2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

Mazda executed the concept of premium better than its competitors with the 2020 CX-5. This model year saw more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance, along with modifications to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received an increase in torque output, and AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, with the test vehicle's window sticker coming to $38,680. The CX-5's "Kodo" styling themes made it look appealing, distinctive, and upscale, a feat many automakers struggled to achieve. The interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, giving it a luxurious feel, though the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX's styling was one of its best features, especially compared to the original Encore. The SUV came in base Preferred, mid-grade Select, and top-shelf Essence trim levels, with the racy-looking Sport Touring (ST) package available for all trims. Buyers could choose between FWD and AWD, with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. Pricing started at $24,200 and went up to $30,600. The test model had Essence trim, the 1.3-liter turbo engine, and several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Buick offered significant discounts for GM customers and lease deals for non-GM owners. The Encore GX's cabin offered expected quality levels, though the interior design wasn't as clean as the exterior. The analog gauges were hard to read, and the HUD vibrated on anything but smooth pavement, highlighting the SUV's lack of refinement.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. FWD was standard, with AWD optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, generating 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. The turbocharged engine, though powerful, was less efficient, rated at 24 mpg combined, compared to 26 mpg combined for the naturally aspirated engine with AWD. The CX-5 Signature accelerated with authority despite its 3,825-pound curb weight and offered an engaging driving experience thanks to G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus). However, excessive body motions and a high center of gravity detracted from its overall driving thrill.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The larger 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, available with AWD or higher trims, generated 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Encore GX's driving experience was adequate, with enough power for freeway cruising and some torque steer with FWD. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The ride quality was inconsistent, and despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet. The Encore GX lacked refinement, especially compared to its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Trailblazer. However, it handled well on narrow, winding roads, and averaged 28.2 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, making it less practical. However, Mazda focused on an upscale cabin and generous standard equipment. The interior featured classy gauges and elegant metallic accents. Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and rear air conditioning vents. Grand Touring trim included a power height-adjustable front passenger seat, while Grand Touring Reserve added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Signature trim offered Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. The front seats were comfortable but small, and rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX had supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and no air conditioning vents. Interior storage was good, with a trunk measuring 23.5 cubic feet, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle had a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items. These features added practicality to the Encore GX's interior.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which conveyed an upscale impression but required acclimation. The Sport trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Grand Touring trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. Signature trim added navigation, a surround-view camera, and SiriusXM data. Interaction options included the touchscreen, center console controls, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition, though none were ideal. Mazda planned to update the system for 2021, addressing some operational issues.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth for two devices, and Buick Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle also had navigation, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L, and a surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was available. The system offered quick response, impressive voice recognition, and a simple user interface, providing an excellent user experience.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with standard i-Activsense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. It also had standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, with adaptive headlights available on higher trims. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual tests.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came with standard Buick Driver Confidence, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, and adaptive cruise control was available. The Encore GX also had Teen Driver technology and automatic collision notification. The adaptive cruise control's stop-and-go function required manual reactivation after a few seconds, and distance management settings were challenging. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it.