2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$45,100 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $10,105 MSRP gap, with the Enclave starting at $45,100 versus the Outback's $34,995. This price delta is immediately reflected in performance metrics, as the Enclave delivers a substantial 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. However, the Outback counters with superior efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG against the Enclave's 23 MPG, aided by its lower power output. Size metrics also show contrast; the Enclave boasts greater dimensions, measuring 207.6 inches long, but the Outback offers significantly more usable space with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft. This comparison highlights a clear trade-off between the Enclave's V6 power and the Outback's efficiency and utility for a lower initial investment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior combined 27 MPG fuel economy versus the Enclave's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback offers greater practicality with 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Enclave

The 2025 Buick Enclave appeals to enthusiasts with its much higher output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback provides better value, starting $10,105 less while also delivering higher fuel efficiency.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

Maximum acceleration and power are prioritized, evidenced by the Enclave's 328 hp.
A larger overall physical footprint (207.6 inches in length) is required.
The driver prefers a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Cost savings are paramount, starting at an MSRP of $34,995.
Maximum usable cargo volume is necessary, with the Outback offering 34.6 cu ft.
All-wheel drive capability is desired, which the Outback provides standard over the Enclave's FWD configuration.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Enclave	Subaru Outback
Length	207.6"	191.7"
Width	79.6"	74.0"
Height	71.0"	67.5"
Wheelbase	120.9"	108.1"

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	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	18.0 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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Infotainment Display	30.0 in	12.1 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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	55.5 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	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
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.5 in.	55.1 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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 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 Outback.

What is the primary benefit of the 2025 Buick Enclave's increased horsepower?

The Enclave's 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque provide significantly faster acceleration and better merging capabilities on highways compared to the Outback's 180 hp. This power advantage is measurable in performance driving scenarios, justifying its higher mechanical output.

How does the cargo capacity compare, given the different vehicle lengths?

Despite being nearly 16 inches shorter overall (191.7 inches vs. 207.6 inches), the 2026 Subaru Outback provides substantially more cargo space at 34.6 cu ft compared to the 2025 Buick Enclave's 22.9 cu ft. This indicates the Outback utilizes its smaller frame more efficiently for utility.

Which vehicle is more economical for long-distance driving?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the more economical choice, boasting a combined 27 MPG, which is 4 MPG better than the Enclave's 23 MPG combined rating. This efficiency gain will lead to lower annual fuel expenses.

Is the AWD system on the Outback a significant advantage over the Enclave's FWD?

Yes, the standard All-Wheel Drive on the Outback offers better traction and stability in adverse weather conditions compared to the standard Front Wheel Drive configuration of the Buick Enclave. This is a key capability difference for regions with varied climates.

If I require more passenger space, which vehicle's dimensions are better?

The 2025 Buick Enclave is physically larger in every dimension, being longer, wider, and taller than the Outback. This suggests superior interior volume for passengers, although specific seating configurations are not provided.

What is the difference in fuel requirement between the two models?

Both the 2025 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Subaru Outback are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires a premium fuel purchase, which simplifies long-term ownership costs.