2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mazda CX-30
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 often comes down to prioritizing efficiency versus punch. If your daily commute involves constant stop-and-go driving, the Encore GX offers superior overall fuel economy at 30 MPG combined, slightly edging out the CX-30's 27 MPG combined, despite running on flex-fuel. However, the Mazda provides a much more engaging drive, boasting 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the Buick's 137 hp. While the Buick is slightly shorter at 171.2 inches versus the Mazda’s 173.0 inches, the Encore GX offers more usable space with 23.5 cu ft of cargo room compared to the CX-30’s 20.2 cu ft. Priced nearly identically—MSRP of $25,940 for the Buick versus $25,975 for the Mazda—the decision hinges on whether the extra 49 horsepower justifies the slight fuel economy dip and reduced cargo capacity for your lifestyle.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its higher combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX provides more practical utility with 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 offers significantly more power with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp.
2025 Buick Encore GX
Given the nearly identical MSRPs, the Encore GX offers better pure utility through higher fuel economy and greater cargo volume.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You value maximizing fuel efficiency, as the Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined.
- You need maximum storage space, benefiting from its 23.5 cu ft of available cargo capacity.
- You want the absolute lowest entry price, with an MSRP of $25,940.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prefer more spirited acceleration, thanks to the powerful 186 hp engine.
- You need the enhanced traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer the assurance of a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 173.0" |
| Width | 71.4" | 70.7" |
| Height | 64.1" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 104.4" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 186 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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 304.8/393.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 12.7 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 | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| 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) | — | ✓ |
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. | 38.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 54.6 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. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 53.2 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 | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 215/65R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| 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 2026 Mazda CX-30.
How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Mazda CX-30 puts out 186 horsepower, which is 49 hp more than the 2025 Buick Encore GX’s 137 hp. This means the Mazda will feel notably quicker, especially when merging onto highways.
Which vehicle is better equipped for foul weather driving?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it a distinct advantage in snow or heavy rain over the front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup of the comparison-spec Buick Encore GX.
Does the fuel type difference matter between these two models?
Yes, the Buick Encore GX uses flex-fuel and can run on E85, offering flexibility if available, while the Mazda CX-30 requires regular unleaded gasoline.
If I haul a lot of gear, which crossover offers more room?
The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the clear winner for cargo space, offering 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, substantially more than the 20.2 cubic feet provided by the Mazda CX-30.
Are these cars similar in size, affecting city maneuverability?
They are very close in exterior dimensions, though the Encore GX is slightly shorter in length at 171.2 inches, while the CX-30 is notably shorter in height at 61.4 inches.
Is the CX-30 significantly less fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The CX-30 achieves 27 MPG combined, which is 3 MPG less than the Encore GX's 30 MPG combined rating, meaning you will likely visit the gas station slightly more often with the Mazda.
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