2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Subaru Crosstrek

$25,940 · Crossover

$26,560 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the efficient, compact 2025 Buick Encore GX and the rugged, all-wheel-drive 2025 Subaru Crosstrek presents a classic city vs. adventure dilemma. If your commute heavily features highway cruising, the Encore GX offers a slightly better combined 30 MPG compared to the Crosstrek's 29 MPG, though the Crosstrek pulls ahead with an impressive 34 MPG on the highway alone. Priced sharply at $25,940, the Buick is immediately more affordable than the Crosstrek's $26,560 MSRP. However, that extra money buys Subaru's standard All-Wheel Drive system and a bit more power (152 hp vs. the Buick's 137 hp). While the Encore GX offers more day-to-day utility with its larger 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft, the Crosstrek leans into capability with a longer body measuring 176.4 inches for better stability off the pavement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its slightly better overall fuel efficiency at 30 MPG combined and lower starting price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Buick Encore GX

Families will likely prefer the Buick's significantly larger 23.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek appeals more to enthusiasts by offering 152 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive, suggesting better handling and capability.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX delivers better practical utility and efficiency metrics for a lower entry price of $25,940.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You prioritize maximizing cargo space, as the Encore GX offers 23.5 cu ft versus 19.9 cu ft.
You are looking for the lowest upfront cost, with an MSRP of $25,940.
Your driving mostly involves city use where the 30 MPG city rating is consistent, and you don't need AWD.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You frequently encounter poor weather or need off-pavement confidence thanks to standard All-Wheel Drive.
You value slightly more power, as the Crosstrek delivers 152 horsepower compared to 137 hp.
You spend a lot of time on the highway, where the Crosstrek achieves an excellent 34 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	171.2"	176.4"
Width	71.4"	70.9"
Height	64.1"	62.8"
Wheelbase	102.0"	105.1"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	12	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	continuously variable-speed 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	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	448.2/564.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	16.6 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	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
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	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Encore GX and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.

Which car is better for handling rough roads or snow?

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the better choice here because it comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system. The Buick Encore GX is limited to Front Wheel Drive, making it less equipped for slippery conditions.

How much more cargo room does the Buick actually offer?

The Buick Encore GX provides substantially more usable space with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is over 3.5 cubic feet more than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy?

They are very close, with the Buick at 30 MPG combined and the Subaru at 29 MPG combined. However, the Crosstrek offers superior highway efficiency at 34 MPG compared to the Buick's 31 MPG highway rating.

Which vehicle has better acceleration potential?

Based purely on output figures, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek offers more pep with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.

Is either car compatible with E85 fuel?

Yes, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is specifically listed as a flex-fuel vehicle capable of running on E85. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek requires regular unleaded fuel.