2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical variance lies in size, with the 2026 Subaru Impreza offering 5.0 inches more length (176.2 inches vs. 171.2 inches for the Encore GX), despite the Buick holding a 3.1 cu ft advantage in maximum cargo capacity (23.5 vs. 20.4). Performance metrics show the Impreza leading in power, generating 152 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp, though the Buick counters with slightly higher torque at 162 lb-ft versus Subaru's 145 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency is nearly identical, with the Encore GX achieving a slightly better combined 30 MPG versus the Impreza's 29 MPG, although the Impreza's 33 highway MPG exceeds the Buick's 31 MPG. Priced at $25,900, the Buick undercuts the Impreza's $26,595 MSRP, making the $695 price difference a key consideration against the Impreza's standard All-Wheel Drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its marginally superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and a $695 lower starting MSRP.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX offers more accessible utility with 23.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft and slightly higher ride height (64.1 inches vs 58.3 inches).
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 152 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza offers superior powertrain features, namely 152 hp and standard AWD, for only a $695 price premium over the Encore GX.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Budget is the top priority, as the Buick Encore GX starts at $25,900, undercutting the Impreza by $695.
- You prioritize maximum accessible storage volume, as the Encore GX provides 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 20.4 cu ft.
- You want higher torque output, as the Encore GX delivers 162 lb-ft compared to the Impreza's 145 lb-ft.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Superior handling and traction are essential, given the Impreza includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You require the highest available highway efficiency, as the Impreza achieves 33 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer more peak power, as the Impreza's engine produces 152 hp compared to the Buick's 137 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 176.2" |
| Width | 71.4" | 70.1" |
| Height | 64.1" | 58.3" |
| 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 Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| 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 | 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: Premium 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 225/40R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| 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 Impreza.
Which vehicle is physically larger, and how does that affect interior space?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is 5.0 inches longer (176.2 inches) than the Buick Encore GX. However, the Encore GX offers a greater peak cargo capacity at 23.5 cu ft versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft, suggesting better internal packaging efficiency in the Buick.
How significant is the difference in horsepower and torque between the two crossovers/wagons?
The Impreza has a notable 15 hp advantage with 152 hp, while the Encore GX compensates slightly by producing 162 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 145 lb-ft.
Is the $695 price difference between the two models justified by performance or drivetrain features?
Yes, the 2026 Subaru Impreza's higher price point grants the buyer standard All-Wheel Drive and 15 more horsepower, features absent or downgraded on the base Encore GX.
How does the MPG split compare for city vs. highway driving in these vehicles?
The Encore GX has a fixed 30 MPG combined rating with 30 city/31 highway MPG, whereas the Impreza achieves a slightly better 33 MPG highway rating but drops to 27 MPG in the city, yielding a combined 29 MPG.
What are the key differences in ride height and overall body style?
The Encore GX is classified as a Crossover and stands taller at 64.1 inches in height, while the Impreza is classified as a Wagon and is notably lower at 58.3 inches, reflecting its potentially sportier stance.
Does the fuel type difference impact running costs?
The Buick Encore GX is rated for flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) but its base rating is 30 MPG on unleaded, while the Impreza uses regular unleaded and achieves 29 MPG combined; E85 compatibility in the Buick might affect cost depending on local fuel prices.
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