Comparison between the 2024 Buick Invista and the 2024 Mazda CX-30

SUVs continue to sell well. Car shoppers love the cargo space and ease of entry/egress; Additionally, the higher ride height gives them a better view of the road.

Small, city-friendly sports are especially popular. All new for 2024, the Buick Invista is a sporty-designed compact SUV that seats five people. The sculpted front fascia and tapered roofline give it a premium look, similar to a coupe-like luxury SUV that might cost thousands more.

On sale since the 2020 model year, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 isn’t the newest face in town, but it’s one of the most fun cars to drive. Credit the CX-30’s sharp steering feedback and the extra grip that comes from standard all-wheel drive. It also features an upscale cabin and an impressive array of standard comfort and safety features.

Let’s explore some of the highlights of the Buick Envista and Mazda CX-30:

2024 Buick Invista

The Envista slices through traffic thanks to its aggressive exterior. There’s more than a hint of the ultra-luxury Lamborghini Urus SUV in the form of slim headlights and a large Envista grille.

At the back, the sleek roofline is reminiscent of coupe-like SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X2. But with a starting price of just $22,400, excluding destination fees, the 2024 Envista is Buick’s least expensive car.

The most prominent features of Buick Invista

Reckless design: Yes, we’re mentioning the Envista’s sexy shape again. Buick became aggressive, as the brand was looking for entirely new (and younger) customers. The price of an economy car is the icing on the cake.

Good fuel economy: The Envista’s engine is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder that sends 137 horsepower to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good for routine driving, and plenty of torque provides quick relief at city speeds. The fact that all-wheel drive isn’t an option may deter some car shoppers. However, the Envista’s EPA combined fuel economy of 30 mpg scores points for SUV shoppers who want to avoid SUV-like fuel bills.

Urban friendly ratios: At just 182.6 inches long, the fun Envista can squeeze into tight gaps in traffic and snug parking spots.

Passenger room and cargo space: Good news: There’s ample legroom wherever you sit in the new Invista. The sloping roofline certainly affects rear headroom. But with 20.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the folding rear seat, the Invista compares well with similarly sized small SUVs.

Check this week’s Fair Buy Price or see Envista models for sale near you

2024 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is one of those rare SUVs that is both practical and fun to drive. Starting at $24,995, excluding destination charge, the CX-30 is offered in no fewer than eight models. There are two four-cylinder engine options, including a turbo version that adds even more excitement to the CX-30’s playful driving dynamics.

Mazda CX-30 features

Enthusiastic performance: The secret is out: The Mazda CX-30 is fun to drive. The standard engine consists of a 191-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. Although the ride is firmer than you get in some competitors, the CX-30 feels planted to the road and inspires plenty of confidence. Optional is a turbocharged version of the same engine that produces 250 horsepower (when running on premium gasoline) and a robust 320 pound-feet of torque.

Standard driver aids: Mazda offers a full suite of safety features in every CX-30. These features 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 model: Starting with the 2022 model year, every CX-30 model is equipped with all-wheel drive. This adds a stable feel to driving dynamics and gives you added reassurance when roads are slippery due to rain, ice or snow.

Cabin quality: Mazda did its homework when it designed a comfortable and stylish interior for the CX-30. Many of the materials used throughout the cabin feel like they would be at home in a luxury SUV. The infotainment system is intuitive to operate, with all controls within easy reach.

Check this week’s Fair Buy Price or see the CX-30 models for sale near you

Similarity

The Envista and CX-30 are stylish models at great value in an increasingly crowded SUV market. Each has an eye-catching design and a reasonable entry price. It’s also convenient for your fuel budget and generously equipped even in its base trims.

Conclusion

Of the two affordable SUVs compared here, the Buick Invista comes as the biggest surprise. It has very aggressive styling, a lower asking price, and its cabin is remarkably quiet for a budget-friendly SUV. Although the three-cylinder engine isn’t that powerful, and it’s not available with all-wheel drive, the 2024 Buick Invista shines as an affordable and stylish compact SUV that punches above its weight.

The Mazda CX-30 takes a slightly different approach. It’s handsome, though not as bold in its design as the attractive Envista. However, if you step inside, the CX-30 might fool you into thinking it’s a premium SUV from a luxury brand. It will also put a smile on your face as you negotiate city traffic or your favorite country roads. While the Buick Envista is more stylish than the Mazda, the CX-30 is the sporty star here.