Fuel-efficient showdown: subaru forester vs. buick encore gx compared

The automotive landscape is brimming with compact SUVs, each vying for the attention of discerning drivers. Among the most popular contenders are the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and style. But which one emerges as the superior choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of the Subaru Forester vs Buick Encore GX to determine the true champion.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Forester offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, boasts a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It is coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a more engaging and sporty driving feel.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester has a slight edge over the Buick Encore GX. The Forester returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Encore GX achieves 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX offer spacious interiors for their respective sizes. The Forester boasts an impressive 111.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats. The Encore GX has slightly less interior space, with 100.4 cubic feet of passenger volume and 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

When it comes to comfort, the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX are both well-equipped with standard features such as heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a variety of infotainment options. However, the Forester offers a few additional amenities, such as available heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof, which enhance the overall comfort level for passengers.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount for both Subaru and Buick. The Subaru Forester has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Forester comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The Buick Encore GX has also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS. Standard safety features on the Encore GX include forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams.

Technology and Infotainment

The Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX are both equipped with user-friendly infotainment systems. The Forester features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The Encore GX has a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation and a Bose premium audio system.

Both vehicles offer a range of advanced technology features, including voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and Wi-Fi hotspots. However, the Subaru Forester has a slight edge in this area, with features such as a head-up display and a driver monitoring system that are not available on the Encore GX.

Reliability and Maintenance

The Subaru Forester has a reputation for reliability and durability. It consistently ranks highly in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study, and owners report few problems with the vehicle. The Buick Encore GX is a newer model, so it does not have as much data available on its reliability. However, Buick has a generally good reputation for reliability, and the Encore GX is expected to be a solid choice in this regard.

In terms of maintenance, the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX have similar recommended service intervals. Both vehicles require an oil change every 6,000 miles and a major service every 30,000 miles. However, the Forester has a slightly lower cost of maintenance over the long term, according to RepairPal.

Pricing and Value

The Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX are both competitively priced within the compact SUV segment. The Forester has a starting price of $26,395, while the Encore GX starts at $25,095. However, the Forester offers more standard features and a higher level of safety and technology, which may make it a better value for the money.

The Verdict: Subaru Forester or Buick Encore GX?

After carefully examining the key aspects of the Subaru Forester vs Buick Encore GX, it is clear that both vehicles offer a compelling package for buyers in the compact SUV segment. However, the Subaru Forester ultimately emerges as the superior choice. It offers a more spacious interior, a more robust suite of safety features, and a higher level of technology and infotainment. Additionally, the Forester has a proven track record of reliability and a lower cost of ownership over the long term. While the Buick Encore GX is a solid choice with its sporty driving feel and stylish design, the Subaru Forester simply offers more value for the money and is the better overall choice for most buyers.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more powerful engine, with 182 horsepower compared to the Buick Encore GX‘s 137 horsepower.

Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Subaru Forester has a larger cargo capacity, with 31.1 cubic feet of space compared to the Buick Encore GX’s 23.5 cubic feet.

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester has a slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Buick Encore GX‘s 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.