2025 Buick Envista vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Buick Envista and the 2026 Subaru Forester is the $6,195 MSRP gap, starting at $23,800 for the Envista versus $29,995 for the Forester. Power output also varies substantially, with the Forester offering 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Envista's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. This power disparity is reflected in performance expectations, although fuel economy is close, with the Envista achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Forester's 29 combined MPG. Crucially, the Forester offers superior utility, boasting 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly larger than the Envista's 20.7 cu ft. Furthermore, the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the Envista's Front-Wheel Drive configuration. The Envista prioritizes affordability and slightly better highway mileage (32 MPG) at the expense of power and overall capacity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Envista
The Buick Envista is the preferred choice for daily commuting due to its lower $23,800 MSRP and slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester provides substantially more practical space, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Envista's 20.7 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester offers 43 more horsepower (180 hp vs 137 hp) and standard All-Wheel Drive, providing superior dynamic capabilities.
2025 Buick Envista
The Buick Envista delivers better baseline value due to its $6,195 lower starting price point, making it highly accessible.
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- Budgetary constraints dictate a starting MSRP below $24,000.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency on the highway (32 MPG) is a primary concern.
- Standard Front-Wheel Drive is sufficient for intended driving conditions.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Superior cargo volume (29.6 cu ft) is necessary for lifestyle needs.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is required for varying weather conditions.
- A higher power output of 180 hp is desired over lower initial cost.
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 2026 Subaru Forester.
What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2025 Envista and the 2026 Forester?
The most fundamental difference is the drivetrain; the Buick Envista utilizes Front-Wheel Drive, while the Subaru Forester comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. Additionally, the Forester produces 180 hp, significantly outpacing the Envista's 137 hp.
How much larger is the 2026 Forester's cargo area compared to the Envista?
The 2026 Subaru Forester offers substantially more storage space, rating at 29.6 cubic feet, which is 8.9 cubic feet greater than the 20.7 cubic feet available in the 2025 Buick Envista.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for regular city driving?
The Buick Envista holds a slight advantage in city driving fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 28 MPG in the city compared to the Forester's 26 MPG city rating.
Does the Envista's lower cost mean it requires a premium fuel type?
No, the 2025 Buick Envista is specified as flex-fuel capable (unleaded/E85), whereas the 2026 Subaru Forester recommends regular unleaded fuel.
How does the size difference impact exterior dimensions?
While both are similar in length (183.3 inches for the Forester vs. 182.6 inches for the Envista), the Forester is noticeably taller at 68.1 inches compared to the Envista's 61.2 inches.
Is the Forester's higher MSRP justified by performance metrics?
Yes, the $6,195 higher MSRP for the Forester corresponds to a significant increase in power (180 hp vs 137 hp) and a much larger cargo volume (29.6 cu ft vs 20.7 cu ft).
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