Envista vs Crosstrek
Two brands, one target. The Envista from Buick and the Crosstrek from Subaru compete head to head for subcompact suv shoppers. You won’t find a dramatic mismatch here: the Envista and the Crosstrek are close on nearly every line that counts.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Crosstrek wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Crosstrek wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.5
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
-
The Crosstrek has 15 hp more power
The Envista comes close with 137 hp; the Crosstrek does slightly better with 152 hp. The Crosstrek’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Envista has 17 lb-ft more torque
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 162 lb-ft for the Envista, 145 lb-ft for the Crosstrek. The Envista’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Crosstrek has better highway fuel economy
On paper, the Crosstrek is a touch ahead here, listing 34 mpg against 32 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The Crosstrek has available all-wheel drive
The Crosstrek checks this box; the Envista doesn’t. The Crosstrek offers all-wheel drive; the Envista doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The Envista and the Crosstrek split the engine & performance section, the Envista with 17 lb-ft more torque and the Crosstrek with 15 hp more power. Think about how you’ll use the car; that’s what settles engine & performance.
Total system output
Envista: 137 hp Crosstrek: 152 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Envista: 162 lb-ft Crosstrek: 145 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Crosstrek leads
Call it a small but real win for the Crosstrek in this area. The Crosstrek steps ahead thanks to better highway fuel economy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the Crosstrek.
Fuel economy (highway)
Envista: 32 mpg Crosstrek: 34 mpg The Crosstrek uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Crosstrek leads
In the off-road & towing category, the Crosstrek is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The Crosstrek stands out with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the Crosstrek.
AWD / 4WD available
Envista: no Crosstrek: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the Envista and the Crosstrek list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envista | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 152 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 145 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envista | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envista | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 20.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 42 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envista | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in Highest ground clearance |
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envista | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Envista | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,800 | 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 Envista if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (162 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Buick does things
Choose the Crosstrek if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (152 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want better highway fuel economy (34 mpg vs 32 mpg)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Envista or the Crosstrek?
For most people, the Crosstrek is the stronger choice, unless you’d trade the rest for 17 lb-ft more torque.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the Envista from Buick and the Crosstrek from Subaru. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the Crosstrek has 15 hp more power. Then there’s better highway fuel economy, another point for the Crosstrek. The Envista does have a strong card to play: 17 lb-ft more torque.
I think of the Envista as the one for pulling power and the Crosstrek as the one for fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Crosstrek. I’d only go for the Envista if you know that 17 lb-ft more torque would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.