2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

$25,940 · Crossover

$28,770 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Buick Encore GX excites with its frugal efficiency, netting a superb 30 MPG combined, while the 2025 Mazda CX-5 grabs attention with its robust 187 hp engine, significantly outmuscling the Buick's 137 hp. The CX-5 is the larger machine, boasting 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft, offering more room for hauling gear. However, the Encore GX presents a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $25,940 against the Mazda's $28,770. Performance aficionados will lean towards the CX-5's 186 lb-ft of torque and standard All-Wheel Drive, while those prioritizing pavement efficiency will adore the Buick's 5 MPG combined advantage and flex-fuel capability. This clash pits efficiency and affordability against sheer power and utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers substantially more utility with 30.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Buick's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 provides a much more engaging drive with 187 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 Buick Encore GX offers better budgetary value starting at a lower MSRP of $25,940.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You prioritize fuel economy, as the Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined.
Your budget is strict, with an MSRP starting at $25,940.
You appreciate the flexibility of a flex-fuel powertrain capable of running on E85.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You demand stronger acceleration, thanks to the CX-5's 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You need maximum utility, as the CX-5 provides 30.8 cubic feet of primary cargo space.
All-weather traction is critical, given the CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Mazda CX-5
Length	171.2"	180.1"
Width	71.4"	72.6"
Height	64.1"	66.1"
Wheelbase	102.0"	106.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	12	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	351.9/443.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	15.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	55.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2025 Mazda CX-5.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 faster than the 2025 Buick Encore GX?

Yes, the Mazda CX-5 is significantly faster, producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Encore GX’s 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. This 50 hp advantage should result in noticeably quicker acceleration times in the Mazda.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the clear efficiency leader, achieving 30 MPG combined against the CX-5’s 25 MPG combined. This 5 MPG difference will translate to fewer stops at the pump over the course of a year.

Does the size difference affect interior usability between the two?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is dimensionally larger and reflects this in cargo hauling, offering 30.8 cu ft versus the Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft. The CX-5 is also slightly longer by nearly 9 inches overall.

How much more does the performance-oriented Mazda cost over the Buick?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has a higher starting MSRP of $28,770, making it $2,830 more expensive than the 2025 Buick Encore GX, which starts at $25,940.

Why choose the Encore GX's transmission over the CX-5's?

The Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) optimized for efficiency to help achieve its 30 MPG rating. Conversely, the CX-5 retains a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, often preferred by driving enthusiasts for more predictable shifts.

Is AWD standard on both crossovers?

No, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the 2025 Mazda CX-5, providing better traction capabilities. The 2025 Buick Encore GX comes standard only with Front Wheel Drive.