2025 Buick Enclave vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions through square wheel arches and faux air vents. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, offering a fresher design since its debut in 2023. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 featured 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 20-inch wheels on higher ones. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, our test model, enhanced its active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. Despite its rugged appearance, the CX-50 didn't include suspension changes or additional drive modes for off-road capability. The interior boasted a pleasing design with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality, though it fell short of Mazda's upscale aspirations.

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern look, reminiscent of a scaled-up Envista with its slim DRLs, angular grille, and high beltline. It had a more upright profile and slightly sharpened wheel arches. The base Preferred trim and Sport Touring featured 20-inch wheels, while the Avenir trim boasted 22-inch wheels with a special finish. Inside, the Enclave felt premium with a floating center console and a large curved display, echoing the futuristic feel of EVs. The Sport Touring test car had perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, adding a touch of luxury. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, with the panoramic power sunroof only available on higher trims. Despite this, the Enclave aimed to position itself closer to the Cadillac end of the spectrum.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo variant delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, offering Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, with a Towing mode on turbo models. The CX-50's towing capacity increased from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine. While it shared powertrains with the CX-5, the CX-50 offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, and the roof platform contributed to wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations, with AWD reducing fuel economy from 23 to 21 mpg combined. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Buick offered two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, with the engine noise version standard only on the top trim. The Enclave's turbo engine was loud and tended to rev more than expected, making the active engine noise cancellation a worthwhile consideration. The Enclave drove like a full-size vehicle, with loose steering at slower speeds, but this was not a major concern for its target audience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom in both rows. It had 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing most competitors in cargo capacity. The available power liftgate improved cargo-area access, but the space wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, maintaining a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

The 2025 Buick Enclave provided 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. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, with heated second-row seats and front-row ventilation exclusive to the Avenir trim. Tri-zone climate control allowed middle-row passengers to manage their temperature. The Enclave offered a one-touch power feature for folding and sliding second-row seats, with power-folding third-row seats on the top trim. The AutoSense liftgate opened to 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 57.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons, rather than a touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, but it was user-friendly for those who preferred simplicity.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased its premium positioning with a 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen integrating the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker Bose Performance system on the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Enclave offered wired charging with two USB ports in each row.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a "Basic" score for nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian tests and "Average" for standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with a five-star frontal crash-test rating and four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more.

The 2025 Buick Enclave came with advanced safety and driver-assistance tech, including blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with seven camera views was standard, with nine views available. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and a head-up display was optional. The Enclave featured GM's Teen Driver technology and offered Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving tech, as an option. The 2025 Enclave had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model scored well in most tests.