2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its attractive design came with a steep learning curve.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's historical design excellence. Its rounded exterior surfaces and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to convey the high-riding SUV look. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which included different bumpers, a black mesh grille with red inserts, and 18-inch wheels, the changes were subtle. The interior of the Encore GX Essence model featured expected top-trim features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. However, the mostly plastic interior reminded us of its position at the bottom of Buick's hierarchy. The dashboard and door panels had a blob-like design reminiscent of 1990s automotive design, with the instrument cluster being the only memorable feature.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options. The base GX model had a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT models came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, which produced 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it resulted in a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than its specs suggested, but power delivery wasn't smooth due to the small-displacement engine and turbocharger. The nine-speed automatic transmission could be caught in the wrong gear, requiring a slow-and-steady throttle approach. The Encore GX offered a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with the seats in use, which was average for the subcompact SUV segment. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. The centre console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided solid headroom for short-to-medium trips but lacked the headroom of larger models like the CX-5.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom similar to rivals like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Encore GX had 665 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres with them folded, topping the Kona and CX-30. However, the front seats were placed far inboard, squeezing the driver and front passenger together and reducing spaciousness. The front seats lacked thigh support, affecting comfort. Despite limited cabin size, the Encore GX had large door pockets and a centre-console tray for small-item storage. The available wireless charging pad was space-efficient, and instrumentation was well-executed.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen lacked touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick in the centre console, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive. However, the lack of touch functionality made it difficult to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating between presets was challenging, even after setting them up, and the system could be distracting for new users.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was easy to use, with graphics that looked nicer than many competitors. The 8-inch touchscreen was small by current standards but fit well into the dashboard.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though most were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top marks in all crash tests and a "Superior" score for driver-assistance technology.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The Encore GX was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests.