2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Buick Encore GX

During the 2020 Mazda CX-30's development, a decision was made to cover its lower perimeter with thick gray plastic cladding. This choice was widely considered a misstep, as it detracted from the vehicle's otherwise appealing design. The excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear undersized and gave the CX-30 a perpetually elevated look, as if it were on a hydraulic lift. Despite this, the CX-30's overall design was praised, especially its luxurious interior above the midpoint of the cabin. Below that, hard plastic was prevalent, but this was expected given the price point. The CX-30's pricing started at $21,900, with various trims and options pushing the cost up to $32,120 for a fully loaded model.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX, slightly larger than the standard Encore, featured a more mature and complete exterior design. It had a larger grille, revised headlights, and a reworked rear end, giving it a more sophisticated appearance. Inside, the cabin was well-crafted, with a focus on style and fit and finish, though it wasn't as upscale as the Mazda CX-30's interior. The Encore GX offered three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, each adding more features and amenities. The Essence trim, for example, included leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 120-volt power outlet. Our test vehicle, equipped with the ST package, featured unique styling elements that enhanced its premium look.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a smooth and refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite its competitive power figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was excellent, making the most of the available power. The CX-30 offered an optional AWD system with off-road traction assist, providing 8 inches of ground clearance. While not ideal for serious off-roading, it was sufficient for most small crossover SUV needs. The CX-30's driving dynamics were generally praised, though it felt slower and less agile compared to the Mazda3 on which it was based. Fuel economy was a concern, with an observed average of 23.9 mpg, lower than the EPA's combined rating of 27 mpg.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT for the FWD model. Our test model featured the optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission for the AWD version. The 1.3-liter engine provided solid power, though it felt underwhelming at lower speeds. The overall driving experience was smooth, with responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension that handled bumps and potholes effectively. The Encore GX's handling was surprisingly composed at higher speeds, allowing for confident cornering. The auto-stop/start system was seamless, though the engine's occasional vibrations were noticeable.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its higher ground clearance. Inside, the cabin was upscale and elegant, with soft padding on the center console, door armrests, and front upper door panels. The driving position was excellent, and the analog gauges were easy to read. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather available in Select and Preferred trims, and genuine leather in Premium trim. The rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom, making it suitable for younger children or shorter adults. Cargo space was also limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, less than many competitors.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered more space, particularly in the rear seats and cargo area. The rear doors were larger, and the rear seat provided more legroom and headroom. With the rear seats up, the Encore GX had 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This was more than the standard Encore and slightly less than the larger Buick Envision. The rear load floor could be adjusted to create more space, and the rear seats could be folded down without moving the front seats. Up front, the shifter was repositioned to create additional storage space, and the cup holders were designed to accommodate large water bottles.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 featured an 8.8-inch static display for its infotainment system, which was not a touchscreen to encourage driver focus. However, the controls were not always intuitive, making the system challenging to use while driving. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Pandora, and Mazda Connected Services with a 3-year trial subscription. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available starting with the Select trim, and higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with GM's latest touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a user-friendly layout, crisp graphics, and responsive performance. The system allowed for customization of the main menu and included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a rear camera mirror. Our test model featured a head-up display projected onto a small plastic screen, which was a cost-effective alternative to a specialized windshield.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, with a comprehensive list of standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and impressive crash-test ratings. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a reversing camera, driver monitoring system, and automatic high-beam LED headlights. Select trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, while Premium trim included adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with Premium trim.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX also offered a robust suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and following distance indicator. The Teen Driver System allowed for speed and volume limitations. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Encore GX also came with standard front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.