Sales
Open Today Sales: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
Service/Parts
Open Today Service: 7:30 AM-5:30 PM
If you’ve done any homework yet in your search for a spirited and sporty subcompact SUV, then you’ve probably already figured out that the Buick Encore and the Mazda CX-3 are two of the best ones on the market. But with two such stylish and well-equipped contenders on your radar, how do you know which one wins out? You could do the work yourself with a point-by-point comparison of all the aspects of each vehicle that mean the most to you. Or you could start here, with our brief overview of how these two popular picks stack up against one another in a few key ways. Read on for some points to ponder.
Just because a vehicle is part of a category labeled as “subcompact” doesn’t mean that it has to feel cramped. You shouldn’t be too limited in your ability to load up groceries or luggage for a road trip, either. The Buick Encore is generous with interior space, offering a cargo hold that measures in at 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. If you’re not traveling with backseat passengers, you can fold down the second row and make way for an ample 48.4 cubic feet.
The Mazda CX-3 doesn’t measure up in terms of interior space. There are just 12.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and even with the rear seats folded down you can only open up a humble 44.5 cubic feet.
Comparing the cabins of the Encore and the CX-3 is a bit less concrete. After all, both of them are well-designed vehicles with class and style to spare. But in this comparison, the Buick Encore pulls ahead because of its upscale interior and luxurious appointments.
Buick as a brand is good at infusing its vehicles with refinement and sophistication, and the Encore showcases some of the manufacturer’s best offerings. Premium materials and equipment like rich leather upholstery, heated and power adjustable seats, a moonroof, and upgraded audio offerings make for a truly luxurious experience every time you set off for a drive in the Encore.
The 2020 CX-3 comes in just one trim, leaving you nowhere to upgrade or opt out of any features that you’d rather not pay extra for. The cabin is comfortable but less posh than that of the Encore, and some of the materials – hard plastics on some surfaces, cloth upholstery – aren’t quite as inviting.
It’s not the most glamorous of distinctions to think about when you’re shopping for a vehicle, but reliability is a crucial factor that should play into your choice. According to its solid J.D. Power predicted reliability score, the Buick Encore is easily the more reliable of these two subcompact crossovers. The Mazda CX-3 comes in with a below-average predicted reliability rating – making the Encore the wiser choice for drivers who like to think ahead.
We’ve only touched on a few of the ways that the 2020 Buick Encore outperforms one of its main class rivals, the 2020 Mazda CX-3. If you’re interested in learning more about the Encore and all the ways it excels, turn to the brand experts at Lee Buick GMC. We are standing by to answer your questions and help you get to know this amazing vehicle – and to get a great deal on one when you’re ready to buy or lease!
Get started now by browsing around our online inventory to see the ones we have in store. We can’t wait to show you all there is to love about this exciting little SUV!