2025 Buick Enclave vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The new Carbon Turbo trim featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Mazda also introduced improvements such as better fuel economy for the base engine, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 lineup included 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, with the Turbo offering up to 256 horsepower on premium gas. Prices ranged from $29,300 to $40,600, plus destination charges, with the Carbon Turbo test vehicle priced at $39,355.

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern design, reminiscent of the Envista, with a large angular grille and high beltline. It featured 20-inch wheels on the base and Sport Touring trims, while the Avenir trim boasted 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a premium feel with a floating center console and a large curved display. The Sport Touring test car had perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, adding to its upscale ambiance. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, with the panoramic power sunroof only available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a steady acceleration, though it wasn't particularly fuel-efficient, achieving 24 mpg combined. The CX-5 offered excellent outward visibility and a sophisticated driving experience, with a re-tuned suspension and standard all-wheel drive. It handled well on various terrains, with a ground clearance of 7.9 inches and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, with the latter slightly reducing fuel economy to 21 mpg combined. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. It included Active Noise Cancellation, though engine noise was noticeable without the optional upgrade. The Enclave drove like a full-size vehicle, with loose steering at slower speeds, but this was typical for its class.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered comfortable heated front seats with six-way power adjustment for the driver. Leather was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the top trim. The interior was snug but comfortable for four adults, with good rear seat support and amenities like rear air conditioning vents. The cargo area provided 30 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. It accommodated up to seven passengers with captain's chairs in the second row. The Avenir trim included heated second-row seats and ventilated front seats. The Enclave offered a one-touch power feature for folding the second-row seats and a power-folding third row on higher trims. The AutoSense liftgate opened to 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional controls, though it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured a 10.25-inch display with a knob-based navigation system. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Carbon Turbo trim included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system.

The 2025 Buick Enclave boasted a 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen integrating the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. It included a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system, with a 16-speaker system on the Avenir trim. Wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Enclave provided USB ports in each row for wired charging.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Buick Enclave included blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist as standard. It featured HD Surround Vision and adaptive cruise control, with a head-up display as an option. The Enclave offered GM's Teen Driver technology and Super Cruise for hands-free driving. The 2024 model received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.