2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Buick Envista

$29,995 · Crossover

$24,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru Forester (car1) and the 2026 Buick Envista (car2) is the $5,395 difference in starting MSRP, with the Envista priced at $24,600 versus the Forester's $29,995. Performance metrics also heavily favor the Forester, which delivers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Envista's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is narrowly won by the Envista at 30 MPG combined, compared to the Forester's 29 MPG combined. However, utility favors Subaru, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Envista's 20.7 cu ft. The Forester also features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across all trims, while the Envista employs Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). The Forester is also taller at 68.1 inches, providing a 9.9-inch advantage in ride height over the Envista’s 61.2 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Envista

The 2026 Buick Envista wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower entry price point of $24,600.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester is better suited for families due to its substantially larger 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Envista's 20.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Forester

Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester for its higher output of 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, alongside standard AWD capability.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Envista

The 2026 Buick Envista offers better immediate financial value with a $5,395 lower MSRP, despite having less standard utility features.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied or adverse weather conditions.
You prioritize greater utility, needing the 29.6 cu ft of available cargo space.
You need superior acceleration and power, benefiting from 180 hp versus the Envista's 137 hp.

Choose the Buick Envista if...

Your primary concern is minimizing the purchase price, starting at $24,600.
You prioritize fuel efficiency slightly higher, achieving 30 MPG combined.
Your driving involves only paved roads and you do not require AWD traction.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Forester	Buick Envista
Length	183.3"	182.6"
Width	72.0"	71.5"
Height	68.1"	61.2"
Wheelbase	105.1"	106.0"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
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	6-speed shiftable 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	28/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	431.6/547.8 mi.	369.6/422.4 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	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

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	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Buick
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	43.3 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	56.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	52.3 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.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	54.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.7 in.	45.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/60R H	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	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 Envista.

What is the performance deficit between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Subaru Forester holds a significant power advantage, producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Buick Envista delivers only 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 43 hp gap favoring the Forester.

How does the cargo capacity compare for hauling gear?

The Subaru Forester provides substantially more space for cargo, offering 29.6 cu ft behind the rear seats. The Buick Envista is limited to 20.7 cu ft, meaning the Forester offers nearly 9 cubic feet more storage volume.

Which vehicle is more economical regarding running costs?

The Buick Envista has a slight edge in fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Forester's 29 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Envista can utilize E85 flex-fuel, offering potential variation in fuel cost strategy, whereas the Forester requires regular unleaded.

Is the Forester significantly larger than the Envista?

The Forester is dimensionally larger, most notably in height, standing at 68.1 inches compared to the Envista's 61.2 inches. While their lengths are similar (183.3 in vs 182.6 in), the Forester’s taller stature suggests a higher seating position.

Which drivetrain configuration should I choose?

The decision hinges on traction needs: the 2025 Forester comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2026 Envista is exclusively Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), which is typically sufficient for dry, city driving but less capable on slick surfaces.

How does the difference in MSRP affect the value proposition?

The $5,395 difference in starting MSRP heavily influences the value metric, positioning the Envista as the cheaper entry point. Buyers must weigh this upfront saving against the Forester's advantages in power, cargo volume, and standard AWD.