2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
Stuck between saving cash and gaining capability? That's the core dilemma when looking at the 2025 Buick Encore GX versus the 2025 Subaru Forester. The Encore GX is the clear budget-friendly option, starting at just $25,940, significantly undercutting the Forester's $29,995 MSRP by $4,055. However, the Forester brings measurable utility improvements, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Buick's 23.5 cu ft, making it better suited for hauling gear. Power is another notable gap; the Forester boasts 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 43 hp advantage over the Encore GX's 137 hp. While the Encore GX achieves a slightly better overall 30 MPG combined rating, the Forester's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system on a larger frame (183.3 inches long) suggests superior confidence in poor weather for its slightly higher cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and lower entry price.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester is better for families because it provides significantly more cargo space at 29.6 cubic feet.
2025 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Subaru Forester due to its 43 hp advantage and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX offers better upfront value, costing $4,055 less than the Forester while still being highly efficient.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Your primary concern is keeping the purchase price low, as it starts at $25,940.
- You prioritize simplicity and maximum city fuel efficiency, rated at 30 MPG combined.
- You prefer a smaller footprint, with the Encore GX measuring 171.2 inches in length.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You need maximum hauling capacity, benefiting from 29.6 cubic feet of cargo room.
- You live where weather demands confidence, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You want quicker acceleration provided by 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 183.3" |
| Width | 71.4" | 72.0" |
| Height | 64.1" | 68.1" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 431.6/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate 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 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 54.7 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H |
| 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 Forester.
How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Encore GX and the 2025 Forester?
The difference is quite noticeable; the Forester outputs 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the Encore GX produces only 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, giving Subaru a 43 hp edge.
Which vehicle is generally more practical for weekend trips involving gear?
The Subaru Forester is the practical choice for hauling, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to the Buick Encore GX's 23.5 cubic feet.
Is the higher price of the Subaru Forester justified by fuel economy?
Not entirely, as the Buick Encore GX gets a slight edge with a 30 MPG combined rating versus the Forester's 29 MPG combined, though the Forester offers better highway separation (26/33 MPG vs 30/31 MPG).
Does one car offer better off-season/adverse weather driving stability?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which provides better stability and traction than the front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration of the 2025 Buick Encore GX.
Can I use E85 fuel in either of these crossovers?
Only the 2025 Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel, meaning it can run on unleaded or E85, while the 2025 Subaru Forester specifies only regular unleaded fuel.
How much bigger is the Forester physically than the Encore GX?
The Forester is substantially larger overall; it is 12.1 inches longer (183.3 in vs 171.2 in) and slightly taller by 4 inches (68.1 in vs 64.1 in), making it a bulkier vehicle on the road.
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