2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Buick Envista
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Buick Envista is the initial cost, with the Envista starting at $24,600 compared to the Outback's $29,995, a $5,395 difference. Performance metrics favor the Outback significantly, delivering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque versus the Envista's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. Fuel economy is narrowly won by the Envista with 30 combined MPG versus the Outback's 28 combined MPG, although the Outback offers superior flexibility with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Dimensions also show variation; the Outback is 191.1 inches long and provides 32.6 cu ft of cargo space, substantially more than the Envista's 28.5 cu ft advantage in passenger room/utility. The drivetrain disparity—AWD for Subaru versus Front-Wheel Drive for Buick—remains a critical specification split.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Envista
The 2026 Buick Envista wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy (30 combined MPG) and lower entry price.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback is superior for families due to its standard AWD and significantly larger 32.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback appeals more to driving enthusiasts, offering 45 more horsepower and standard all-wheel drive capability.
2026 Buick Envista
The 2026 Buick Envista provides better measurable value due to its $5,395 lower MSRP.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You require the security and traction of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
- You prioritize hauling capability, utilizing the Outback's 32.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
- Your preference leans toward higher output, specifically the 182 hp engine.
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- Your primary constraint is the initial purchase price, saving $5,395 at $24,600 MSRP.
- You frequently use E85, as the Envista supports flex-fuel capability.
- Maximizing city MPG is crucial, with the Envista achieving 28 MPG city versus 26 MPG in the Outback.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Buick Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 182.6" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.5" |
| Height | 66.1" | 61.2" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 6-speed shiftable 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 | 28/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 369.6/422.4 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 45.8 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 | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R 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 Outback and 2026 Buick Envista.
What is the measurable difference in powertrain capability between the 2025 Outback and 2026 Envista?
The 2025 Subaru Outback outputs 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Buick Envista generates 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, representing a 45 hp advantage for the Subaru.
How does the cargo space compare between these two crossovers?
The Outback offers substantially more utility with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Envista's 20.7 cubic feet, making the Subaru the clear choice for hauling.
Is there a significant difference in fuel costs for owners of these two vehicles?
While the Envista nets 2 MPG more overall (30 vs. 28 combined), the Outback uses only regular unleaded, whereas the Envista supports E85, which could impact per-mile energy costs depending on local fuel pricing.
Does one vehicle include All-Wheel Drive standard?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 Buick Envista utilizes a Front-Wheel Drive system.
How much shorter is the 2026 Buick Envista than the 2025 Subaru Outback?
The 2026 Buick Envista is dimensionally smaller, measuring 182.6 inches in length compared to the Outback's 191.1 inches, resulting in an 8.5-inch difference in overall length.
What is the transmission difference affecting daily driving?
The Outback employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the Envista uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering a different shift feel during acceleration.
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