2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the nimble 2025 Buick Encore GX and the rugged 2026 Subaru Crosstrek often comes down to prioritizing efficiency versus capability. If maximizing fuel economy on daily drives is key, the Encore GX shines with a 30 MPG combined rating versus the Crosstrek's 29 MPG, even though the Crosstrek gets slightly better highway cruising at 33 MPG compared to Buick's 31 MPG. However, performance enthusiasts might balk at the Encore GX's modest 137 hp output when faced with the Crosstrek's stronger 180 hp engine. The Buick is also slightly shorter at 171.2 inches but offers more vertical cargo space at 23.5 cubic feet versus Subaru's 19.9 cubic feet. With an MSRP difference of just over $1,000 ($25,940 vs $26,995), buyers must weigh AWD security against superior standard horsepower.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the slight winner for commuting due to its better city fuel economy (30 MPG vs 26 MPG) and marginally lower starting price.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX offers greater flexibility for families needing to haul gear, boasting 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek due to its significantly higher output of 180 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek provides superior mechanical value, offering 43 more horsepower and standard AWD for only a $1,055 price premium over the Encore GX.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize the lowest possible entry price, starting at just $25,940 MSRP.
- You need maximum cubic footage for vertical storage, as it offers 23.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- Your driving is predominantly city-focused, taking advantage of its 30 MPG city rating.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- All-weather capability is mandatory, as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You demand better acceleration, leveraging the 180 hp engine over the Encore GX’s 137 hp.
- You frequently take longer trips where the 33 MPG highway rating will save fuel.
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Which vehicle is more powerful for highway passing?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is considerably more potent, delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This greatly exceeds the 2025 Buick Encore GX, which produces only 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.
Does the fuel type make a big difference between these crossovers?
Yes, the Encore GX uses flex-fuel (E85 compatible) with a combined 30 MPG rating, whereas the Crosstrek requires regular unleaded and achieves 29 MPG combined. While the Buick is rated slightly better overall, E85 use will significantly affect real-world mileage.
Which car is better suited for tight city parking situations?
The 2025 Buick Encore GX is slightly more maneuverable in tight spots because it is shorter in overall length, measuring 171.2 inches compared to the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek's higher price justified by its features?
At $26,995 compared to the Buick's $25,940, the Crosstrek's $1,055 premium grants you standard All-Wheel Drive and a substantial 43-horsepower advantage.
How do the cargo capacities compare for weekend trips?
The Buick Encore GX offers more traditional storage volume, with 23.5 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. The Subaru Crosstrek provides 19.9 cubic feet, meaning the Buick can swallow about 3.6 cubic feet more luggage.
Which transmission performs better, the CVT in the Buick or the Subaru?
Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), so functionally, the daily driving experience will feel similar in terms of gear transitions, though the Crosstrek's setup is tuned to handle its higher torque output.
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