2025 Buick Enclave vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more streamlined and generic appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and distinctive accents. The Forester Sport, for instance, showcased bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Touring trim boasted chrome badging and a low-profile roof rack. Inside, the Forester's cabin was redesigned with a more intentional look, featuring structural dash elements and various upholstery options, including the easy-to-clean StarTex material in the Sport trim. The interior was designed to be practical and user-friendly, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern design, drawing inspiration from the Envista with its sharp lines and angular grille. The Enclave's exterior was characterized by a high beltline and slightly sharpened wheel arches, giving it a more upright profile. Standard 20-inch wheels adorned the base and Sport Touring trims, while the Avenir trim featured 22-inch wheels with a special finish. Inside, the Enclave offered a premium feel with a floating center console and a large curved display, reminiscent of EVs. The seats in the Sport Touring trim were trimmed in perforated leatherette, adding a touch of luxury. However, the limited availability of a panoramic sunroof was a drawback, as it was only standard on the top trim.

The 2025 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Lineartonic CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system, providing a stable and confident driving experience. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced traction on challenging terrain, while the Sport and higher trims featured a dual-function version. Despite its modest acceleration, the Forester impressed with its smooth steering and off-road capabilities. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with a slight decrease for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Buick Enclave was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission routed power to either the front or all four wheels, with AWD available for an additional cost. The Enclave's fuel economy was slightly lower with AWD, rated at 21 mpg combined. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave offered two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, with the engine noise-targeting version available only on the top trim. The turbo engine was powerful but not the most refined, and the steering felt loose at slower speeds, emphasizing the vehicle's large size.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, available from the Sport trim and foot-activated on the Limited. The more vertical rear glass increased cargo space slightly, offering 29.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The Forester's cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks, and the interior provided a roomy second row. The Premium trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with additional features like heated seats and driver memory available on higher trims.

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Enclave Avenir featured heated second-row seats and front-row ventilation, with seat memory available as an add-on for lower trims. Tri-zone climate control was standard, and the second-row seats could be folded and slid with a one-touch power feature. The Enclave's cargo space measured 22.9 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model featured two 7-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone projection. Higher trims offered additional USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Touring trim included a navigation system, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and Subaru's Starlink connected services with new capabilities.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased a 30-inch curved display, standard across all trims, integrating the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker Bose Performance system exclusive to the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Enclave offered wired charging for all passengers, with USB ports in each row.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured Starlink Connected Services, including Emergency Stop Assist on the Touring trim. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with enhancements to Subaru's EyeSight suite, such as a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. The 2024 model received high safety ratings, and Subaru expected similar results for the 2025 version.

The 2025 Buick Enclave came equipped with advanced safety features, including blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. HD Surround Vision was standard, with additional camera views available. Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving technology, was offered on all trims for an extra cost. The 2024 model received good safety ratings, but the updated side crash-test rating was only "Acceptable."