Shocking truth: subaru forester vs. buick encore gx: which compact suv reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The world of compact SUVs is brimming with exceptional options, and two standouts that have captured the attention of drivers are the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX.
- The Forester achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Encore GX gets 29 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the 1.
- The Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, is more suited for on-road driving and does not offer the same level of off-road prowess as the Forester.
The world of compact SUVs is brimming with exceptional options, and two standouts that have captured the attention of drivers are the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX. Both vehicles boast impressive features and capabilities, making the choice between them a challenging one. In this blog post, we will delve into an in-depth comparison of the Subaru Forester vs Buick Encore GX to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Forester offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Buick Encore GX comes with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine generating 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles come standard with all-wheel drive and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester has a slight edge over the Buick Encore GX. The Forester achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Encore GX gets 29 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the 1.2-liter engine and 28 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the 1.3-liter engine.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Subaru Forester offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with ample room for passengers and cargo. It features comfortable seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a generous amount of legroom and headroom in both rows. The Buick Encore GX also has a comfortable interior, but it is slightly smaller than the Forester’s. It offers a more upscale cabin with premium materials and a sleek design.
When it comes to cargo space, the Subaru Forester has a significant advantage over the Buick Encore GX. The Forester offers 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Encore GX has 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which increases to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Safety Features
Both the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Forester includes EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Encore GX offers a similar list of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
In terms of safety ratings, the Subaru Forester has a slight edge over the Buick Encore GX. The Forester has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Encore GX has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but has not yet been rated by the IIHS.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Subaru Forester is renowned for its off-road capabilities, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system and X-Mode, which enhances traction in slippery or challenging conditions. The Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, is more suited for on-road driving and does not offer the same level of off-road prowess as the Forester.
Price and Value
The Subaru Forester has a starting price of $26,395, while the Buick Encore GX starts at $25,500. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, which can affect the final price. When comparing similar trim levels, the Forester tends to be slightly more expensive than the Encore GX.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX are both excellent compact SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Forester is a great choice for those who prioritize off-road capabilities, spaciousness, and safety. The Encore GX, on the other hand, offers a more upscale interior, better fuel efficiency, and a lower price point.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore GX depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value off-road capability, space, and safety, the Forester is an excellent option. If you prefer a more luxurious interior, better fuel efficiency, and a lower price, the Encore GX is worth considering.
Answers to Your Questions
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 with the 1.2-liter engine or 155 horsepower with the 1.3-liter engine.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more spacious interior with 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats compared to the Buick Encore GX‘s 23.5 cubic feet.
Q: Which vehicle has better safety features?
A: The Subaru Forester has slightly better safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.
