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The subcompact SUV market is packed with options for buyers. Offering enough space, practicality, and versatility in a svelte road footprint, subcompact SUVs are massively appealing for individuals to small families primarily commuting in a crowded urban environment.
One option from a renowned American brand is the 2023 Buick Encore GX, which was introduced in 2020 to cater to this segment. It goes head-to-head with a variety of American, European, and Far Eastern competitors. One such competitor from Japan is Mazda's CX-30, which was also introduced in 2020.
Let's compare the Encore GX vs. CX-30 and see how they stack up against each other in terms of interior, performance, and safety features. If you want to learn more about the 2023 Encore GX, contact Bob Brady Buick GMC in Forsyth, IL.
The 2023 Encore GX and 2023 CX-30 offer cabins with space for up to five adults, but many users prefer them as spacious four-seaters. The Encore GX offers 94.3 cubic feet of passenger space, slightly more than the 94.1 offered by the 2023 CX-30. Furthermore, the Encore GX’s 23.5 cubic foot trunk is more spacious and versatile than the 20.2 cubic feet offered by the CX-30.
The 2023 Encore GX and 2023 CX-30 both offer an array of features for the price, including dual-zone climate control, a powered driver's seat, and a touch-screen infotainment system, as well as standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. They've also got comprehensive option lists, including audio system upgrades.
The 2023 Encore GX comes with a choice of two frugal yet peppy powertrains. The base engine is a 1.2-liter turbocharged Ecotec 3-cylinder with a healthy 137 horsepower. Higher trims get a 1.3-liter turbocharged Ecotec 3-cylinder that serves up 155 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive variants receive a CVT automatic transmission but select an all-wheel-drive variant, and you receive a nine-speed automatic transmission. As you’d expect, the 2023 Encore GX’s downsized powertrains offer over 30 mpg, even on all-wheel-drive variants with the 155-horsepower engine.
Granted, the 2023 CX-30 comes with a choice of a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine with 187 horsepower, and you can have the same engine produce 227 horsepower with the aid of a turbocharger. However, it’s stuck with an ancient six-speed automatic transmission, and despite having an all-wheel-drive system, a significant kerb weight penalty results in less-than-sparkling performance and thirstier fuel economy figures. You might see 30 mpg on the highway, but city figures will be in the low 20s.
The 2023 Encore GX and 2023 CX-30 offer a comprehensive suite of at least six airbags, stability control, daytime running lamps, child safety locks, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. You can also have your 2023 Encore GX with adaptive cruise control if desired.
Finding the best subcompact SUV is not easy, but we've concluded that the 2023 Encore GX is the best contender for your hard-earned money. It's got more space, practicality, and frugality than the 2023 CX-30, which may appear to offer more power but is correspondingly thirstier. So drop by Bob Brady Buick GMC in Forsyth, IL, and test drive the new Encore GX.
