SUVs continue to sell well. Car shoppers love the cargo space and easier ingress/egress; plus, the higher ride height gives them a better view of the road.
Small city-friendly sport utes are especially hot. All new for the last year, the Buick Envista is a subcompact SUV with a sporty design and seating for five. Its chiseled front end and tapered roofline give it a premium look, similar to a coupe-like luxury SUV that would cost thousands more.
On sale since the 2020 model year, the Mazda CX-30 isn’t the newest face in town, but it’s one of the most entertaining to drive. Credit the CX-30’s sharp steering reflexes and added grip that comes from having all-wheel drive (AWD) standard. It also boasts an upscale cabin and an impressive lineup of standard comfort and safety features.
Let’s explore some of the highlights of the Buick Envista and Mazda CX-30:
2025 Buick Envista
The Buick Envista attracts glances as it glides through traffic thanks to its aggressive exterior. There’s more than a hint of the Lamborghini Urus ultra-luxury SUV in the shape of the Envista’s slim headlights and large front grille.
At the rear, the sleek roofline brings to mind coupe-like SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the BMW X2. But with a starting price of only $24,795, including the factory-to-dealer destination charge, the Envista is Buick’s most affordable vehicle.
Buick Envista Highlights
Dashing design: Yes, we’re calling out the Envista’s exciting shape one more time. A swing for the fences, the brand seeks an entirely new (and younger) buyer. Envista’s economy car pricing is the icing on the cake.
Good fuel economy: Powering the Envista is a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine that sends 137 horsepower to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Performance is fine for routine drives, and the ample torque makes for brisk getaways at city speeds. The fact all-wheel drive (AWD) isn’t an option might deter some snow-belt car shoppers. Yet the Envista’s EPA combined (city-and-highway driving) fuel economy of 30 mpg scores points for shoppers who want to avoid SUV-like fuel bills.
Urban-friendly proportions: Because it stretches only 182.6 inches in length, the scrappy Envista can squeeze into tight gaps in traffic and snug parking spots.
Passenger room and cargo space: Good news: Despite the tidy exterior, there’s ample legroom wherever you’re seated in the new Envista. Granted, the slanted roof line does impinge upon rear headroom. But with 20.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the split-folding rear seat, the Envista compares well with similarly sized small SUVs
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see 2025 Buick Envista models for sale near you.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is one of those rare SUVs that’s eminently practical yet, fun to drive. Starting at $26,414, with the delivery charge, the CX-30 is offered in no fewer than eight trims. There are two 4-cylinder engine choices, including a turbo version that adds even more excitement to the CX-30’s playful driving dynamics.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Spirited performance: The secret is out: The Mazda CX-30 is a blast to drive. The standard powertrain consists of a 191-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. While the ride is firmer than what you get in some rivals, the CX-30 feels planted on the road, inspiring tons of confidence. Optional is a turbocharged version of this same engine that produces 250 hp (when running on premium grade gasoline) and a stout 320 lb-ft of torque.
Standard driver aids: Mazda packages a full complement of safety features into every CX-30. These include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
All-wheel drive on every trim: Beginning with the 2022 model year, every trim of the CX-30 comes from the factory with all-wheel drive. This adds a sure-footed feel to the driving dynamics and extra reassurance when roads are slippery with rain, ice, or snow.
Cabin quality: Mazda did its homework when engineering a comfortable and classy interior for the CX-30. Many of the materials used throughout the cabin would look at home in a luxury-badged SUV. The infotainment system is intuitive to operate, and all controls are within easy reach.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see 2025 Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Envista and CX-30 are stylish, value-packed entries in the increasingly crowded subcompact SUV market. Each has an eye-catching design and an affordable entry price. Easy on your fuel budget, they are generously equipped even in their base formats.
Pricing
New 2025 Buick Envista Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$25,195 |
$23,622 |
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$26,695 |
$25,234 |
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$29,995 |
$28,498 |
Used Prices
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Original MSRP
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
TBD |
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TBD |
TBD |
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TBD |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Buick Envista vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Buick Envista | 2025 Mazda CX-30 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6,000 |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 28 mpg city/32 mpg highway/30 mpg combined | 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/29 mpg combined |
| Also Available | Turbocharged 4-cyl | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 104.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 182.6 inches | 173.0 inches |
| Width | 71.5 inches | 70.7 inches |
| Height | 61.3 inches | 61.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.3 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.9 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.0 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.5 inches | 53.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.7/42.0 cubic feet | 20.2/45.2 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Of the two affordable subcompact SUVs compared here, the Buick Envista comes across as the biggest surprise. It has unapologetically bold styling, a lower asking price, and its cabin is remarkably quiet for a budget-friendly SUV. Although the 3-cylinder engine isn’t that powerful, and all-wheel drive isn’t on the menu, even as an option, the Buick Envista shines as an affordable and stylish subcompact SUV that punches above its weight.
The Mazda CX-30 takes a different approach. It is handsome, though not as daring in its design as the look-at-me Envista. However, step inside and the CX-30 could be mistaken for a premium SUV from a luxury marque. Moreover, It will put a smile on your face as you negotiate city traffic or cruise favorite country roads. While the Buick Envista is more fashion-forward than the Mazda, the CX-30 is the athlete here.
