Subaru Forester vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a lower and wider stance compared to its predecessor. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a more sculpted appearance, distinguishing itself from its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, though it wasn't as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and the premium Avenir, which debuted this year. The Avenir trim featured upgraded exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels, while the interior boasted leather-appointed seating and a head-up display. Despite its stylish design, the Envision's interior had an abundance of piano black plastic, which attracted dust, and a driver-centric layout that limited passenger access to controls.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, emphasized functionality over form. Its rugged exterior, with a suspension lift and protective cladding, gave it a distinctive look, though not necessarily appealing to everyone. Inside, the Forester prioritized practicality with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The interior combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, exuding quality construction despite a somewhat dated appearance. The Forester's infotainment system was intuitive, featuring an 8-inch Starlink system with physical knobs and buttons. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Overall, the Forester's design focused on utility and ease of use, appealing to those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite a reduction in power from the previous model, the Envision's weight loss of 200 to 300 pounds improved its fuel efficiency, achieving 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway for FWD models. However, the engine noise during acceleration and deceleration detracted from its premium feel. The Envision offered a typical GM drive mode selector, with Sport mode altering revs but not significantly enhancing performance.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with a CVT and standard AWD, the Forester Wilderness model boasted a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined driving, with real-world tests averaging 25.9 mpg. While the engine's performance was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios provided a smooth driving experience, and the dual-function X-Mode system enhanced off-road capabilities. The Forester's re-tuned suspension and longer springs improved ride quality and ground clearance, making it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign resulted in reduced interior space, with less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and decreased legroom and hip room for rear passengers. Despite these reductions, the Envision maintained nearly identical passenger volumes to its predecessor. Cargo capacity also decreased, offering 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. However, the Envision provided standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel, ensuring comfort during long drives.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's squared-off cargo area and new cargo hooks enhanced practicality, making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2021 Buick Envision's technology centered around a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering responsive touch controls. The driver information display provided quicker access to station and song information. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features encompassed navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging, though the tech offerings were not particularly advanced.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in base trim, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing off-road navigation. The Forester's tech offerings were practical and user-friendly, with a PIN Code Access feature allowing keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Buick Envision's safety features included a Buckle to Drive system, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models. However, the Envision lacked GM's Super Cruise and lane-centering technology. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable due to the model's redesign.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction.