2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$28,770 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a slightly smaller, more efficient crossover and a more premium-feeling but less powerful option is a common sticking point for buyers. The 2026 Buick Encore GX undercuts the 2025 Mazda CX-5 significantly on price, starting at just $25,900 compared to the CX-5's $28,770. Fuel economy clearly favors the Buick, offering 30 combined MPG versus the Mazda's 25 combined MPG, potentially saving real money over time, especially given the Buick's flexibility with E85 fuel. However, performance is a different story: the CX-5 packs 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, crushing the Encore GX’s 137 hp and 162 lb-ft rating. While the Mazda offers 30.8 cu ft of cargo space, the smaller Encore GX only has 23.5 cu ft. This comparison pits efficiency and price against raw power and slightly more hauling capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 30 and lower entry MSRP of $25,900.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is better for families because it provides significantly more cargo capacity at 30.8 cu ft compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Mazda CX-5, which boasts 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Encore GX's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX offers better overall value by having a lower starting MSRP ($25,900) while achieving 5 more combined MPG than the CX-5.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You prioritize responsiveness, as the CX-5 delivers 187 horsepower compared to the GX's 137 hp.
You frequently haul gear or luggage, given the CX-5's superior 30.8 cu ft of cargo volume.
You prefer the more robust feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Your budget is tight, as the Encore GX starts at $25,900, undercutting the CX-5 by $2,870.
Maximizing fuel savings is key, with the Encore GX achieving 30 combined MPG.
You want the flexibility of using E85 fuel along with regular unleaded gasoline.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Buick
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	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Buick
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	51.9 in.
Seat Material: 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/Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

Which vehicle is faster off the line: the 2025 CX-5 or the 2026 Encore GX?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is clearly the faster vehicle, generating 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Buick Encore GX trails significantly with only 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.

How much space difference is there when comparing cargo areas?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers considerably more room with 30.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The 2026 Buick Encore GX is tighter, providing 23.5 cubic feet.

Is the fuel economy difference worth the performance trade-off?

The Buick Encore GX wins on efficiency, hitting 30 combined MPG versus the CX-5's 25 combined MPG, translating to about 5 fewer gallons consumed per 100 miles.

Does the standard drivetrain affect my buying decision?

Yes; both models come standard with AWD for the CX-5, while the base Encore GX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, which might matter in snowy conditions.

How do the exterior dimensions compare between the two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-5 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 180.1 inches long and 66.1 inches tall. The Buick Encore GX is shorter in both length (171.2 inches) and height (64.1 inches).