2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$25,940 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Buick Encore GX bursts onto the scene, a sharply styled compact urban cruiser starting at a compelling $25,940, exciting buyers with its nimble city footprint and 30 MPG combined efficiency. Contrast this with the rugged 2025 Subaru Outback, a versatile machine built for adventure, boasting 182 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability, though its entry price lands higher at $29,995. While the Encore GX feels athletic with its 137 hp, the Outback clearly leads in raw output, offering 45 more horsepower. The Outback also delivers significantly more utility, providing a cavernous 32.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. Drivers prioritizing the lowest initial cost and maximum fuel economy (30 MPG combined) will favor the smaller Buick, whereas those demanding superior traction, ground clearance (implied by AWD/size difference), and power will gravitate toward the larger, more capable Subaru platform.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $25,940 and slightly better combined fuel economy at 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The Outback is the family choice as it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 32.6 cu ft and features standard All-Wheel Drive for better foul-weather security.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Outback

Enthusiasts will favor the Outback for its higher output of 182 hp, providing a much more spirited acceleration experience than the 137 hp Encore GX.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX delivers superior value by saving the buyer $4,055 upfront while still providing a respectable 30 MPG combined efficiency.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Your budget is strictly capped below $26,000, given the Encore GX's $25,940 starting MSRP.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, as it achieves 30 MPG combined versus the Outback's 28 MPG.
You primarily navigate dense urban environments and prefer a shorter vehicle (171.2 inches long) for easier parking.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

All-Wheel Drive capability is a requirement for tackling varied terrain or weather conditions.
You need significant hauling capacity, benefiting from the Outback's 32.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You desire a robust driving experience supported by 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Subaru Outback
Length	171.2"	191.1"
Width	71.4"	73.0"
Height	64.1"	66.1"
Wheelbase	102.0"	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
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	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	176 lb-ft @ 4400 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	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

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	2
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	55.5 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	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

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	225/65R 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 Outback.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Encore GX and the 2025 Outback?

The gap is substantial; the Outback delivers 182 horsepower, a commanding 45 hp advantage over the Encore GX's 137 hp output. This power difference will be evident when merging onto highways or needing decisive passing power.

Is the 2025 Buick Encore GX's FWD a major drawback compared to the Outback's AWD?

For general commuting and clear weather driving, the Encore GX's Front Wheel Drive (FWD) is adequate. However, the Outback’s standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) offers superior traction and stability management in snow, rain, or on unpaved roads.

Which vehicle offers more practicality for hauling gear or luggage?

The 2025 Subaru Outback is the clear winner in cargo hauling, offering 32.6 cu ft of space. The Encore GX trails significantly with only 23.5 cu ft available.

How does the fuel cost compare between these two crossovers?

The Encore GX is marginally more fuel-efficient with a 30 MPG combined rating, beating the Outback’s 28 MPG combined, and it supports E85 fuel. However, the Outback runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.

What justifies the $4,055 price difference between the two models?

The price jump for the 2025 Outback is primarily justified by the standard inclusion of All-Wheel Drive, the significantly more powerful 182 hp engine, and the much larger overall body size and cargo volume.

Is the Encore GX’s size an advantage for city driving?

Yes, the Encore GX is physically smaller in every dimension, measuring 171.2 inches long compared to the Outback's 191.1 inches, making the Buick easier to maneuver and park in tight urban spaces.