The 2026 Buick Encore GX delivers 30 combined MPG on FWD trims, beating the CX-30’s 27 combined rating. The Encore GX also offers 3.3 more cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats than the CX-30. This page compares both SUVs spec by spec so you can shop current Encore GX inventory with confidence.
The Encore GX is the stronger choice for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency, cargo room, and cabin refinement. The CX-30 is built for drivers who want a sportier, more powerful engine and standard AWD on every trim. If you spend time hauling groceries, gear, or kids between Marion and the surrounding area, the Encore GX’s extra cargo space and quieter cabin give it a real everyday advantage.
| Specification | 2026 Buick Encore GX | 2026 Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Turbo 1.3L 3-cyl (1.2L on Preferred) | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 186 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT (FWD) / 9-speed auto (AWD) | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; AWD available | AWD standard on all trims |
| EPA City / Hwy / Combined (FWD) | 30 / 31 / 30 MPG | N/A (AWD only) |
| EPA City / Hwy / Combined (AWD) | 26 / 28 / 26 MPG | 24 / 31 / 27 MPG |
| Length | 171.1 in | 173.0 in |
| Height | 64.9 in | 61.4 in |
| Cargo (2nd row up) | 23.5 cu ft | 20.2 cu ft |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Towing | 1,000 lbs | Not Rated |
| Warranty (Basic / Powertrain) | 3yr/36k / 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k / 5yr/60k |
The CX-30’s 186 hp SKYACTIV-G 2.5L four-cylinder outpunches the Encore GX’s 155 hp turbocharged three-cylinder on paper. Drivers who want a linear, confident throttle response will feel that gap, particularly on highway on-ramps. The CX-30 uses a 6-speed automatic with a sport mode, which gives it a more driver-focused character.
The Encore GX trades peak power for efficiency. Its turbocharged 1.3L three-cylinder pairs with a CVT on FWD trims, reaching 30 combined MPG, the stronger fuel economy figure between the two. AWD Encore GX models use a 9-speed automatic and produce 174 lb-ft of torque. Buyers who stay mostly on surface roads around Marion and central Indiana will find the Encore GX’s power entirely adequate.
One structural difference: the CX-30 comes with AWD on every trim, while the Encore GX offers FWD as the standard setup with AWD available. Shoppers who need AWD for winter conditions can get it on any Encore GX trim, but they give up the fuel economy advantage of the FWD versions.
The Encore GX is taller than the CX-30 (64.9 in vs 61.4 in), which translates to a roomier, more upright seating position. With 23.5 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row, the Encore GX holds 3.3 more cubic feet than the CX-30’s 20.2 cu ft, a meaningful difference when loading up for a weekend trip.
Both vehicles seat five with 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The Encore GX Avenir trim steps up to perforated leather-appointed seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a standard 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar. The Avenir also includes a hands-free power liftgate and a cargo cover, features that add genuine daily convenience.
QuietTuning active noise cancellation is standard on every Encore GX trim. The CX-30 does not list a comparable active noise reduction system. For buyers who commute regularly through Indiana’s highway miles, that cabin quietness is a tangible difference.
Both SUVs lead with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard features on their respective trim lineups. The Encore GX’s 11-inch ultrawide HD touchscreen is wider than the CX-30’s screens (8.8 inches on base trims, 10.25 inches on Preferred and above). The Encore GX also pairs the screen with an 8-inch digital Driver Information Center.
On safety, both vehicles include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams as standard equipment.
The CX-30 adds standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go on all trims, plus a driver attention monitor. The Encore GX offers adaptive cruise control as an available feature through the Advanced Technology Package on Preferred and Sport Touring trims. The Avenir trim has its own Avenir Technology Package that includes adaptive cruise control.
The CX-30 also lists a 360-degree view monitor on Premium and above. The Encore GX offers HD Surround Vision (360-degree camera) as an available option across Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims.
Both vehicles carry identical warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain. Roadside assistance on both runs 5 years/60,000 miles. Neither vehicle holds a clear advantage on the warranty sheet.
The Encore GX’s fuel economy edge on FWD trims (30 combined vs the CX-30’s 27 combined on AWD) will reduce fuel costs over the life of ownership. The Encore GX also includes one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit in the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, which lowers first-year ownership cost.
Standard content on base Encore GX trims includes remote start (both key fob and the myBuick app), wireless charging as an available feature, and QuietTuning noise cancellation. The CX-30 base 2.5 S does not include wireless CarPlay or Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, or heated seats as standard. Shoppers comparing similarly specified trims will find the Encore GX bundles more comfort-oriented content at comparable entry points.
The Encore GX wins on cargo space, fuel efficiency on FWD trims, and cabin refinement. The CX-30 wins on raw power and standard AWD. Shoppers in Marion and across central Indiana who want a quieter, more fuel-efficient daily crossover with genuine cargo room will find the Encore GX is the practical choice. Greg Hubler Buick GMC carries current Encore GX inventory across the Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims so you can compare the builds in person.
Yes. The FWD Encore GX earns 30 combined MPG, while the CX-30 (AWD only) earns 27 combined MPG. The AWD Encore GX still matches or edges the CX-30 at 26 city versus the CX-30’s 24 city.
The Encore GX. It offers 23.5 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats, compared to 20.2 cu ft in the CX-30. That is 3.3 additional cubic feet for the Encore GX.
Yes. AWD is available on every Encore GX trim, including Preferred AWD, Sport Touring AWD, and Avenir AWD. FWD is the standard configuration on base trims.
The CX-30 produces 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque from its 2.5L four-cylinder. The Encore GX produces 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 1.3L three-cylinder. The CX-30 has the horsepower advantage.
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on every 2026 Encore GX trim.
Yes. Both carry a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Greg Hubler Buick GMC in Marion, IN carries the 2026 Encore GX. You can browse current inventory or schedule a test drive directly through the Greg Hubler website.
