Subaru Forester vs. Buick Encore
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Forester and Buick Encore contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore.
When we compare the Subaru Forester's and the Buick Encore's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Buick Encore has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester's and the Buick Encore's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Buick Encore.
Pricing: A used 2022 Subaru Forester ranges from $23,205 to $32,400 while a used 2022 Buick Encore is priced between $16,920 to $23,450. For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $31,353 and $38,942, with the Buick Encore priced between $23,668 and $29,438.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value and the Buick Encore loses 48.9 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 11.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Buick Encore.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Buick Encore's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Buick Encore being ranked 3 out of 12 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.0 out of 10. For the Buick Encore the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Buick Encore.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Buick Encore base engine makes 155 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. The Encore is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 448 miles. This gives the Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Buick Encore. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Forester and the Buick Encore have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31353 - 38942
Starting MSRP:
25895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
26293
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22445 - 29995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
23668 - 29438
Starting MSRP:
24600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
34895
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
24400 - 44700
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
28111
Price Range:
23205 - 32400
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
24571
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
19300 - 28760
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1227
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
39306
# Good or Great Deals:
355
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
19941
Price Range:
16920 - 23450
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
27929
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
19941 - 33630
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
232
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
29286
# Good or Great Deals:
54
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Buick Encore Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
8.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.6 - 12.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Buick Encore
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
10.4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
7.7 - 10.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.04
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.91013990501151
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
5.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 19.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.3404476615445713
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.0 - 8.1
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Buick Encore Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 12Ranking
14 out of / 68Ranking
15 out of / 68Ranking
17 out of / 68Ranking
29 out of / 68Ranking
36 out of / 68Ranking
55 out of / 68Ranking
60 out of / 68Ranking
66 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
Buick Encore Trim Levels
Preferred
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
155 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
177 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
336 / 448 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.5 inches
Cargo Space:
18.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
48.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3195 lbs
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
65.2 inches
Length:
168.4 inches
Wheelbase:
100.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P215/55R18
Exterior Colors
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Cascade Green Silica
White
Crystal White Pearl
Black
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Blue
Dark Moon Blue Metallic
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
White
Summit White / White Frost Tricoat
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Red
Cinnabar Metallic
Silver
Quicksilver Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Beige
Shale w/ Ebony Accents
Black
Ebony
