Encore GX vs CX-30
Two brands, one target. The Encore GX from Buick and the CX-30 from Mazda compete head to head for subcompact suv shoppers. Scoring each area separately, the Encore GX comes out on top 2 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CX-30 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Encore GX wins
- Space & Practicality Encore GX wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Fuel Economy & Range2.3
- Space & Practicality2.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The CX-30 has 54 hp more power
At 191 hp versus 137 hp, this is a decisive lead for the CX-30, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Encore GX has 16% more cargo space
If cargo (behind rear seats) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Encore GX leads clearly with 23.5 cu ft to the CX-30’s 20.2 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Encore GX has better city fuel economy
The numbers aren’t close. The Encore GX lists 30 mpg for fuel economy (city), while the CX-30 lists 26 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The CX-30 has 24 lb-ft more torque
The CX-30 is slightly stronger on torque. The gap, 186 lb-ft versus 162 lb-ft, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Encore GX has 11% more maximum cargo space
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Encore GX: 50.2 cu ft against 45.2 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Design & Size
Size won’t decide this one: the Encore GX and the CX-30 have very similar dimensions.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 173 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 104.4 in |
Engine & Performance
CX-30 leads
In the engine & performance category, the CX-30 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The CX-30 makes its case with 54 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The engine & performance verdict goes to the CX-30.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp CX-30: 191 hp The CX-30’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft CX-30: 186 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Encore GX leads
A modest lead on fuel economy & range belongs to the Encore GX. The Encore GX wins here with better city fuel economy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Encore GX has the better rating here. The CX-30 takes this one with better highway fuel economy. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the Encore GX is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (city)
Encore GX: 30 mpg CX-30: 26 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Encore GX starts from a better baseline.
Fuel economy (highway)
Encore GX: 31 mpg CX-30: 33 mpg The CX-30 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Encore GX leads
When it comes to space & practicality, the Encore GX is comfortably ahead. The Encore GX steps ahead thanks to 16% more cargo space. The Encore GX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the Encore GX.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Encore GX: 23.5 cu ft CX-30: 20.2 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Encore GX: 50.2 cu ft CX-30: 45.2 cu ft The Encore GX can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 191 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft (winner) | 20.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft (winner) | 45.2 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 173 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 104.4 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,940 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Encore GX if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23.5 cu ft vs 20.2 cu ft)
- you want better city fuel economy (30 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you move bulky items now and then (50.2 cu ft vs 45.2 cu ft maximum cargo)
Choose the CX-30 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (191 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (186 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Encore GX or the CX-30?
The Encore GX wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 54 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Is the Encore GX bigger than the CX-30?
Neither by much. The Encore GX and the CX-30 have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Encore GX and the CX-30 purely on what they offer. The biggest reason I lean toward the Encore GX is simple: it has 16% more cargo space. And the Encore GX doesn’t stop there; it also offers better city fuel economy. To be fair, the CX-30 has 54 hp more power, and that’s not nothing.
If you’d rather have strength in fuel economy & range, go with the Encore GX. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the CX-30.
My pick: if it were my money, the Encore GX, unless what you want most is 54 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.