2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$25,900 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Buick Encore GX bursts onto the scene with an appealing entry point at $25,900 and a frugal 30 MPG combined, offering a sharp package for city dwellers focused on efficiency. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Forester brings substantial grit, boasting 180 hp—a solid 43 hp advantage over the Buick—and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While the Encore GX is commendably nimble at 171.2 inches long, the Forester maximizes utility with a cavernous 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Buick's 23.5 cu ft. The Subaru’s greater height of 68.1 inches suggests better outward visibility, positioning it as the more robust, adventure-ready option, while the Buick relies on its lower starting price and slightly better city fuel economy of 30 MPG to lure budget-conscious buyers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX wins for commuters due to its $4,900 lower MSRP and marginally better combined fuel economy at 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Forester

The Forester is superior for families, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft and the security of standard AWD.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Forester

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Forester for its exciting 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX delivers strong fundamental utility at a much lower initial cost of $25,900.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Your budget is firm, as the Encore GX starts $4,095 cheaper than the Forester.
Your primary driving involves stop-and-go city traffic where its 30 MPG combined rating offers a slight edge.
You prefer a more compact footprint for easier urban parking, measuring only 171.2 inches in length.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You demand genuine acceleration, utilizing the Forester's impressive 180 horsepower.
All-weather capability is essential, provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Maximum hauling space is necessary, as the Forester boasts a superior 29.6 cu ft cargo volume.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Subaru Forester
Length	171.2"	183.3"
Width	71.4"	72.0"
Height	64.1"	68.1"
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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

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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate 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	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	54.7 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.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	53.7 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	225/60R H
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 Forester.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Subaru Forester than the Buick Encore GX?

The Forester is significantly more potent, delivering 180 horsepower compared to the Encore GX's 137 horsepower, which is a difference of 43 hp. This performance gap should translate to more responsive acceleration when merging onto highways.

Which crossover offers the best fuel economy figures?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX slightly edges out the Forester with a combined rating of 30 MPG versus the Forester's 29 MPG. However, the Forester's highway rating of 33 MPG is better, thanks to the Buick's 30/31 city/highway split.

Is the extra cost of the Forester worth the increase in size and utility?

For many, yes; the Forester costs $4,095 more but compensates with a much larger 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity against the Buick's 23.5 cu ft. It is also physically larger in every dimension, standing taller at 68.1 inches.

What major mechanical differences impact driving dynamics between these two models?

The Forester comes standard with the rugged capability of All-Wheel Drive, while the Encore GX is exclusively front-wheel drive. Additionally, the Forester handles regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Buick can utilize flex-fuel (E85).

Which vehicle is generally better suited for navigating tight city streets?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX is physically smaller, measuring 171.2 inches long and 71.4 inches wide, making its tighter dimensions preferable for cramped urban environments compared to the slightly larger Forester.