Subcompact SUVs are sometimes probably the most inexpensive automobiles on a vendor’s lot. They make easy-living each day drivers – sufficiently small to maneuver in city settings however with extra cargo area than you may anticipate, given their small dimension. In 2023, many are high-tech and comfy, with options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to reflect your cellphone on the automotive’s display screen and elective leather-based interiors.
The little Encore GX is Buick’s best-selling car. Most months, it almost ties Mazda’s most inexpensive SUV, the CX-30, in gross sales numbers. However that doesn’t imply these two have the identical enchantment. Let’s evaluate them.
2023 Mazda CX-30
Critics say the identical factor about virtually each Mazda. They are saying it time and again as a result of it’s true – these are enjoyable to drive. The Mazda CX-30 is the least costly Mazda SUV however has the model’s trademark tight dealing with and a too-good-for-its-price cabin really feel. There are sensible causes to find it irresistible, too – equivalent to normal all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing begins at $22,950.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Commonplace AWD: Most producers hold prices down by constructing their subcompact SUVs as front-wheel-drive automobiles and charging further for AWD. However what’s an SUV with out the grippy security of AWD? Within the Encore GX, energy to all 4 wheels provides $2,000 to the value. It’s normal within the CX-30.
Decrease beginning worth: Talking of worth, the CX-30 begins about $3,000 lower than the Encore GX. Mazda builds it in seven trim ranges, whereas Buick builds the GX in simply three. That makes it simpler to discover a CX-30 with the options you need with out overpaying for those you don’t.
That Mazda really feel: The key to Mazda’s success is torque vectoring – a system that brakes every particular person wheel individually to level the automotive into turns with out a lot physique roll. It’s frequent on luxurious vehicles however not frequent at this worth vary. Mazda, remarkably, builds it into even its most cost-effective vehicles. The CX-30 can also be way more highly effective than the Encore GX, even with out springing for the elective turbocharged engine.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Mazda CX-30 fashions on the market close to you.
2023 Buick Encore GX
Buick occupies a novel area within the automotive panorama, and it reveals within the Encore GX. Buick is extra premium than an inexpensive model (cousin Chevrolet holds down that area). Nevertheless it’s cheaper than a real luxurious model (cousin Cadillac has that job). Goldilocks-like, it builds vehicles rather less costly than true luxurious vehicles however a bit nicer than common. That’s a superb description of the Encore GX, a premium subcompact SUV and not using a true luxurious sticker worth. Costs begin at $25,900.
Buick Encore GX Highlights
An upscale really feel: Our check driver mentioned the Encore GX “has a pleasant, upscale inside for the cash. It’s not as premium as an SUV from a luxurious model, nevertheless it additionally isn’t as costly.” That’s Buick’s candy spot, and the GX hits it.
Beneficiant cargo area: The CX-30 and Encore GX have remarkably related entrance and rear seat dimensions, however the GX wins the cargo area battle with the rear seats up or down.
QuietTuning Know-how: A well-equipped CX-30 has most of the trimmings of a luxurious automotive. The one the place Buick actually units itself aside, although, is quiet cabins. The Encore GX might be the quietest car in its class on the freeway.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Encore GX fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
These two have almost the identical passenger quantity, and each, absolutely outfitted, are near-luxury vehicles.
Conclusion
The Buick Encore GX is a cushty subcompact SUV with near-luxury aspirations and a quiet experience. However its larger beginning worth, added payment for all-wheel drive, and uninspiring 137-horsepower engine restrict its enchantment. The Mazda CX-30 is extra enjoyable to drive and extra highly effective, cheaper, and might be equally luxurious at larger trims.
Specs:
2023 Mazda CX-30 | 2023 Buick Encore GX | |
Beginning Worth | $22,950 | $25,900 |
In style Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder |
Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed computerized | CVT |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Gasoline financial system | 26 metropolis/33 freeway/29 mixed mpg | 29 metropolis/32 freeway/30 mixed mpg |
Additionally Accessible | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | AWD; 1.3-liter turbo 3-cylinder; 9-spd computerized |
Specs | ||
Primary Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
NHTSA Total Security Score | TBD | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 102.2 inches |
Total Size | 173.0 inches | 171.4 inches |
Width | 70.7 inches | 71.4 inches |
Top | 61.7 inches | 64.1 inches |
Turning Diameter | 37.3 toes | 36.8 toes |
Headroom, Entrance | 38.1 inches | 39.7 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 38.1 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 41.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 36.3 inches | 36 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 55.6 inches | 55.4 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 53.6 inches |
Cargo Quantity | 20.2/45.2 cubic toes | 23.5/50.2 cubic toes |