2026 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$46,200 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $11,205 MSRP gap, with the Enclave starting at $46,200 versus the Outback's $34,995. This price disparity is reflected in performance metrics, as the Enclave produces a substantial 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. However, the Outback achieves superior efficiency, boasting a 27 MPG combined rating compared to the Enclave's 23 MPG combined. While the Enclave offers a larger exterior footprint at 207.6 inches long, the Outback counters with more usable space, providing 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft. Furthermore, the Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) while the Enclave defaults to Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the superior choice for commuters due to its better 27 MPG combined fuel economy and standard AWD capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers substantially more usable room with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave offers significantly more power with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, providing a much stronger acceleration profile.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback provides superior efficiency and capability for $11,205 less than the Buick Enclave's starting price.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, requiring the 328 hp available from the 2026 Buick Enclave.
You desire a larger overall physical presence, as the Enclave measures 207.6 inches in length.
Your budget accommodates the higher initial investment of $46,200 for enhanced luxury specifications.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, benefiting from the Outback's 27 MPG combined rating.
All-wheel drive capability is essential, as the Outback includes AWD standard versus the Enclave's FWD.
You need maximum utility, evidenced by the Outback's 34.6 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Enclave	Subaru Outback
Length	207.6"	191.7"
Width	79.6"	74.0"
Height	71.0"	67.5"
Wheelbase	120.9"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Infotainment Display	30.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.5 in.	55.1 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Enclave and 2026 Subaru Outback.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2026 Enclave and the 2026 Outback?

The 2026 Buick Enclave has a significant advantage in power output, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Subaru Outback is rated at 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Enclave offers approximately 82% more horsepower.

Which vehicle is more economical to operate regarding fuel consumption?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is more economical, achieving 27 MPG combined (25 City/31 Highway) on regular unleaded fuel. The 2026 Buick Enclave returns a lower 23 MPG combined (20 City/27 Highway).

How do the dimensions of the two crossovers compare, specifically cargo capacity?

The Outback is the larger hauler, providing 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Enclave’s 22.9 cu ft. Dimensionally, the Enclave is 15.9 inches longer than the Outback (207.6 in vs 191.7 in).

What is the price difference, and does it relate to drivetrain hardware?

The Buick Enclave has an MSRP of $46,200, which is $11,205 more than the Outback's $34,995 starting price. This difference also corresponds to standard hardware, as the Enclave is FWD while the Outback features standard AWD.

Which vehicle uses a traditional automatic transmission versus a CVT?

The 2026 Buick Enclave utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Outback is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2026 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Subaru Outback specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type, preventing the need for premium octane gasoline in either model.