2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the new 2025 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Subaru Ascent often comes down to balancing power needs against upfront cost and drivetrain capability. The dilemma is clear: do you prioritize performance or standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) security? The Enclave steps out significantly longer at 207.6 inches, offering a robust 328 hp, which is 68 hp more than the Ascent's 260 hp. However, the Ascent undercuts the Buick's $45,100 MSRP by $4,305, starting at a competitive $40,795. While the Enclave boasts a larger cargo hold at 22.9 cubic feet versus the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet, the Ascent counters with standard AWD, a huge benefit for regions with poor weather. Both vehicles stick closely together on fuel economy, netting a 23 MPG combined for the Buick and 22 MPG for the Subaru.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent's lower initial price of $40,795 and standard AWD make it a more practical daily driver investment than the more expensive Enclave.
2025 Buick Enclave
The 2025 Enclave provides superior hauling ability with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
2025 Buick Enclave
The Enclave clearly offers superior acceleration capability due to its 328 hp engine, beating the Ascent's 260 hp output.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent wins on pure cost savings, being $4,305 cheaper while still offering standard AWD and regular unleaded fuel economy ratings.
Choose the Buick Enclave if...
- You need the maximum storage space, as the 2025 Enclave offers 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You frequently drive on highways and want quicker passing power, thanks to its 328 hp engine.
- You prefer the feel of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You live in an area requiring standard all-wheel drive capability, which the Ascent includes.
- Saving money upfront is crucial, as its $40,795 MSRP is $4,305 less than the Buick.
- You prefer a slightly smaller vehicle footprint, as the Ascent is nearly 11 inches shorter in length (196.8 inches vs 207.6 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Enclave | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 207.6" | 196.8" |
| Width | 79.6" | 76.0" |
| Height | 71.0" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 30.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 12 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.1 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.5 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Buick Enclave than the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
The Buick Enclave has a distinct power advantage, producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This is 68 more horsepower than the Ascent's 260 hp, which should translate to quicker acceleration.
Is the higher cost of the Buick Enclave justified by better fuel economy?
Not really; the fuel economies are nearly identical. The Enclave achieves 23 MPG combined (20/27), while the Ascent is right behind at 22 MPG combined (20/26), so the $4,305 price difference is not recouped through major fuel savings.
Which vehicle is better equipped for snowy roads right out of the box?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the better choice for poor weather because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Buick Enclave, in this specific trim comparison, is listed with Front Wheel Drive.
Does the extra size of the Enclave translate to a much bigger cargo area?
Yes, the Enclave is substantially longer (207.6 inches vs. 196.8 inches) and benefits from this, offering 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.
What type of fuel do these vehicles require?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Subaru Ascent are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, keeping running costs predictable for both models.
What is the main difference in how the transmissions operate?
The Buick Enclave utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Subaru Ascent uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which typically feels smoother but less engaging for some drivers.
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