2026 Buick Envision vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$41,000 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2026 Buick Envision (car1) and the 2026 Subaru Outback (car2) is the $6,005 MSRP variance, starting at $41,000 for the Buick versus $34,995 for the Subaru. This price difference correlates with a substantial 48 horsepower advantage for the Envision, delivering 228 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp, along with 258 lb-ft of torque versus 178 lb-ft. However, the Outback counters with superior efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG utilizing regular unleaded fuel, outperforming the Envision’s 24 MPG which requires premium fuel. Furthermore, the Outback offers significantly more utility, boasting 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the Envision's 25.2 cu ft. Both models feature all-wheel drive, but the Outback’s larger exterior dimensions (191.7 inches long) suggest greater cabin space, while the Envision prioritizes a slightly narrower profile at 74.1 inches wide.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel, directly reducing operating costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback provides vastly superior practicality for families, offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Envision's 25.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Envision

Enthusiasts will prefer the Envision, which produces a notable 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, substantially outclassing the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback delivers better baseline value by providing more space and better mileage for a starting MSRP that is $6,005 lower than the Envision.

Choose the Buick Envision if...

Performance is paramount, as the Envision offers 228 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp.
You prefer a nine-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The slightly lower height (64.6 inches vs 67.5 inches) is a desirable attribute for garage clearance or aesthetics.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Fuel efficiency is critical, as the Outback achieves 27 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
Maximum cargo utility is required, with the Outback offering 34.6 cubic feet versus 25.2 cubic feet.
A lower initial outlay is prioritized, as the Outback starts $6,005 less expensive at $34,995.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Envision	Subaru Outback
Length	182.7"	191.7"
Width	74.1"	74.0"
Height	64.6"	67.5"
Wheelbase	109.0"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	228 hp @ 5000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/28 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.2/450.8 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.1 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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
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	9	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	39.6 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.1 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
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.9 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/60R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside 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 Envision and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Which vehicle offers better fuel cost efficiency between the 2026 Envision and Outback?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is more efficient, achieving 27 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel, compared to the Envision's 24 combined MPG which requires the more expensive premium unleaded gasoline.

How much more cargo space does the Outback provide over the Envision?

The Outback offers substantially more storage room, featuring 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Buick Envision provides 25.2 cubic feet, a difference of over 9 cubic feet.

Is the extra cost of the Buick Envision justified by its performance metrics?

The Envision commands a $6,005 higher MSRP, but it delivers a 48 hp advantage (228 hp vs 180 hp) and significantly higher torque (258 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft) for buyers prioritizing acceleration.

Are there major differences in physical size or ground clearance indications?

The Outback is noticeably larger in length (191.7 inches vs 182.7 inches) and height (67.5 inches vs 64.6 inches), suggesting a taller stance, while both are nearly identical in width.

What are the transmission types offered in these two crossovers?

The 2026 Buick Envision utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Outback uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).