Buick Encore vs. Mazda CX-3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Buick Encore and Mazda CX-3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Buick Encore and the Mazda CX-3.
When we compare the Buick Encore's and the Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the Buick Encore has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mazda CX-3 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Buick Encore's and the Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the Buick Encore is a better car than the Mazda CX-3.
Pricing: A used 2021 Buick Encore ranges from $16,779 to $22,989 while a used 2021 Mazda CX-3 is priced between $17,524 to $22,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Buick Encore loses 44 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-3 loses 32.1 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-3 retains 11.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Buick Encore.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Buick Encore is 8.3 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-3's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Buick Encore being ranked 1 out of 13 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Mazda CX-3 being ranked 2 out of 20 Best Subcompact SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Buick Encore is 7.2 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-3 the reliability rating is 6.1 out of 10. This gives the Buick Encore an advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Buick Encore’s base engine makes 155 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-3 base engine makes 148 horsepower. The Encore is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 420 miles. The CX-3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles. This gives the Mazda CX-3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Buick Encore. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/subcompact SUVs, the Buick Encore has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda CX-3 has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Buick Encore and the Mazda CX-3 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$34,220
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$23,200 - $43,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$20,790
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$22,058
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$18,750 - $29,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$19,563
Price Range:
$16,779 - $22,989
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$28,889
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$19,563 - $36,297
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
145
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
47,086
# Good or Great Deals:
30
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,352
Price Range:
$17,524 - $22,997
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$21,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$17,501 - $28,440
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
32
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
46,908
# Good or Great Deals:
10
Buick Encore Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mazda CX-3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
6.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Buick Encore
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
8.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
14.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7.3 - 11
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
15.6%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1 - 5.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.5 - 10
Buick Encore Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 68Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
30 out of / 68Ranking
31 out of / 68Ranking
50 out of / 68Ranking
57 out of / 68Ranking
66 out of / 68Mazda CX-3 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
17 out of / 20Ranking
18 out of / 20Ranking
19 out of / 20Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
59 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Buick Encore Trim Levels
Base, Preferred
Mazda CX-3 Trim Levels
Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
155 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
177 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 30 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 420 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 34 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.5 inches
Cargo Space:
18.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
48.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
50.4 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
42.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
105.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3237 lbs
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
65.3 inches
Length:
168.4 inches
Wheelbase:
100.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2851 lbs
Width:
69.6 inches
Height:
60.7 inches
Length:
168.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P215/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Exterior Colors
White
Summit White
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica / Eternal Blue Mica
Gray
Ceramic Metallic / Machine Gray Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Interior Colors
Black
Black
