2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2024 Buick Encore GX was a striking addition to Buick's lineup, drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept. This refreshed model boasted a completely new front design, featuring sleek daytime running lights positioned above the grille and angular LED headlamps flanking it. The introduction of a new Buick logo added to its modern appeal. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille and chrome accents. While the rear design remained largely unchanged from the 2023 model, the top trims received new LED tail lights. The Encore GX offered a range of vibrant colours, including brilliant red, deep blue, maroon, and the eye-catching Copper Ice Metallic. The interior saw significant changes with the relocation of HVAC vents to accommodate a 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving it a premium, tech-savvy look.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, on the other hand, underwent a redesign for its sixth generation, resulting in a more cohesive yet conventional appearance. The blockier shape gave it a visual heft reminiscent of a compact Ford Explorer. Despite losing some of its distinctiveness, the Forester maintained a rugged look with black plastic elements hinting at its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester retained its signature beveled dashboard centre section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats offering ample cushioning and support. The hybrid model included heated outboard rear seats and a ventilation system for added comfort. While some argued that the Forester lost some personality, its broader appeal was undeniable.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its powertrain options, offering a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine in Canada, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a responsive driving experience, though acceleration to 100 km/h took about nine seconds. The Encore GX excelled as a city car, with a smooth-riding suspension and a selectable AWD system for added control. However, highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The Encore GX's performance was adequate but not exhilarating, with a bit of roughness on take-off.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder engine, combined with a parallel hybrid system producing 194 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain, similar to Toyota's, included an AWD system with a traditional driveshaft for better traction. Acceleration was adequate, with the electric motor providing immediate response, though the hybrid transmission made it feel slower than it was. The Forester Hybrid excelled off-road, thanks to Subaru's X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control. On-road, it offered a firmer ride, with larger 19-inch wheels contributing to some passenger jostling. The hybrid system operated seamlessly, with consistent braking and predictable handling on twisty roads.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but remained competitive within its class. It could tow up to 453 kilograms and featured a hands-free liftgate for easy loading. The cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with the seats folded down. The interior included heated driver and front passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Optional features included a seven-speaker Bose audio system and a moonroof.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unimpeded forward view, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The front seats provided ample space, while the rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom. The standard panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of openness. The cabin featured a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and storage compartments. Rear passengers had access to USB-A and USB-C charge ports and air vents. The Forester Hybrid offered 779 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for added convenience.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, housed under a single glass pane. While visually appealing, the screen had unused real estate, giving the impression of a malfunction. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The available rear camera mirror provided a wider-angle view of the rear. The infotainment system was straightforward, with easy-to-read tiles for smartphone mirroring, climate control, settings, camera views, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system received praise for its large on-screen buttons and intuitive menus. Physical buttons flanking the screen allowed for no-look temperature adjustments. The X-Mode off-road drive menu was accessible with a swipe, offering simple terrain-related controls. The Forester Hybrid also featured multiple external camera views for off-roading and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with the Driver Confidence package, including lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also included. Optional features included rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. Unique safety features included Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in crashworthiness and front crash prevention from the IIHS.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The non-hybrid model received high marks from the IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick award. The Forester Hybrid came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-keep assist. Additional features on the top-trim included rear automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor, and a surround-view monitor. The safety systems functioned smoothly, with customizable alerts.