2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Impreza wagon excites with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a zippier 152 hp engine, while the 2026 Buick Encore GX crossover appeals with a slightly higher stance and superior cargo space. The Impreza, priced at $24,360, delivers spirited driving dynamics thanks to its 145 lb-ft of torque and a compact 176.2-inch length ideal for urban agility. Conversely, the Encore GX starts at $25,900, boasts a more substantial 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft, and offers slightly better city fuel economy at 30 MPG versus 27 MPG for the Subaru. Both models share an excellent 30 MPG combined rating. The Impreza's focus on grip with AWD contrasts sharply with the Encore GX’s front-wheel-drive bias, making performance appeal quite distinct between these two capable vehicles.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Subaru Impreza offers standard All-Wheel Drive for better handling stability and slightly superior highway efficiency at 34 MPG.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX provides more usable space with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza’s 20.4 cubic feet.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza produces more power with 152 horsepower and standard AWD, promising a more engaging drive than the 137 hp front-wheel-drive Encore GX.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza secures the value win by offering a lower starting MSRP of $24,360 while including standard AWD technology.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You prioritize maximizing traction and confidence in all weather conditions due to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You want the most engaging drive with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- Your budget is tighter, as the starting MSRP is a competitive $24,360.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You require greater utility, benefiting from the crossover's 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You prefer a higher seating position, indicated by its 64.1-inch height versus the Impreza's 58.3 inches.
- You value torque delivery off the line, as the Encore GX provides 162 lb-ft versus 145 lb-ft in the Impreza.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 171.2" |
| Width | 70.1" | 71.4" |
| Height | 58.3" | 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 | 2.0 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 | — |
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) | 30 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 | 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 Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
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 Impreza and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
Both vehicles boast an excellent 30 MPG combined rating. However, the 2026 Buick Encore GX slightly leads in city driving at 30 MPG, while the 2025 Subaru Impreza is superior on the highway with 34 MPG.
Is the 2025 Impreza faster than the 2026 Encore GX?
Yes, the Subaru Impreza offers significantly more horsepower, delivering 152 hp compared to the Buick's 137 hp. While both use CVTs, the Impreza's higher power output suggests quicker acceleration.
How significant is the difference in size and utility between the wagon and crossover?
The Encore GX, being a crossover, is taller at 64.1 inches and offers more storage with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Impreza is longer at 176.2 inches but offers less vertical utility with 20.4 cubic feet of space.
Why choose the Impreza if it costs less but has less torque?
The Impreza's lower $24,360 MSRP is attractive, and its standard All-Wheel Drive system is a major performance differentiator over the front-wheel-drive Encore GX, offsetting the lower 145 lb-ft of torque rating.
Can I use E85 fuel in either of these vehicles?
Only the 2026 Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel capabilities, meaning it can run on E85 in addition to regular unleaded fuel. The 2025 Subaru Impreza strictly requires regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle is the better choice for unpredictable winter driving?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the clear winner for challenging conditions, as its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides superior grip and control compared to the front-wheel-drive configuration of the 2026 Buick Encore GX.
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