Small Crossover Matchup: 2021 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2021 Buick Encore GX

When it comes to small, affordable crossovers there is no shortage of choice. We sampled the 2021 Buick Encore GX ST and the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Premium Plus. While not direct competitors, there was a lot to like about both.
Highlights of the Buick Encore GX:
1.3L Turbo 3 cylinder engine
155 hp @ 5600 rpm
174 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
CVT
8" diagonal color touch-screen
Head-Up Display
Adaptive Cruise Control
Power liftgate
Keyless Open and Start
Starting MSRP: $29,795
MSRP as tested: $32,215
MPG: 28/31/29 (city/hwy/cmb)
Highlights of the Mazda CX-30:
2.5L Turbo 4 cylinder engine
227 hp @ 5000 rpm
310 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
6 speed Sport-Tuned Automatic
8.8" color infotainment display
Head-Up Display
Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go
Lane Keep Assist
Keyless Open and Start
Starting MSRP: $30,050
MSRP as tested: $35,400
MPG: 22/30/25 (city/hwy/cmb)
Check out our review of the Mazda3:
• But Is It a Hot Hatch?...
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[@carlheadley9775]

I recently purchased a 2020 encore gx select AWD 1.3L turbo interior layout is really nice I have to say, drivings well in the city but on the highway sometimes I feel I have to really floor it to get up to speed.

[@tricia154]

May be a 4-banger, but that Skyactiv 2.5T sounds reeeeeaallly nice, even while subdued. Happy CX-30 Turbo owner here, happy to see more detailed takes on it!

[@GTGarageTalk]

We can see why you’re such a happy owner. It was a fun little rig. How’s it to live with? Does it beat you up like Matt suggests, or is it just a little firm?

[@tricia154]

@@GTGarageTalk Its just a little firm in my opinion, I think its tuned perfectly in most cases, only complaint is the once every few weeks when you hit a big pothole, you'll certainly feel a decent chunk of it but I don't mind, the occasional jolt is a necessary sacrifice for the rest of the ride. I put some 235 pilot sport A/S 4's on almost immediately, and if you can believe it, it feels like MORE torque is available. It sounds like a joke for a CUV but I'd really love to see what it would be capable of on the track, or better yet some light rally stages. Great channel though, guys! You deserve more viewership with the detail you go into

[@NOT_A_TOP_FAN]

Pretty good review. Just bought a mid level trim Encore GX ST for our teenage daughter. Lots of safety features, the low end turbo is enough for a teenage driver who doesn’t know or need crazy amounts of speed, and Buick was much more willing to negotiate off the sticker. So based on a VERY attractive OTD price, the Buick was a no brainer.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Sounds like you got a sweet deal! That’s awesome!!!

[@Wrangler4XEFans]

That opening scene is great.

[@GTGarageTalk]

I like bursting bubbles. 🤣😉

[@jasonlake2427]

Buick for the win..no competition

[@GTGarageTalk]

👍🏼