The 2022 Mazda CX5 is gently athletic and stylish, while the 2022 Buick Envision has a comfortable ride and upscale qualities. Both offer a premium compact SUV experience. Here’s how they compare.
2022 Mazda CX5
2022 Mazda CX-5 starting price: $25,900 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Upscale styling; spirited road manners; all-wheel drive now standard; improved suspension; optional turbo power.
Below Average: Smaller rear seat and less cargo space than other compact SUVs; no hybrid version.
Consensus: Mazda’s CX-5 continues its climb the luxury ladder, adding, as expected, a little to its MSRP along the way. The 2022 CX-5 brings a more conservative but premium appearance and now includes standard all-wheel drive.
2022 Buick Envision
2022 Buick Envision starting price: $31,500 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Just-right sizing; affordable price point; stylish exterior; luxurious Avenir trim level.
Below Average: Sport Touring package, unfortunately, doesn’t make Envision any sportier; no hybrid option.
Consensus: The 2022 Buick Envision is an upscale compact crossover offering luxury features at a relatively mainstream price. Priced right for a wide variety of buyers, the Envision is positioned in a segment with few direct competitors.
CX-5 vs. Envision: A Touch of Luxury
Mazda CX5:
For the 2022 model year, the Mazda CX-5 has received a refresh well into its second generation. Restyled all-around, Mazda has added additional content to sweeten an already alluring compact SUV. The suspension has been upgraded to provide better handling, improving the overall ride quality. Moreover, Mazda enhances it even further by making all-wheel drive standard.
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is powered by a choice of two engines. The standard powerplant is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-4 delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Turbo versions of the CX-5 are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 making 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque using regular 87 octane gasoline. On 93-octane, output increases to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Max towing capacity for the CX-5 is 2,000 pounds.
Both engines employ a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Behind the scenes, G-Vectoring Control Plus uses subtle modulations to make for more precise steering and vehicle control.
The interior of the CX-5 remains unchanged this year, with the base Sport trim getting a cloth interior. Moving up the ladder finds interiors with simulated leather, real leather, and rich Nappa hides in the Signature model, which also includes real wood trim. Mazda’s standard safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist.
Buick Envision
Big enough to be versatile but small enough to be efficient and maneuverable, the 2022 Buick Envision is a practical and premium-feeling crossover. It sizes between the Encore models on the small side and the larger Enclave SUV.
It’s a tempting option for those who desire to step up from a mainstream crossover but aren’t ready to pony up for the cost of a full-on luxury SUV. It is available in three levels: base Buick Envision Preferred ($31,500), the mid-level Envision Essence ($35,600), and the top Envision Avenir ($39,850). All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels.
The 2022 Buick Envision is powered by one engine: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 delivering 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It uses a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Preferred and Essence models can be enhanced with the Sport Touring package to include dark 20-inch wheels, a special grille, and more. The range-topping Envision Avenir adds a more premium appearance with special wheels, chrome exterior trim, and a distinct grille to set it apart.
The base Envision Preferred is decently equipped, but several features go missing at this level, including dual-zone climate control. Still, there is an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, active noise cancellation, push-button start, and LED headlights.
Similarities
Two-row, 5-passenger seating; upscale appearance; NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings.
2022 Mazda CX5 Advantages
Standard AWD; optional turbo engine; handling; fuel economy; price.
2022 Buick Envision Advantages
More base power; 9-speed automatic transmission.
Which One is Right for Me?
The 2022 Mazda CX5 delivers standard AWD and plenty of power with an optional turbo engine. Its sporty manners will have you taking the long way home.
The 2022 Buick Envision offers a premium SUV experience and impressive standard power at a price below that of luxury SUVs.
Ready to buy a Mazda CX5 or Buick Envision? Shop now for one on sale near you.
| 2022 Mazda CX-5 | 2022 Buick Envision | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter I4 | 2.0-liter turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 228hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,000 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic with AWD | 9-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 28 mpg (25 city/31 hwy) | 26 mpg (24 city/31 hwy) |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo I4 | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 109.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 179.1 inches | 182.5 inches |
| Width | 72.5 inches | 74.1 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 64.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36 feet | 38.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 55.9 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 103.6 cubic feet | 100.4 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume | 30.9/59.6 cubic feet | 25.2/52.7 cubic feet |
