2024 Buick Envista vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path with its sloping roofline, giving it a "crossover coupe" appearance reminiscent of high-end models like the BMW X4 and X6. This design choice, while slightly compromising rear visibility, was deemed acceptable. The front-end styling, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a split lighting design with daytime running lights positioned above the actual headlights, which were integrated into vertical elements flanking the grille. This sleek design was a first for Buick, setting the Envista apart from models like the Envision and Encore GX, which adopted similar styling as part of their mid-cycle refreshes. The ST grade was marked by black exterior trim and 18-inch wheels, while the top-tier Avenir boasted bright exterior trim and standard 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Envista's cabin, though similar to the Trax, offered a more streamlined look with softer materials, albeit with a somewhat artificial texture. The interior featured cloth-and-leatherette upholstery on the base model, with leather seats standard on the Avenir, and a flat-bottom steering wheel across all trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, offering an upscale feel despite some materials reflecting its competitive price. However, the ergonomics left room for improvement, with a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these design-related complaints, the CX-90 stood out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs for its sophistication and overall aesthetic appeal.

The 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This setup, borrowed from the Trax, delivered power with a smoothness that belied its modest specifications. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, distinguishing it from the similarly sized and priced Encore GX. The Envista featured a torsion-beam rear suspension on base models, while models with 19-inch wheels benefited from a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension, enhancing ride quality. The front suspension was a MacPherson strut setup, with Buick-specific bushings and damper tuning to minimize road noise. During testing on Michigan's weathered roads, the Envista ST with Watts Link suspension handled bumps well but felt unsettled on less-than-perfect straightaways. Despite this, the Envista offered a more premium feel than the Trax, with quieter acceleration and a more comfortable ride.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, equipped with a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models, while the 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved driving dynamics. The CX-90 offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior until warmed up. The CX-90's i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range and the same combined fuel economy. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement issues and a lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Buick Envista, measuring 14.2 inches longer than the outgoing Buick Encore with a 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch, offered improved interior space. Rear-seat legroom increased by three inches, and shoulder room in both rows grew by about two inches, creating a more spacious feel. However, the coupe-like design resulted in slightly reduced headroom, particularly for second-row passengers. The seats were comfortable for the price point, and the car-like design provided good outward visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the old Encore and the Chevy Trax.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, in 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the interior quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests and window shades. The third row, accessible via long rear doors, was best suited for children. Cargo space was 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row flattened, which was small for the segment.

The 2024 Buick Envista came standard with an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The user interface was similar to the Trax, with easy-to-use controls, though the center stack's tilt toward the driver made it less accessible for passengers. Optional tech features were limited, with no head-up display available.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with touch sensitivity only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons on the center console, which took time to get used to. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data.

The 2024 Buick Envista's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert, similar to the Chevy Trax.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The driver aids generally met expectations, though the speed reduction feature was irritating.