2019 Buick Envision vs 2019 Ford Edge

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.

The Edge was a key vehicle in the evolution of the family SUV market when Ford first introduced it for the 2007 model year. Back then, automakers were experimenting with just what a “crossover” could constitute—look at the Pontiac Aztec and first-generation Chrysler Pacifica if you disagree. But with the Edge, the midsize, two-row SUV template started to take shape.

Ford offers the 2019 Edge with an ST trim, grafting performance onto the utilitarian Edge blueprint. But that begs a question—can a vehicle still be good at family hauling and commuting while also delivering speed and performance?