envista: 137 hp CX-30: 191 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Envista: 162 lb-ft CX-30: 186 lb-ft The CX-30’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Envista leads
On fuel economy & range, the Envista comes out slightly ahead. The Envista answers with better city fuel economy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the Envista.
Fuel economy (city)
Envista: 28 mpg CX-30: 26 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Envista has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
CX-30 leads
By a small margin, the CX-30 is the stronger of the two in this area. The CX-30 brings 7.6% more maximum cargo space. The CX-30 can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads. For space & practicality, the CX-30 is the one to beat.
Cargo (seats folded)
Envista: 42 cu ft CX-30: 45.2 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
CX-30 leads
Slight edge to the CX-30 on off-road & towing. Most buyers could live happily with either. The CX-30 steps ahead thanks to available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the CX-30.
AWD / 4WD available
Envista: no CX-30: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envista | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 191 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envista | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envista | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 20.7 cu ft | 20.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 42 cu ft | 45.2 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envista | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envista | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | 173 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 104.4 in |
Price
| Spec | Envista | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,800 | 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 Envista if…
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you like more of everything, size included
- you’re comfortable with how Buick does things
Choose the CX-30 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (191 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (186 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you move bulky items now and then (45.2 cu ft vs 42 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Envista or the CX-30?
The CX-30 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you specifically want better city fuel economy, where the Envista has the edge.
Is the Envista bigger than the CX-30?
The CX-30 is actually the more compact one. It measures 173 × 70.7 × 61.7 in, while the Envista comes in at 182.6 in.
Executive Summary
Whenever Buick and Mazda go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Envista and the CX-30 are no exception. The CX-30 has 54 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing. And the CX-30 doesn’t stop there; it also offers 7.6% more maximum cargo space. Credit where it’s due: the Envista offers better city fuel economy.
In my head, the Envista is the fuel economy & range pick and the CX-30 is the engine & performance pick.
My pick: the CX-30 gets my vote, but the Envista is the right call if you care more about better city fuel economy than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.