2019 Buick Envision vs 2019 Acura MDX
Overview | |
MSRP$31,995 | MSRP$44,300 |
Listings309 | Listings393 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
2019 Buick Envision Reviews SummaryWhat defines a luxury car? In the past, it was pretty easy to quantify, and just as easy to differentiate one from the economy cars of the world. But now a traditionally inexpensive brand like Mazda can make cars as nice as Lexus does. Automakers can no longer rely on reputation. So the 2019 Buick Envision faces a conundrum. Buick calls it a compact luxury SUV, positioning it as a viable option for younger luxury shoppers. That pits it against some of the most popular and best-selling upscale SUVs on the market, including the Acura RDX, Lexus NX, BMW X3, and Audi Q5. Yet the Envision’s true competition more likely comes from another GM vehicle, the GMC Acadia. Both are for aspirational shoppers looking to move up-market from a high-volume vehicle like the Chevy Equinox. If you are in the market for a compact, upscale sport-utility vehicle, should you consider the Envision? Read on to find out and learn which trim CarGurus recommends. | |
2019 Acura MDX Reviews SummarySlowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors? | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 197 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City22 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway27 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 197 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City22 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway27 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space26.9 cu ft | Cargo Space15.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3755 lbs | Curb Weight4032 lbs |
Height66.8 in | Height67.4 in |
Length183.7 in | Length196.2 in |
Width72.4 in | Width77.7 in |
Wheelbase108.3 in | Wheelbase111.0 in |
Maximum Payload1315 lbs | Maximum Payload1336 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,995 | $44,300 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | What defines a luxury car? In the past, it was pretty easy to quantify, and just as easy to differentiate one from the economy cars of the world. But now a traditionally inexpensive brand like Mazda can make cars as nice as Lexus does. Automakers can no longer rely on reputation. So the 2019 Buick Envision faces a conundrum. Buick calls it a compact luxury SUV, positioning it as a viable option for younger luxury shoppers. That pits it against some of the most popular and best-selling upscale SUVs on the market, including the Acura RDX, Lexus NX, BMW X3, and Audi Q5. Yet the Envision’s true competition more likely comes from another GM vehicle, the GMC Acadia. Both are for aspirational shoppers looking to move up-market from a high-volume vehicle like the Chevy Equinox. If you are in the market for a compact, upscale sport-utility vehicle, should you consider the Envision? Read on to find out and learn which trim CarGurus recommends. | Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors? |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 197 hp I4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
MPG City | 22 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 27 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 197 hp I4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 22 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 27 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 26.9 cu ft | 15.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3755 lbs | 4032 lbs |
Height | 66.8 in | 67.4 in |
Length | 183.7 in | 196.2 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 77.7 in |
Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 111.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 1315 lbs | 1336 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | |
The 2019 Buick Envision is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2019 Acura MDX scores 9 out of 10.
The Envision boasts a handsome exterior with a taut, athletic vibe and a clean, straightforward cabin layout. However, the interior materials may not fully live up to the luxury billing Buick gives it, and some details like the power windows fall short of expectations.
The 2019 Acura MDX offers a more aggressive look, especially in the A-Spec trim, and provides a comfortable and practical interior with quality materials and a touch of colorful whimsy.
















CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Buick Envision 7 out of 10 and the 2019 Acura MDX 9 out of 10.
The Buick Envision offers two engine options, with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering solid acceleration and a quiet, smooth ride. However, the base engine may feel underpowered in certain driving situations.
The Acura MDX comes standard with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and offers an optional Sport Hybrid model, providing a delightful driving experience and better fuel efficiency.
The 2019 Buick Envision is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2019 Acura MDX also scores 8 out of 10.
The Envision provides ample cargo space and comfortable seating, making it a practical choice for daily use. However, the Acura MDX offers exceptional comfort and practicality, especially in the front seats, and provides versatile storage options.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Buick Envision 8 out of 10 and the 2019 Acura MDX 5 out of 10.
The Buick Envision comes with GM's Intellilink infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the touch-capacitive controls for climate and heated/cooled front seats may not be as responsive as desired.
The Acura MDX features an upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the dual-screen approach and voice-recognition system may present usability challenges.
The 2019 Buick Envision is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2019 Acura MDX also scores 8 out of 10.
The Buick Envision offers comprehensive driver-assistance features, but some are available only as optional extras. The Acura MDX comes standard with the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems and offers impressive crash-test ratings.
CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings and comparisons, the 2019 Acura MDX emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a powerful engine, practical interior, and impressive safety features. However, the Buick Envision may still appeal to those seeking a comfortable ride and practical cargo space.
Choose the 2019 Buick Envision if:
- You prioritize a comfortable ride and ample cargo space.
- You are looking for a practical and versatile SUV for daily use.
- You prefer a lower base price and are willing to forgo some luxury features.
Choose the 2019 Acura MDX if:
- You seek a powerful engine and a delightful driving experience.
- You prioritize exceptional comfort and practicality, especially in the front seats.
- You value impressive safety features and are willing to invest in a compelling value proposition.
CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings and comparisons, the 2019 Acura MDX emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a powerful engine, practical interior, and impressive safety features. However, the Buick Envision may still appeal to those seeking a comfortable ride and practical cargo space.
Choose the 2019 Buick Envision if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a comfortable ride and ample cargo space.
- You are looking for a practical and versatile SUV for daily use.
- You prefer a lower base price and are willing to forgo some luxury features.
Choose the 2019 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You seek a powerful engine and a delightful driving experience.
- You prioritize exceptional comfort and practicality, especially in the front seats.
- You value impressive safety features and are willing to invest in a compelling value proposition.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.







































