2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$25,900 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between an efficient city cruiser and a more capable adventure buddy often comes down to balancing budget against performance. The 2026 Buick Encore GX starts significantly lower at an MSRP of $25,900 compared to the Mazda CX-50's $29,900, a difference of $4,000 right off the bat. However, the Mazda counters with a much healthier 187 hp output versus the Buick's 137 hp, making highway merging easier. Efficiency is a clear win for the Encore GX, boasting 30 MPG combined compared to the CX-50's 26 MPG combined, which matters on long commutes. While the Encore GX is smaller at 171.2 inches long, the CX-50 offers substantially more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo space against the Buick’s 23.5 cu ft. Buyers must weigh that upfront cost and fuel savings against extra power and size.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower initial cost of $25,900.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is better for families as it provides significantly more cargo capacity at 31.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-50 because it generates 187 hp, a 50 hp advantage over the Buick's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX offers better overall value, mainly driven by its $4,000 lower starting MSRP and better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You need the absolute lowest upfront cost, starting at $25,900.
Maximum fuel efficiency is critical, highlighted by its 30 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a slightly more nimble vehicle for city driving, noted by its shorter length of 171.2 inches.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You frequently carry large amounts of gear, thanks to the 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.
You value performance and have a need for its 187 hp engine output.
All-wheel drive capability and standard 185 lb-ft of torque are important for your driving conditions.

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
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-50.

How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-50 than the Buick Encore GX?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 has a noticeable power advantage, producing 187 hp compared to the 2026 Buick Encore GX's 137 hp. This 50 hp difference means the Mazda will feel quicker, especially when merging onto highways.

Is the difference in fuel economy significant enough to warrant the price gap?

Yes, the efficiency difference is measurable; the Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined while the CX-50 gets 26 MPG combined. Over a year, this 4 MPG advantage in the Buick can offset some of the initial savings, especially if you drive many miles.

Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling groceries or luggage?

The Mazda CX-50 is significantly better for utility, offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Buick Encore GX provides less space at 23.5 cubic feet.

What are the drivetrain differences between these two crossovers?

The Buick Encore GX is front-wheel drive (FWD) and uses a continuously variable transmission, whereas the Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Does the Encore GX support alternative fuels?

Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX is flex-fuel capable, meaning it can run on regular unleaded gasoline or E85 fuel. The Mazda CX-50 strictly requires regular unleaded gasoline.

How large is the size difference when parking in tight spots?

The Buick Encore GX is the smaller vehicle overall, measuring 171.2 inches long compared to the CX-50’s 185.8 inches in length, which may make the Buick slightly easier to maneuver and fit into tighter parking spaces.