2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Buick Enclave
Overview | |
MSRP$25,370 | MSRP$40,300 |
Listings1023 | Listings554 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Mazda CX-5 Reviews SummaryThe 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a competitive compact SUV for buyers looking to satisfy the needs of the typical family. For the 2021 model year, Mazda has enhanced the model’s tech and discontinued the unpopular diesel engine in the United States. There’s also a new Carbon Edition for buyers to choose from. Despite the changes, the highlights and quibbles about the SUV are mostly unchanged from the 2020 model year. | |
2021 Buick Enclave Reviews SummaryBuick’s best crossover SUV is its biggest crossover SUV, and especially when equipped with its top trim level. The 2021 Buick Enclave Avenir is stylish and upscale, roomy and quiet, and powerful, and athletic. More than any other vehicle in the automaker’s four SUV lineup, the Enclave is what best represents Buick’s past, if not its electrified future. But this SUV certainly is no bargain. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine3.6L 310 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City18 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name3.6L 310 hp V6 |
Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City18 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space30.9 cu ft | Cargo Space23.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3552 lbs | Curb Weight4359 lbs |
Height66.2 in | Height69.9 in |
Length179.1 in | Length204.3 in |
Width83.3 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase106.2 in | Wheelbase120.9 in |
Maximum Payload1023 lbs | Maximum Payload1814 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $25,370 | $40,300 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 6.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a competitive compact SUV for buyers looking to satisfy the needs of the typical family. For the 2021 model year, Mazda has enhanced the model’s tech and discontinued the unpopular diesel engine in the United States. There’s also a new Carbon Edition for buyers to choose from. Despite the changes, the highlights and quibbles about the SUV are mostly unchanged from the 2020 model year. | Buick’s best crossover SUV is its biggest crossover SUV, and especially when equipped with its top trim level. The 2021 Buick Enclave Avenir is stylish and upscale, roomy and quiet, and powerful, and athletic. More than any other vehicle in the automaker’s four SUV lineup, the Enclave is what best represents Buick’s past, if not its electrified future. But this SUV certainly is no bargain. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 3.6L 310 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 18 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 3.6L 310 hp V6 |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 18 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 30.9 cu ft | 23.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3552 lbs | 4359 lbs |
Height | 66.2 in | 69.9 in |
Length | 179.1 in | 204.3 in |
Width | 83.3 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 106.2 in | 120.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1023 lbs | 1814 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 5000 lbs |
According to CarGurus experts, both the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Buick Enclave score 9 out of 10 for look and feel.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasts a sleek and stylish design, standing out from the crowd of angular SUVs. The base CX-5 Sport comes with automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. The higher-tier models offer additional features such as leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate.
The 2021 Buick Enclave is a large, comfortable SUV with a premium feel. It offers a spacious and quiet cabin, with standard features such as Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim adds extra presence through a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and unique 20-inch wheels with a polished finish.














CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Buick Enclave 8 out of 10 for performance.
The CX-5 offers two engine options, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering spirited performance. The fuel efficiency is competitive, and the turbo engine provides plenty of power, especially in Sport mode. However, the stiff suspension may affect ride comfort.
The Buick Enclave is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The SUV's premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping ensures a comfortable ride across various driving environments.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Buick Enclave 9 out of 10 for form and function.
The Mazda CX-5 offers a comfortable seating position and straightforward climate controls. However, the cargo space is slightly below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row.
The Buick Enclave stands out for its spacious and quiet cabin, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. It provides commendable room behind the third-row seat, with 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded down.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 4 out of 10 and the 2021 Buick Enclave 5 out of 10 for technology.
The Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, but the operating system is not as modern as some competitors. It does offer standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Buick Enclave's infotainment system meets basic expectations, offering features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it lacks integration with smart home digital assistants and high-end audio components.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Buick Enclave 4 out of 10 for safety.
The Mazda CX-5 comes with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and a rearview camera. It has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and has received high safety ratings from the NHTSA.
The Buick Enclave offers a range of safety features, but some are restricted to higher trim levels. It has received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its safety systems are not as comprehensive as some competitors.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Mazda CX-5 is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Buick Enclave scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 emerges as the more well-rounded choice, offering a compelling combination of style, performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, for consumers seeking a versatile and feature-rich compact SUV, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is the recommended option.
Choose the 2021 Mazda CX-5 if:
- You prioritize a stylish and sleek design with a range of modern features.
- You seek a compact SUV with strong fuel efficiency and spirited turbocharged performance.
- You value a comprehensive set of standard safety features and high safety ratings.
Choose the 2021 Buick Enclave if:
- You prioritize a spacious and quiet cabin with premium comfort features.
- You need a larger SUV with ample cargo space and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers.
- You appreciate a smooth and refined driving experience with strong acceleration and a premium feel.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Mazda CX-5 is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Buick Enclave scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 emerges as the more well-rounded choice, offering a compelling combination of style, performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, for consumers seeking a versatile and feature-rich compact SUV, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is the recommended option.
Choose the 2021 Mazda CX-5 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a stylish and sleek design with a range of modern features.
- You seek a compact SUV with strong fuel efficiency and spirited turbocharged performance.
- You value a comprehensive set of standard safety features and high safety ratings.
Choose the 2021 Buick Enclave if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and quiet cabin with premium comfort features.
- You need a larger SUV with ample cargo space and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers.
- You appreciate a smooth and refined driving experience with strong acceleration and a premium feel.

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.





































