2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The most significant specification divergence is cargo capacity, where the 2026 Buick Encore GX offers 23.5 cu ft versus the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft, a 3.6 cubic foot advantage. Conversely, the Crosstrek asserts dominance in power delivery, producing 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. Fuel economy is closely contested, with the Encore GX achieving a slightly better 30 MPG combined compared to the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined. Pricing also favors the Buick, starting at an MSRP of $25,900 against the Subaru's $26,560. Despite the Crosstrek's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability, its length measures 176.4 inches, while the FWD Encore GX is marginally shorter at 171.2 inches, highlighting fundamental differences in packaging and primary drivetrain focus.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is superior for commuting due to its marginally better 30 MPG combined efficiency and lower starting MSRP of $25,900.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX wins for families by offering 23.5 cu ft of cargo space, substantially more than the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek for its higher power output, delivering 152 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX provides greater utility, evidenced by its superior cargo volume and lower initial cost at $25,900.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You require the superior traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.
- You prioritize higher engine output, specifically needing 152 horsepower.
- You plan on utilizing regular unleaded fuel rather than flex-fuel options.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Maximizing enclosed storage space is critical, benefiting from 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Your budget is constrained, as the MSRP is lower at $25,900.
- You prioritize City MPG, as the 30 MPG City rating narrowly beats the Crosstrek's 27 MPG City rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Crosstrek | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4" | 171.2" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.4" |
| Height | 62.8" | 64.1" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 102.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 51.9 in. |
| Seat Material: 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: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 50.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
How does the drivetrain difference impact daily driving between the Crosstrek and the Encore GX?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, optimizing grip in poor conditions, whereas the 2026 Buick Encore GX utilizes Front Wheel Drive. This makes the Crosstrek inherently better equipped for unpaved roads or snow, while the FWD Encore GX should provide marginally better fuel economy during dry, paved commuting.
Which vehicle offers more practical interior space for hauling cargo?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX clearly leads in pure volume, providing 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet. This 3.6 cu ft difference is significant for luggage or bulky items.
Comparing fuel efficiency, is the Crosstrek or the Encore GX better on gas?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is negligibly more efficient overall, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Crosstrek’s 29 MPG combined. However, the Crosstrek achieves superior highway cruising at 34 MPG compared to the Encore GX's 31 MPG highway rating.
What is the measurable difference in performance between the two base engine options?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the more powerful vehicle, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Buick Encore GX produces less horsepower at 137 hp, but achieves higher torque figures with 162 lb-ft.
Does the pricing structure favor one crossover significantly?
Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX has a lower entry price at $25,900 MSRP, while the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $26,560 MSRP. This $660 difference provides a slight initial financial advantage to the Buick.
Are there differences in physical dimensions that affect parking or maneuverability?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is shorter in length at 171.2 inches, making it potentially easier to fit into tight parking spots than the 176.4-inch Crosstrek. Conversely, the Encore GX is slightly taller at 64.1 inches compared to the Crosstrek's 62.8 inches.
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