2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those with a penchant for black accents. It featured exclusive shiny black 18-inch wheels, a glossy black grille, and black side mirror housings, all complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design choice gave the CX-30 Turbo a unique and bold appearance, as if a black Sharpie had been unleashed upon it. Mazda's intention was to create a light and agile look, suggesting the body was floating over the wheels, a perception enhanced by the vehicle's elevated stance compared to the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, offering quality materials and a sophisticated vibe with stitched chocolate brown surfaces. The interior changes were subtle, with a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror. Standard black or white leather with GT trim added to the upscale feel. The CX-30's pricing ranged from $24,700 to $36,400, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827, including fees.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, meanwhile, was a handsome SUV with a strong family resemblance to its sibling, the Encore. It featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and a high beltline, with a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length that gave it a more balanced look. The optional ST appearance package added sporty touches like body-colour moldings, custom grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout. While rear-seat space was a bit tight, the cargo area was practical, with 665 litres of space behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The Encore GX's pricing was competitive, offering a range of features for its cost.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel's octane rating. Torque was impressive, measuring 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. This powertrain, combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD, provided effortless acceleration and a satisfying driving experience. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. The vehicle's handling was enhanced by G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and a robust rear differential mount, although its added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3. The CX-30 Turbo also featured an Off-Road mode for improved traction on challenging surfaces.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX was powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD, the engine was surprisingly capable, though a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were uninspiring, with a less settled ride and more noise than expected from a Buick. Despite this, the Encore GX handled everyday driving tasks with ease, and its tech features, like the engine stop/start system, contributed to its fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and standard heated front seats. The cabin's design created a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat space was cramped for adults. Cargo capacity was 572 litres with the rear seats up and 1,280 litres with them folded. The CX-30's storage solutions were practical, though the location of the wireless smartphone charger limited its use.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable and easy-to-use interior, with excellent visibility and well-placed controls. Front-seat space was ample, though rear-seat knee room was tight. The cargo area offered 665 litres of space with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded. The Encore GX's two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-speaker Bose audio system in the GT trim. The Active Driving Display provided useful data, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The tech package included advanced features like HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible even for those with tech anxiety.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a full suite of safety features and ADAS. The GT trim added adaptive front lighting and parking sensors, enhancing safety in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX also received high safety ratings, with standard driver assistance features and optional upgrades. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system added to its safety credentials. The Encore GX performed well in crash tests, though its headlight ratings varied by trim.