2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the new Buick Encore GX and the redesigned Subaru Forester often comes down to prioritizing upfront cost versus capability. Buyers looking to save money will immediately notice the 2025 Buick Encore GX starts at $25,940, saving them $4,055 over the Forester's $29,995 starting price. However, that extra cost nets the Forester a more robust 180 hp engine compared to the Buick's 137 hp, which matters when hauling families or needing to pass on the highway. The Buick offers slightly better city efficiency at 30 MPG combined versus the Forester's 29 MPG combined, though the Forester compensates with its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, absent in the FWD-only Buick. Size also matters: the Forester is substantially larger, measuring 183.3 inches long and offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft, making the choice a trade-off between budget and utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX wins for commuters due to its marginally better fuel economy at 30 MPG combined and lower entry price point.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Forester is better for families because it provides a substantially larger cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester delivers a clear performance edge with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly outclassing the Encore GX's 137 hp.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX offers a compelling value proposition by being $4,055 less expensive while still providing decent efficiency.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Your absolute top priority is minimizing the initial purchase price, as it starts at $25,940.
- You primarily drive in city environments and value the slightly higher city fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.
- You prefer a more compact footprint, evidenced by its 171.2-inch length, for easier urban parking.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You need superior traction and safety features because the standard All-Wheel Drive is crucial for your routes.
- You frequently carry lots of gear, as the Forester’s 29.6 cu ft cargo space dwarfs the Buick’s 23.5 cu ft.
- You desire a more responsive driving experience thanks to the 43 hp advantage (180 hp vs 137 hp).
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 2026 Subaru Forester.
Which crossover is generally better for driving in snow or rough weather?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the clear choice here because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the Buick Encore GX only offers Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). AWD provides much better grip when roads are slick.
How much more spacious is the Subaru Forester inside?
The Forester is significantly larger in overall dimensions, translating to better utility; it offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. Additionally, the Forester is over 12 inches longer overall.
Can the Buick Encore GX use E85 fuel?
Yes, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is specified as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can run on regular unleaded or E85 gasoline. The Subaru Forester requires only regular unleaded fuel.
Is the performance gap between these two crossovers noticeable?
Definitely; the Forester generates 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, giving it a substantial advantage over the Buick's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque for acceleration and passing power.
How much money do I save by choosing the Buick Encore GX at the base level?
The 2025 Buick Encore GX has an MSRP of $25,940, which means it is $4,055 cheaper than the 2026 Subaru Forester starting at $29,995.
Which vehicle has better highway cruising efficiency?
While their combined MPG is similar (30 vs 29), the Forester achieves a slightly better highway MPG rating of 33 MPG compared to the Buick's 31 MPG.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool