2026 Buick Envista vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Buick Envista sparks excitement with its value proposition, starting at a tempting MSRP of $24,600, offering a surprisingly sleek design for an accessible crossover. However, the 2026 Subaru Forester arrives packing a punch with 180 horsepower, significantly more than the Envista's 137 hp, appealing to drivers who prioritize capability. The Forester’s standard All-Wheel Drive and superior 29.6 cu ft of cargo space make it the rugged choice, while the Envista boasts slightly better fuel economy at 30 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Forester’s dimensions stand taller at 68.1 inches high compared to the Envista's 61.2 inches, signaling greater road presence and utility. This comparison pits value and efficiency (Envista) against power and sure-footedness (Forester), evidenced by their $5,395 price gap and nearly 43 hp difference.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Envista
The Envista wins for commuters due to its lower $24,600 MSRP and superior 30 combined MPG efficiency.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester offers substantially more utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and the safety advantage of standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Forester's robust 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque for a more engaging drive.
2026 Buick Envista
The Envista provides superior overall value by being $5,395 cheaper while still delivering respectable efficiency.
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- Your budget is tight, as the MSRP starts impressively low at $24,600.
- You prioritize fuel economy, with the Envista achieving 32 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer a lighter, more city-focused footprint with a slightly smaller overall width of 71.5 inches.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- All-weather traction and stability are paramount, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You require maximum hauling potential, utilizing the Forester’s massive 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Driving dynamics matter more, leveraging the 180 horsepower advantage over the Envista.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Envista | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6" | 183.3" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.0" |
| Height | 61.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 6-speed shiftable 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) | 28/32 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
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 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.3 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 | 37.3 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | 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 Envista and 2026 Subaru Forester.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Forester than the Envista?
The Subaru Forester boasts 180 horsepower, which is 43 horsepower more than the Buick Envista's 137 hp. This difference is also reflected in torque, with the Forester offering 178 lb-ft versus the Envista's 162 lb-ft.
Is the price difference between the two crossovers significant?
Yes, the 2026 Subaru Forester commands a premium, with an MSRP of $29,995 compared to the Envista’s entry price of $24,600. This results in a $5,395 difference in initial purchase price.
Which crossover is better suited for carrying cargo?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 29.6 cu ft of space. This is substantially more room than the 2026 Buick Envista, which provides only 20.7 cu ft.
How does the fuel economy compare for daily driving?
The Buick Envista leads slightly in efficiency with a combined rating of 30 MPG, hitting 32 MPG highway. The Forester is close behind at 29 combined MPG, though it uses regular unleaded fuel versus the Envista’s flex-fuel capability.
Are there major differences in size or stance between these two crossovers?
The Forester is visibly taller and wider, standing at 68.1 inches high compared to the Envista’s 61.2 inches, suggesting better ground clearance and cabin space. However, their overall lengths are nearly identical, measuring 183.3 inches for the Forester versus 182.6 inches for the Envista.
Why is the Forester significantly more expensive than the Envista?
The higher $29,995 price point for the Forester is primarily due to its more powerful engine (180 hp vs. 137 hp) and the inclusion of standard All-Wheel Drive, features that increase manufacturing costs compared to the FWD Envista.
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