2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the efficient, compact 2026 Buick Encore GX and the slightly larger, more powerful 2026 Subaru Crosstrek can be tough when dealing with tight city parking and fluctuating fuel costs. The Encore GX edges out its rival in base efficiency, boasting a 30 MPG combined rating versus the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined. However, the Crosstrek brings 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque to the table, significantly overshadowing the Buick's 137 hp. While the Encore GX starts cheaper at $25,900 compared to the Crosstrek's $26,995, the Subaru compensates with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a slight advantage on the highway (33 MPG vs. 31 MPG). The Buick is noticeably smaller and boxier (171.2 inches long), which helps it maneuver, but it offers 23.5 cu ft of cargo space, beating the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. This comparison hinges on whether you prioritize accessible entry price and efficiency (Buick) or mechanical grip and engine output (Subaru).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and lower starting MSRP of $25,900.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX provides superior hauling capability for families with 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek for its 180 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive system, giving it a distinct performance edge.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX offers a lower barrier to entry at $25,900 and better overall combined fuel efficiency.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You want the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $25,900.
- You frequently carry bulky items and need the larger 23.5 cu ft of maximum cargo volume.
- You prioritize steady, slightly more economical driving with a 30 MPG combined rating.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You live in an area with poor weather conditions and require standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a punchier driving experience thanks to its 180 hp engine.
- You want the best highway cruising range, rated at 33 MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 176.4" |
| Width | 71.4" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.1" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 105.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 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 | continuously variable-speed 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 | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 16.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/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: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Encore GX and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Which vehicle has better power for passing on the highway?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is significantly more powerful, producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp. This 43 hp difference means the Crosstrek will feel much more responsive when accelerating onto fast-moving roads.
Is the extra cost of the Crosstrek worth it for its AWD system?
If you regularly face snow or slippery conditions, the Crosstrek's standard All-Wheel Drive is a major advantage over the Encore GX's front-wheel drive setup. However, this capability comes at a $1,095 higher starting price.
How do the sizes of these two crossovers compare for city parking?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is the smaller vehicle overall, measuring 171.2 inches long and 64.1 inches tall. While both are compact, the slightly shorter and taller Encore GX might feel marginally easier to thread through tight urban parking spots.
Can the Buick Encore GX run on E85 fuel?
Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX is listed as flex-fuel compatible, meaning it can utilize E85, which is not an option for the regular unleaded-only Subaru Crosstrek.
Which one has more room inside for luggage or gear?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX offers better utility with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek only provides 19.9 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Are the fuel efficiency differences between the two significant?
The differences are minor in daily driving; the Buick gets 30 MPG combined while the Subaru gets 29 MPG combined. The Crosstrek's highway efficiency (33 MPG) edges out the Buick's (31 MPG), but the Buick is slightly better around town (30 MPG city vs 26 MPG city).
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