2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$25,940 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Buick Encore GX immediately grabs attention with its efficiency, achieving a solid 30 combined MPG, making it the frugal choice starting at an accessible MSRP of $25,940. Its smaller footprint (171.2 inches long) promises easy urban navigation. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 throws down a gauntlet with raw enthusiasm, boasting 187 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, perfect for spirited adventures despite its lower 26 combined MPG rating. The CX-50 dwarfs the Buick in size, offering substantially more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo space versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. While the Buick leverages a $3,960 lower entry price and a 50 horsepower deficit is present, the CX-50 appeals to those prioritizing dynamic capability and space over sheer running economy. The transmission differences—CVT versus a 6-speed shiftable automatic—also hint at two distinct driving philosophies in this crossover matchup.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG efficiency and lower $25,940 starting price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is better for families because it provides significantly more cargo capacity at 31.4 cubic feet and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 clearly favors driving fun with 187 hp and a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, overwhelming the 137 hp offered by the Buick.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX provides better long-term ownership value through its $3,960 lower MSRP and significantly better fuel economy ratings.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Your absolute priority is keeping running costs low, thanks to 30 combined MPG.
You want the lowest entry price in this comparison at just $25,940.
You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle with a length of only 171.2 inches.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You demand spirited driving, utilizing the 187 horsepower available.
You need substantial utility, highlighted by its 31.4 cu ft cargo capacity.
All-Wheel Drive security and a conventional automatic transmission are essential for your driving style.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Mazda CX-50
Length	171.2"	185.8"
Width	71.4"	75.6"
Height	64.1"	63.5"
Wheelbase	102.0"	110.8"

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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

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	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	15.9 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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	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	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	53.6 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: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

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	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-50.

How does the fuel economy compare between the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Mazda CX-50?

The Buick Encore GX is the clear efficiency leader, achieving 30 combined MPG, while the Mazda CX-50 posts a combined 26 MPG. This 4 MPG advantage means the Buick will cost less over the long haul.

Is the extra cost of the Mazda CX-50 worth it for the power difference?

The CX-50 costs $3,960 more, but it delivers a significant 50 horsepower boost, moving from 137 hp in the Buick to 187 hp. If performance matters more than initial savings, the Mazda provides that extra grunt.

Which crossover is better equipped for handling rough weather or slippery roads?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is better equipped as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Buick Encore GX is listed with front-wheel drive.

How much more space does the larger Mazda CX-50 offer over the Encore GX?

The CX-50 is substantially larger inside, offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Encore GX’s 23.5 cubic feet. This difference of 7.9 cubic feet is significant for family gear.

Do both vehicles offer a similar type of transmission?

No, the driving feel will differ greatly; the Encore GX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), while the CX-50 features a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic.

Can I use E85 fuel in either of these crossovers?

Only the 2025 Buick Encore GX is listed as a flex-fuel vehicle, capable of running on E85 in addition to unleaded gasoline, a feature the standard unleaded Mazda CX-50 lacks.