Compare the2023 Mazda CX-5VS 2022 Buick Encore

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The CX-5 has standard Whiplash-Reducing Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Encore doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The CX-5 has standard Smart City Brake Support, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Encore offers an available collision warning system without the automated brake feature that would prevent or reduce the collision if the driver fails to react.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The CX-5 Turbo Signature has standard Smart Brake Support-Rear that use rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. The Encore doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-5. But it costs extra on the Encore.

The CX-5’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Encore.

The CX-5 Turbo Signature has a standard 360° Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Encore only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the CX-5 has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. Buick charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Encore.

The CX-5 Turbo Signature’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Encore doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the CX-5 and the Encore have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Buick Encore:

	CX-5	Encore
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	82	122
Neck Injury Risk	23%	26%
Neck Stress	274 lbs.	298 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	160/307 lbs.	363/313 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	156	207
Neck Injury Risk	37%	38%
Neck Compression	86 lbs.	104 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Buick Encore:

	CX-5	Encore
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.7 inches
Hip Force	189 lbs.	388 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	524 lbs.	672 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	46 G’s
Hip Force	435 lbs.	707 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Encore:

	CX-5	Encore
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	155	188
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	.51 in	1.69 in
Shoulder Force	201 lbs.	357 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.34 in	1.69 in
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	7 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	22 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Torso Max Deflection	1.26 in	1.34 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	825 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, and daytime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-5 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 53 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Encore last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2016.

Warranty

The CX-5’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda fourth in overall reliability. Buick is ranked 11th.

Engine

The CX-5’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 32 more horsepower (187 vs. 155) and 9 lbs.-ft. more torque (186 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The CX-5’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 101 more horsepower (256 vs. 155) and 143 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-5 is faster than the Buick Encore:

	CX-5 4 cyl.	CX-5 turbo 4 cyl.	Encore
Zero to 60 MPH	8.3 sec	6.4 sec	10.7 sec
Quarter Mile	16.3 sec	14.9 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	80.4 MPH	93.6 MPH	77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 with its standard engine gets better fuel mileage than the Encore AWD (24 city/30 hwy vs. 23 city/30 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-5 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The Encore doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The CX-5 has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore (15.3 vs. 14 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the CX-5 Turbo’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore:

	CX-5 Turbo	Encore
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	11.9 inches	10.6 inches

The CX-5 stops shorter than the Encore:

	CX-5	Encore
70 to 0 MPH	167 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	123 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the CX-5 has larger tires than the Encore (225/65R17 vs. 215/55R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CX-5 Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo has standard 19-inch wheels. The Encore’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Mazda CX-5 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The CX-5 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the CX-5 flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-5’s wheelbase is 5.6 inches longer than on the Encore (106.2 inches vs. 100.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CX-5 is 2.1 inches wider in the front and 2.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore.

The CX-5 handles at .81 G’s, while the Encore AWD pulls only .72 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The CX-5 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the Encore AWD (27.8 seconds @ .59 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the CX-5’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the Encore’s (36 feet vs. 36.7 feet).

Passenger Space

The CX-5 has 10.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore (103.6 vs. 92.8).

The CX-5 has .1 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, 3.5 inches more front hip room, 2.9 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom, 3.8 inches more rear legroom, 5.2 inches more rear hip room and 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the CX-5’s rear seats recline. The Encore’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore with its rear seat up (30.8 vs. 18.8 cubic feet). The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore with its rear seat folded (59.3 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

The CX-5’s cargo area is larger than the Encore’s in every dimension:

	CX-5	Encore
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	38”	28.5”/55.8”
Max Width	57”	39.5”
Min Width	41.3”	36”
Height	32.4”	31.8”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the CX-5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the CX-5 Premium/Turbo has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Encore doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The CX-5 has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Encore has no towing capacity.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the CX-5 Preferred/Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo, the memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The Encore doesn’t offer memory seats.

The CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Encore doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The CX-5’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Encore has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The CX-5’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Encore’s passenger windows don’t close automatically.

The CX-5 has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Encore doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The CX-5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Encore’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The CX-5’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Encore’s halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-5’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Encore’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the CX-5 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-5 Premium/Turbo has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Encore doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The CX-5’s optional rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore doesn’t offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror.

The CX-5 Select/Preferred/Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo has standard heated front and second row seats (second row heated seats on Premium Plus/Turbo) extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Encore.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Encore doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Encore doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The CX-5 Select/Preferred/Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Encore doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The CX-5 Select/Preferred/Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

Both the CX-5 and the Encore offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the CX-5 Select/Preferred/Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Encore doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the CX-5 has a standard Radar Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Encore doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mazda CX-5 Turbo has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) for the front seat. The Encore doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the CX-5 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the CX-5 with a number “1” insurance rate while the Encore is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

The CX-5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the CX-5 will retain 50.99% to 51.37% of its original price after five years, while the Encore only retains 46.78%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the CX-5 is less expensive to operate than the Encore because it costs $9 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the CX-5 than the Encore, including $125 less for a water pump, $142 less for a muffler, $179 less for front brake pads, $109 less for a fuel pump, $336 less for a timing belt/chain and $39 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-5 and the Buick Encore, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Buick Encore by over three to one during 2022.