What exactly does it mean to value a vehicle? The value of a vehicle has many variables from the place it was made to the features it has to offer. These factors will often make your head spin when trying to place them in order from least to most valuable, let alone having to compare them with more than one option, but with a tiny bit of knowledge comes a whole lot of power. The two cars that we will be valuing are the 2018 Buick Encore vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5. Both of these are compact SUVs that will best serve anyone who is in need of a type of transportation that is both easy to drive and high in luxury convenience. The 2018 Buick Encore starts at $22,990 and the 2018 CX-5 starts at $24,150, but the value is more than just the starting price.
Since they are both in the same class it can feel like an impossible mission to discover which offers the better value, but they are not twins, and the details will show that. In order to distinguish which offers more personal value for your lifestyle, it is the best to look at the highest appealing and valued features from the outside in to discover how these automobiles stack up side by side.
Outer Flair
Exterior Style
The similarities between the 2018 Buick Encore and the 2018 Mazda CX-5 when it comes to exterior style is mostly based around the class. They are both compact SUVs and only about 10 inches apart in overall dimension; they both offer a sense of confidence in their appearance though that exceeds a few vehicles twice their size.
The differences in their style are more about the impression they give off at the first encounter. The 2018 Buick Encore feels like the beautiful white gloved lady you meet at the ball and draws you in without knowing the reason why. On the other hand, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is similar to a down to earth family man who just wants to get the job done and done right.
Exterior Options
The first thing many people think about when discussing exterior options are the paint choices. Sure things can be painted over, but no one has the time or effort for that so it is best to have the option you want upfront, as after all, a good paint color can change the entire atmosphere of the vehicle you choose.
The 2018 Buick Encore offers nine exterior colors for all occasions and personality types. The Coastal Blue and Winterberry Red are especially great for those who desire a unique combo of smooth vibrancy. If something more elegant interests you then the dark Ebony Twilight or light Summit White work amazingly well with the 2018 Encores overall design. As for the 2018 Mazda CX-5, it offers seven exterior paints. The Soul Red will stun your eyes with how intense it is, while the Jet Black and Snowflake White Pearl will bring more subtlety.
Under the Hood Power
Being completely honest, although style and color are what catches our attention, it is what we find under the hood that makes us smile and feel secure. So, here is what you can expect from the 2018 Encore and 2018 CX-5 when you pop open the hood.
The 2018 Buick Encore is available in either the standard front-wheel drive or the more versatile and easy to control all-wheel drive. To help with the handling, the 2018 Encore comes with two engines for you to choose from. Both are 1.3L 4 cylinder turbo engines that max out at 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. The main difference between the two engines is the injection which is either multi-port or direct-port. The direct port injection is a bit more powerful, but neither is a bad option. As for fuel economy, the Buick Encore is at the top of its class with 33 mpg highway.
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 offers one engine that gives out an impressive 187-horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This is a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission that will blow away most of its competition. It also offers FWD and AWD, but the mileage is only 31 mpg highway, which isn’t bad, but not as good as the 2018 Encore.
Inner Charm
Interior style
People choose an SUV because they want space; people choose a compact SUV because they want space, convenience, style, and efficiency. Both of these vehicles offer an inexpertly impressive capacity limit that will allow you plenty of space to store your everyday load; it will also do so without wasting an inch of space.
The 2018 Buick Encore offers 48.4 cubic feet of storage space, while the 2018 Mazda CX-5 offers 59.6 cubic feet due to its extra few inches in dimension. Both of these compact vehicles also have the ability to fit five adults comfortably. As for interior appearance, the popular leather upholstery which adds refinement and comfort is cheaper and more easily purchased as a standard feature in the 2018 Encore.
Safety Features
The safety features a vehicle offers are essential to the overall reliability. The 2018 Encore received a five-star rating in safety, while the 2018 CX-5 received four stars. Neither is without its amazing features, but Buick seems to have the upper hand in this category.
There are three key safety features of the 2018 Buick Encore which consist of lane departure warning for that pesky drifting, side blind zone alert for what you can’t see, and forward collision alert for things that just happen too quickly. These three together will make it nearly impossible for you to lose awareness of the world around you. Not only that, but the Encore is one of the leaders in giving the most standard safety features in its class.
One of the best features of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is an automatic emergency brake as a standard feature. While the Buick features listed above prevent accidents from happening, this feature allows for safety even if the unthinkable does happen against your best judgment and awareness, making it extremely reassuring to have.
Sometimes placing a value on a vehicle can seem like a never-ending puzzle, but having a side by side comparison actually makes things easier. In this case, the 2018 Buick Encore seems to have gained the edge in features and style, while the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is bigger and offers a more powerful engine. Which should you choose though? Well, it just depends on what you personally value.
