Envision vs Forester
Few matchups in the compact suv class come up as often as the Envision against the Forester. There’s no clean sweep. If engine & performance matters most to you, the Envision has the edge; if fuel economy & range does, look at the Forester.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Envision wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Forester wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.5
- Fuel Economy & Range0.4
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance0.2
- Fuel Economy & Range4.6
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Envision has 48 hp more power
A clear win for the Envision: 228 hp against 180 hp. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. The Envision’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Forester has better fuel economy
Here the Forester pulls well ahead of the Envision, with 29 mpg compared to 24 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Envision has 80 lb-ft more torque
The Envision doesn’t just edge this one; 258 lb-ft against 178 lb-ft is a lead you’ll feel. The Envision’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Forester has better city fuel economy
Big gap, real consequences. The Forester’s 26 mpg versus the Envision’s 22 mpg changes how the two compare in daily use. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Forester has the better rating here.
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The Forester has better highway fuel economy
The Envision is clearly behind on fuel economy (highway) (28 mpg against 33 mpg), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Envision | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Envision leads
No contest in engine & performance: the Envision is the stronger of the two. The Envision delivers 48 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. On engine & performance alone, the Envision gets the nod.
Total system output
Envision: 228 hp Forester: 180 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Envision: 258 lb-ft Forester: 178 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Forester leads
This is one of the Forester’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the Envision falls well short. The Forester pulls ahead with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the Forester.
Fuel economy (combined)
Envision: 24 mpg Forester: 29 mpg The Forester uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Envision: 22 mpg Forester: 26 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Forester starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envision | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 228 hp (winner) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft (winner) | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envision | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envision | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 52.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envision | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envision | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Envision | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Envision | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $38,000 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Envision if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (228 hp vs 180 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (258 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Buick’s products
Choose the Forester if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (29 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 28 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Envision or the Forester?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Envision if engine & performance matters most, or the Forester if fuel economy & range does.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Envision and the Forester feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. What tips it for me is that the Envision has 48 hp more power. That said, the Forester answers with better fuel economy, which some people will value more.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Envision fits. If fuel economy & range matters more, the Forester makes more sense.
My pick: honestly, it’s a split decision, so let engine & performance versus fuel economy & range settle it for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.