2026 Buick Encore GX in MUSCATINE, IA
MSRP
$26,200
MPG
30 City
31 Highway
2026 Buick Encore GX vs. 2026 Mazda CX-30: Which Small SUV Wins?
The small SUV segment is loaded with solid options, but not all of them deliver the same blend of refinement, technology, and everyday practicality. If you're weighing the 2026 Buick Encore GX against the 2026 Mazda CX-30, this side-by-side look will help you make a confident decision.
Performance and Powertrain
Both SUVs draw power from turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but the Encore GX offers more flexibility. The Encore GX is equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive across all trim levels. The Mazda CX-30 also offers all-wheel drive, but its available Turbo engine is limited to higher trim levels, making the Encore GX the more accessible choice for buyers who want available AWD without stepping up significantly in price. For drivers in Muscatine, IA, who face varied seasonal road conditions, that flexibility matters.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The Encore GX brings a noticeably refined cabin to the table. Standard cloth with leatherette seating on the Preferred trim steps up to perforated leather-appointed seats on the top-tier Avenir, complete with unique quilted stitching. The Avenir also includes a heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control for added comfort. Cargo space behind the rear seats measures approximately 23.5 cubic feet, and the 40/60 split rear seats and available flat-folding front-passenger seatback make it easy to adapt the interior to your needs. The CX-30 offers a well-crafted interior but falls short on cargo flexibility compared to the Encore GX.
Technology and Infotainment
The Encore GX pulls ahead here with its standard ultrawide 11-inch diagonal HD color touchscreen combined with a reconfigurable 8-inch diagonal Driver Information Center. Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility and wireless Android Auto compatibility come standard, so you can connect without hunting for a cable. An available panoramic power moonroof and available hands-free power liftgate - exclusive to the Avenir trim - add real-world convenience. The Mazda CX-30 offers a capable infotainment setup, but its rotary controller-based system can feel less intuitive compared to Buick's sleek touchscreen interface.
Safety Features
Standard safety technology is a genuine strength of the Encore GX. Every trim comes equipped with Buick Driver Confidence, which includes Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam auto high beams. This comprehensive suite of driver assistance features comes standard - not as an optional package - giving buyers confident, capable protection right from the base trim. The CX-30 also offers solid standard safety tech, but Buick's standard package is comparably thorough across the lineup.
Trim Levels and Value
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is offered in three distinct trim levels - Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir - each delivering a clear step up in style and features. The Preferred starts with an accessible entry point and includes a full suite of technology and safety features. The Sport Touring adds an athletic personality with 18-inch Gloss Black wheels, unique gloss-black accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and an available Studio Series package. The Avenir represents the highest expression of Buick luxury in this segment, bringing 19-inch aluminum wheels with Pearl Nickel finish, premium seating, and elevated interior finishes. With Buick also recognized as the No. 1 mainstream brand for dependability by J.D. Power, the Encore GX delivers standout long-term value.
The Verdict
When comparing the 2026 Buick Encore GX to the 2026 Mazda CX-30, the Encore GX consistently delivers more where it counts - standard safety features, flexible interior configurations, a more intuitive infotainment system, and a trim lineup that scales elegantly from everyday practicality to genuine luxury. If you're ready to explore the Encore GX, stop by and see what this capable small SUV has to offer.
Effective May 1, 2026
ADVERTISED PRICE. The advertised price is the total price a consumer pays for the vehicle and includes all dealer-imposed fees and charges. The advertised price may reflect publicly available manufacturer incentives that are offered to all consumers without qualification (for example, general consumer cash rebates). The advertised price excludes only: (i) applicable sales tax; (ii) tag, title, and registration fees; and (iii) other government-imposed charges. See the state-specific disclosures below for the components of the pre-delivery service fee and other dealer fees included in the advertised price.
CONDITIONAL INCENTIVES NOT INCLUDED. The advertised price does not reflect conditional manufacturer or dealer incentives. Conditional incentives are available only to consumers who meet eligibility requirements and are shown separately on each vehicle’s detail page. Examples include educator, military, first responder, college graduate, lease loyalty, conquest, trade assistance, and incentives conditioned on financing with a specific lender (for example, Cadillac Financial, Ford Credit, GM Financial, and other captive lenders). Not all consumers will qualify. See each vehicle’s detail page, or contact the dealership, for applicable conditional incentives and eligibility terms for which you may qualify.
IN-TRANSIT VEHICLES. Vehicles identified as “In Transit” are en route to the dealership and not yet available for physical inspection. Estimated arrival dates are approximate and are subject to carrier and manufacturer schedules. The advertised price applies to the vehicle as equipped upon arrival. Availability is not guaranteed; an In-Transit vehicle may be sold before it reaches the dealership.
DEALER-INSTALLED ACCESSORIES. Any dealer-installed accessories or options present on an advertised vehicle are included in the advertised price. Customers who do not want a particular accessory may discuss options with the dealership at the time of purchase.
INVENTORY ACCURACY. The dealership updates its inventory regularly. A brief delay may occur between the sale of a vehicle and the removal of its listing. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, the dealership is not responsible for data entry errors or typographical omissions. Please contact the dealership to confirm the availability and pricing of any specific vehicle.
PRICING ERRORS AND OMISSIONS. The dealership endeavors to ensure the accuracy of advertised prices. If, as a result of a typographical error, a data feed error, or a third-party vendor error, a vehicle is advertised at a price that is materially lower than the correct price, the dealership reserves the right to correct the error and will promptly notify any consumer who has submitted an inquiry or offer based on the erroneous price. A correction of a good-faith pricing error is not a change to the advertised price. The corrected price is the advertised price from the time of correction forward.
PRICING UPDATES. Advertised prices reflect the dealership's pricing as of the date of publication. Used vehicle prices are reviewed and updated periodically based on market conditions, including market valuation data such as Manheim Market Report. New vehicle prices may be updated based on changes to manufacturer pricing, manufacturer incentives, or supply conditions. An advertised price will be honored from the date of publication for a period of five days, or until a new price for the same vehicle is published, whichever occurs first. After that period, the dealership may publish an updated price for the same vehicle. The dealership commits to honoring any unexpired advertised price.
VEHICLE IMAGES, FEATURES, AND SPECIFICATIONS. Vehicle photographs may be stock images and may not depict the actual vehicle. Accessories, colors, and equipment may vary from the images shown. Vehicle features and specifications (including equipment, options, and technical data) are provided by the manufacturer and third-party sources and are believed to be accurate as of the time of publication; the dealership does not independently warrant the accuracy of such manufacturer or third-party data. Consumers should verify the specific features and equipment of any vehicle with the dealership before purchase.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY DATA. Displayed fuel economy ratings are based on EPA estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage will vary based on driving habits, vehicle maintenance, driving conditions, battery pack age and condition (for hybrid and electric models), and other factors.
TEXT MESSAGE CONSENT. By submitting my cell phone number to the Dealership, I agree to receive text messages and phone calls, which may be recorded and/or sent using automated dialing equipment or software, from Ed Morse Ed Morse Buick GMC Muscatine IA in MUSCATINE and its affiliates, unless I opt out of such communications. Consent to be contacted is not a requirement to purchase any product or service, and I may opt out at any time. I agree to pay my mobile service provider’s text messaging rates, if applicable.
STATE-SPECIFIC FEE DISCLOSURES The following discloses the components of the advertised price for each state in which the Ed Morse dealerships operate. The listed pre-delivery service fees and other dealer fees are included in the advertised price. Sales tax, tag, title, registration fees, and other government-imposed charges are not included in the advertised price.
ARIZONA. Seller documentary and administrative fee of $199.50 and prep fee of $389.00.
FLORIDA. Pre-delivery service fee of $999.00; Private Tag Agency Fee of $98.00; and Electronic Registration Filing Fee of $199.75.
ILLINOIS. Documentary fee of $299.00 (Ed Morse Ford Red Bud; Ed Morse Chevrolet GMC Red Bud; Ed Morse Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram New Athens); $377.00 (Ed Morse Chevrolet GMC Kewanee, Ed Morse Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Kewanee); $377.63 (Ed Morse Ford Geneseo), $358.03 (Ed Morse Chevrolet Savanna).
IOWA. Documentary fee of $180.00 ($179.00 at Porsche Des Moines).
MISSOURI. Administrative fee of $399.00 ($299.00 at Ed Morse Kia Rolla).
TEXAS. Documentary fee of $225.00
OKLAHOMA. Documentary fee of $489.00
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.