2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The most substantial measurable difference between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Buick Encore GX is the $4,095 MSRP gap, with the Buick starting at $25,900 versus the Subaru's $29,995. This price variance is correlated with a significant 45 hp difference, as the Outback produces 182 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp. Despite the power deficit, the Encore GX claims a slight fuel economy advantage, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Outback's 28 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Outback is the larger vehicle, measuring 191.1 inches in length compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, resulting in 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity for the Subaru versus 23.5 cu ft for the Buick. Finally, the standard all-wheel drive of the Outback contrasts with the Encore GX's front-wheel drive configuration, making it inherently more capable in adverse conditions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuting due to its superior 30 MPG combined efficiency and lower starting price of $25,900.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback is preferred for families because it offers significantly more cargo capacity at 32.6 cu ft and standard all-wheel drive.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback is the clear enthusiast choice, delivering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the Encore GX's 137 hp output.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX presents better initial value due to its $4,095 lower MSRP and higher standard fuel economy.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You require the robust traction of standard all-wheel drive across varied terrains.
- Your primary need is maximum storage, as the Outback provides 32.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prioritize higher performance figures, benefiting from 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Sticking to a strict initial budget is key, given the $25,900 MSRP.
- You seek marginal fuel savings, achieving 30 MPG combined versus 28 MPG.
- You prefer a more compact footprint, with a length of 171.2 inches for easier urban maneuvering.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 171.2" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.4" |
| Height | 66.1" | 64.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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) | 26/32 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 40.1 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 50.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
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 | 225/65R 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 Outback and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
How significant is the performance gap between the two crossovers?
The performance gap is substantial, with the 2025 Subaru Outback producing 182 horsepower compared to the 2026 Buick Encore GX's 137 horsepower. This 45 hp difference translates directly to faster acceleration and greater capability when carrying heavy loads or climbing grades.
Which vehicle offers better long-term operational savings based on fuel?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX holds a slight edge in fuel efficiency, rated at 30 MPG combined, whereas the 2025 Subaru Outback achieves 28 MPG combined. The Encore GX also supports flex-fuel capabilities, offering flexibility in fuel choice.
Is the Subaru Outback significantly larger than the Encore GX?
Yes, the Outback is dimensionally larger, measuring 191.1 inches long versus the Encore GX's 171.2 inches. This extra length translates to 9.1 cubic feet more cargo capacity (32.6 cu ft vs. 23.5 cu ft) in the Subaru.
Why is the AWD capability a critical differentiator in this comparison?
The standard all-wheel drive on the 2025 Subaru Outback provides superior traction management over the front-wheel-drive configuration standard on the 2026 Buick Encore GX. This is vital for buyers facing snow or unpaved roads.
At their base trims, how does the price difference affect the value proposition?
The Encore GX starts $4,095 cheaper at $25,900, offering a lower entry barrier. However, the Outback includes AWD standard, which owners of the FWD Encore GX may need to upgrade to a higher trim to match.
Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?
Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). This suggests a similar approach to automatic gear shifting and operational smoothness for both the Outback and the Encore GX.
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