2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mazda CX-30
Comparison Overview
The most striking quantitative divergence between the 2026 Buick Encore GX (car1) and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 (car2) lies in powertrain output, with the CX-30 delivering 186 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp, a substantial 49 hp disparity. The Encore GX holds efficiency advantages, achieving 30 MPG combined against the CX-30's 27 MPG combined, and utilizes a flex-fuel setup. Conversely, the Mazda boasts superior torque at 186 lb-ft versus the Buick’s 162 lb-ft and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) while the Buick is FWD. Dimensionally, the CX-30 is slightly longer at 173.0 inches versus 171.2 inches, but the Encore GX offers greater utility with 23.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. Pricing is nearly identical, with the Buick starting at $25,900 and the Mazda at $25,975, positioning them as direct, yet functionally distinct, competitors in the small crossover segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX provides more usable utility for families, offering 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity over the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is the choice for driving enthusiasts, delivering 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Buick's outputs.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX offers better efficiency and more cargo room for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $25,900.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Maximum fuel economy is a priority, as its 30 MPG combined rating outpaces the CX-30's 27 MPG.
- Need for maximum storage, evidenced by its 23.5 cu ft of cargo volume.
- Intend to use E85 fuel, as the Encore GX supports flex-fuel capability.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- Desire significantly higher performance, possessing 186 hp versus the Encore GX's 137 hp.
- Require the enhanced traction offered by standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
- Prefer the traditional feel of a 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 |
| Spare Tire Location | — | 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 2026 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Mazda CX-30.
How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-30 compared to the Buick Encore GX?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 generates 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is 49 more horsepower and 24 more lb-ft of torque than the 2026 Buick Encore GX (137 hp/162 lb-ft).
Which crossover provides better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The Buick Encore GX is the more fuel-efficient option, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating (30 city/31 highway) compared to the CX-30’s 27 MPG combined (24 city/31 highway).
Does either vehicle offer standard All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, while the 2026 Buick Encore GX utilizes a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration.
What is the difference in cargo volume between these two models?
The Buick Encore GX offers superior cargo capacity at 23.5 cubic feet, whereas the Mazda CX-30 provides 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Are the starting prices significantly different?
The starting prices are nearly identical; the Buick Encore GX is listed at $25,900, just $75 less than the Mazda CX-30's $25,975 MSRP.
What type of transmission is featured in each crossover?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the 2026 Mazda CX-30 is equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool