2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a stylish crossover and a practical wagon can be tough, especially when the sticker prices are so close: the 2025 Buick Encore GX starts at $25,940 while the 2026 Subaru Impreza sits slightly higher at $26,595. The Buick leads slightly in efficiency, netting 30 MPG combined, marginally better than the Impreza's 29 MPG combined, though the Impreza wins on the highway at 33 MPG versus the Buick's 31 MPG. For hauling gear, the Encore GX offers more vertical space with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. Performance is interesting; the Impreza boasts 152 horsepower, outgunning the Encore GX's 137 hp, despite the Buick having slightly better torque at 162 lb-ft versus Subaru's 145 lb-ft. The primary physical difference is height, with the Buick standing at 64.1 inches tall versus the Impreza's lower 58.3 inches, defining their differing road presences.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its slightly superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and better city fuel rating.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX is better for families because it provides more usable storage space with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
2026 Subaru Impreza
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Subaru Impreza as it delivers more peak power with 152 horsepower and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX offers a better value proposition by having a lower starting MSRP ($25,940) and superior cargo volume.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize a lower entry price, with an MSRP of $25,940 compared to the Impreza's $26,595.
- You need the slightly higher combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.
- You prefer a taller vehicle stance, as the Buick is 64.1 inches high, offering more vertical cabin space.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You absolutely require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied weather conditions.
- You want the highest available highway fuel efficiency, achieving 33 MPG.
- You prefer a driving experience with more horsepower, as the Impreza produces 152 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 176.2" |
| Width | 71.4" | 70.1" |
| Height | 64.1" | 58.3" |
| 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 Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| 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: Premium 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 Impreza.
Which car has better standard traction for snowy or slippery roads?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is the clear winner here, as it comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system. The 2025 Buick Encore GX is exclusively Front Wheel Drive.
How does the cargo space compare for trips or hauling supplies?
The Buick Encore GX offers significantly more space for luggage, measuring 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Subaru Impreza wagon provides 20.4 cubic feet in comparison.
Is the Buick Encore GX eligible to run on E85 fuel?
Yes, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is listed as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can utilize either unleaded gasoline or E85. The Subaru Impreza requires only regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle provides more horsepower for acceleration?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza has the edge in raw power, delivering 152 horsepower, which beats the Buick Encore GX's 137 horsepower rating.
What is the difference in highway driving range potential?
The Subaru Impreza has a slight advantage for long highway stretches, rated at 33 MPG highway, while the Buick Encore GX achieves 31 MPG highway.
If I want the lowest purchase price, which should I choose?
If minimizing the initial cost is key, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is the more budget-friendly option, starting at an MSRP of $25,940. The Impreza starts $655 higher at $26,595.
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