Trying to decide between the 2019 Buick Encore vs 2019 Mazda CX-3? Both the Encore and CX-3 are excellent vehicles in the subcompact SUV class. They are stylish, advanced, easy to maneuver and offer plenty of onboard technology. However, there are some major differences between these two SUVs. Each vehicle features varying standard features, performance specs, and very different designs. In order to make it easy for you to compare the 2019 Buick Encore vs 2019 Mazda CX-3, we’ll compare these subcompact SUVs across numerous varieties and see who comes out on top in each one. So, let’s see how the Encore and CX-3 compare in terms of power, efficiency, cargo space, entertainment, safety, interior design, and more. While both vehicles are excellent choices among their competitors, only one vehicle can be the winner.
Power: The 2019 Buick Encore
The 2019 Buick Encore offers 1.4L engine standard, as well as a turbocharged version of this engine as an available option. The turbocharged engine is capable of producing up to 153 hp and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is more than enough power to allow for smooth and quick acceleration in the city and on the highway. However, the handling of the Encore is one of the strongest highlights of this subcompact SUV. Drivers and critics note that the Encore offers an incredibly comfortable, quiet, and refined ride while offering plenty of maneuverability.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 offers one engine option a 2.0L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder, which is capable of producing up to 148 hp. Surprisingly, this is actually an upgrade from the engine of previous model years, but it just can’t quite match the power of many of its competitors. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and manual shift mode is a standard feature. Critics do note that the CX-3 offers sporty handling and is fun to drive, but overall the Encore offers super performance and ride quality.
Efficiency: The 2019 Mazda CX-3
The fuel economy ratings of the 2019 Buick Encore vs 2019 Mazda CX-3 are very close; however, the CX-3 offers slightly better ratings at up to 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the 2019 Buick Encore offers up to 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. For both vehicles, these are above average ratings for the subcompact SUV class.
Cargo Space: The 2019 Buick Encore
The 2019 Buick Encore offers great cargo space for a subcompact SUV, including 19 cubic feet in the area behind the rear seats and a total of 48 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. The 2019 Mazda CX-3 offers only 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, allowing for a total of 44.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. Critics also note that the Mazda CX-3 has a higher floor height than many of its competitors, which can make loading items difficult.
Entertainment: The 2019 Buick Encore
Not many vehicles are able to compete with the standard tech offered on Buick models, and the 2019 Buick Encore is certainly no different. Standard entertainment technology offered on the base model of the 2019 Buick Encore includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, 4G LTE WiFi, dual USB ports, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and more. The Encore also features a very long list of available entertainment features including navigation and a Bose sound system. Meanwhile, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 also offers a nice standard entertainment suite including a 7-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth. However, the CX-3 lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto completely, which has become a must-have feature for many modern drivers. Combine this with the smaller touchscreen display and the 2019 Buick Encore is the clear overall choice in this category.
Safety: The 2019 Mazda CX-3
In terms of safety, it’s a close call between the 2019 Buick Encore vs 2019 Mazda CX-3. Both the Encore and CX-3 earned top safety scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA during crash and safety testing. However, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 offers a few standard driver assist features that are available features on the Encore. Drivers of the 2019 Mazda CX-3 can enjoy a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and low-speed forward automatic braking onboard the base model. While the 2019 Buick Encore offers a standard rearview camera and its remaining driver assist features as available features.
Warranty Program: The 2019 Buick Encore
Buick offers one of the best warranty programs on the market, so it’s no surprise that the Encore takes the win in this category. Consumers who purchase the 2019 Buick Encore can enjoy a 4-year/50,000 mile warranty, as well as a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty. However, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 offers a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty and 5-year/60,000 mile warranty, which has become average among most vehicle classes. The better the warranty program, the more coverage you have on your new vehicle, which saves an incredible amount of money in the event of any necessary covered repairs. Drivers looking for the most coverage will certainly want to opt for the 2019 Buick Encore.
Reliability: The 2019 Buick Encore
For the subcompact class, a reliability rating of 3 out of 5 from J.D. Power is considered average. However, the 2019 Buick Encore exceeded these expectations by earning a nearly perfect 4.5 out of 5 rating from J.D. Power. Meanwhile, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 earned the average 3 out of 5 rating. This means drivers of the Encore are more likely to enjoy a significantly more reliable vehicle, which translates to increased savings and a longer lasting SUV, than drivers of the 2019 Mazda CX-3.
Interior: The 2019 Buick Encore
Comparing the interior of the 2019 Buick Encore vs 2019 Mazda CX-3 is tricky. The 2019 Mazda CX-3 does not offer a poor interior. In fact, its interior rivals nearly every competitor in its class, except the 2019 Buick Encore. Considered a luxury vehicle, the 2019 Buick Encore offers a very upscale interior. Luxury features are abundant on each trim level and are incredibly impressive among its higher trim level. No matter what model of the Encore you choose, you’ll enjoy luxury materials and features, as well as an exceptionally comfortable interior. Available luxury features include heated seating, a heated steering wheel, leather seating, and a moonroof.
So, The 2019 Buick Encore or 2019 Mazda CX-3?
Both the 2019 Buick Encore and 2019 Mazda CX-3 are excellent vehicles in the subcompact SUV class. The CX-3 takes the win in terms of efficiency and safety, but the 2019 Buick Encore is a close rival in those categories and is a clear winner in the remaining categories. With the edge in power, cargo space, entertainment, warranty coverage, reliability, and the interior, we have to give the win to the 2019 Buick Encore as the better vehicle. Given its impressive qualities, the Encore makes the perfect vehicle for drivers looking for a compact, but versatile vehicle with plenty of luxury and standard features. However, if you’re interested in purchasing either of these impressive vehicles, you’ll want to go see each vehicle in person to make a final decision.
