2025 Buick Envista vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Buick Envista captivates with its stylish design and accessible entry point at an MSRP of $23,800, prioritizing efficiency with a 30 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Forester aggressively markets capability, boasting a robust 180 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, though its price climbs to $29,995. This significant $6,195 price gulf highlights a core trade-off: the Envista offers urban polish and slightly better fuel economy (28 MPG city), while the Forester delivers a substantial 43-horsepower advantage and superior utility. The Forester’s 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity far outpaces the Envista’s 20.7 cu ft. While the Buick runs on flex-fuel and offers 162 lb-ft of torque, the Subaru’s dedicated AWD system makes it the dynamically superior choice for varied road conditions, despite a marginally lower combined MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Envista
The 2025 Buick Envista wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost of $23,800 and slightly superior 32 MPG highway rating.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester is the clear family choice, offering significantly more usable space with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester's energetic 180 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive for spirited driving dynamics.
2025 Buick Envista
The Envista provides excellent utility and style at a price point that undercuts the Forester by $6,195.
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- Your budget is strictly capped near $24,000, as the MSRP starts at only $23,800.
- You prioritize city driving efficiency, leveraging the 28 MPG city rating.
- You prefer a sleeker profile with a lower stance (61.2 inches high) for urban maneuvering.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You require maximum hauling ability, as its 29.6 cu ft cargo volume beats the Envista.
- You demand capability in adverse weather thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You want 43 more horsepower for superior acceleration and merging capabilities (180 hp vs 137 hp).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Envista | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6" | 183.3" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.0" |
| Height | 61.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 6-speed shiftable 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) | 28/32 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
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 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.3 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 | 37.3 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 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 Envista and 2025 Subaru Forester.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Subaru Forester than the 2025 Buick Envista?
The Subaru Forester carries a significant premium, with an MSRP of $29,995 compared to the Envista’s starting price of $23,800, resulting in a $6,195 difference.
Which vehicle is better suited for snowy or rugged conditions?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is undoubtedly better equipped due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system, which enhances traction where the front-wheel-drive Envista cannot compete.
What is the major difference in power between these two crossovers?
The Forester packs a substantial 180 horsepower, giving it 43 more horsepower than the Envista's 137 hp, translating to noticeably quicker performance.
Does fuel type impact the choice between these two models?
Yes, the Buick Envista supports flex-fuel (E85), offering flexibility, whereas the Forester exclusively runs on regular unleaded gasoline.
Which vehicle offers significantly more storage volume?
The Subaru Forester provides superior cargo hauling with 29.6 cu ft of capacity, dwarfing the Buick Envista's 20.7 cu ft minimum.
How do their respective transmissions affect driving feel?
The Envista uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Forester utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), affecting shift characteristics and driver feedback.
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