Buick Encore vs Subaru Outback
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Outback
Overview
| Spec | Buick EncorePreferred | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Preferred | Premium |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2022 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Buick EncorePreferred | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,600 (best) | $34,995 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $20,992 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $20,992 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $20,992 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Buick EncorePreferred | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG | 27 MPG |
| City MPG | 24 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 31 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | 18 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Buick EncorePreferred | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 180 hp (best) |
| Torque | 177 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.4 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Buick EncorePreferred | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 48.4 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 1,018 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,237 lbs (best) | 3,741 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6.2 in | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 100.6 in | 108.1 in (best) |
| Length | 168.4 in | 191.7 in (best) |
| Width | 70.1 in | 74 in (best) |
| Height | 65.3 in | 67.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Buick EncorePreferred | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Buick Encore | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preferred $24,600 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Premium $34,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Preferred $25,220 MSRP | Limited $41,715 MSRP |
| 3 | — | Limited XT $44,365 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Wilderness $44,995 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Touring $45,395 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Touring XT $47,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
Subaru Outback1 for sale
See all
Buick Encore vs Subaru Outback FAQ
- Which is better: 2022 Buick Encore or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2022 Buick Encore vs 2026 Subaru Outback on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2022 Buick Encore or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2022 Buick Encore starts lower at $24,600. Live Subaru Outback listings start at $20,992.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2022 Buick Encore or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2022 Buick Encore leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,600).
- Which has better horsepower: 2022 Buick Encore or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Subaru Outback leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2022 Buick Encore vs 2026 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Buick Encore (5/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Outback (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).