2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Forester ignites adventure with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a robust 180 hp, appealing to those craving traction and capability on challenging terrains. Contrastingly, the 2026 Buick Encore GX captures attention with its sleek, compact design and excellent city efficiency, starting at a compelling MSRP of $25,900. The Forester, however, commands a higher price at $29,995, justified by its superior power output of 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Encore GX's 162 lb-ft. While the Encore GX edges out slightly in overall efficiency with a 30 MPG combined rating versus the Forester's 29 MPG, the Subaru offers significantly more usable space with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Buick's 23.5 cu ft. The power gap of 43 hp ensures the Forester remains the driver's choice when spirited driving is prioritized over absolute economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is the better choice for commuting due to its superior city fuel economy of 30 MPG and lower entry price.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester offers significantly more utility with its 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and standard AWD security.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester delivers superior raw performance with 180 hp and standard all-wheel drive, enhancing driving dynamics.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX provides a substantial value proposition by costing $4,095 less while achieving slightly better combined fuel economy.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You require maximum secure traction through standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
- You need the superior hauling capacity provided by 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- Your driving priorities emphasize power, evidenced by the 180 hp engine output.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, given the $25,900 MSRP.
- You seek the best possible city fuel economy, rated at 30 MPG.
- You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle, as the Encore GX is shorter at 171.2 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Forester | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.3" | 171.2" |
| Width | 72.0" | 71.4" |
| Height | 68.1" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 431.6/547.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.3 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 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 | 39.6 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H | 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 Forester and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Forester compared to the 2026 Encore GX?
The 2025 Subaru Forester holds a significant advantage, producing 180 hp, which is 43 horsepower more than the 2026 Buick Encore GX's 137 hp rating. This power difference is coupled with greater torque at 178 lb-ft versus 162 lb-ft.
Which crossover is better for long road trips regarding fuel costs?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX offers a slight edge, boasting a combined 30 MPG rating, while the 2025 Forester achieves 29 MPG combined. Additionally, the Encore GX can utilize lower-cost E85 fuel if available.
Is the Subaru Forester significantly larger than the Buick Encore GX?
Yes, the Forester is substantially larger, measuring 183.3 inches in length compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches. This difference translates directly to better utility, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Buick's 23.5 cu ft.
What is the main cost difference between these two vehicles?
The 2025 Subaru Forester has an MSRP of $29,995, making it $4,095 more expensive than the 2026 Buick Encore GX, which starts at $25,900.
Which vehicle is standard with All-Wheel Drive?
The 2025 Subaru Forester comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, making it inherently more capable in inclement weather. The 2026 Buick Encore GX utilizes Front Wheel Drive as its standard configuration.
How does the transmission affect driving feel in both crossovers?
Both vehicles use a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, meaning neither will offer traditional gear shifts. However, the Forester's extra 43 hp will likely make its CVT feel more responsive when accelerating.
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