The 2022 Buick Envision is a stylish, potent option in the compact SUV segment. The 2022 Subaru Forester is refreshed this year and sporting a new Wilderness variant. Here’s how they compare.
2022 Buick Envision
2022 Buick Envision Starting Price: $31,800 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Potent turbo engine; stylish exterior look; luxury touches at a lower price.
Below Average: Sport Touring package is appearance only; tight seating for five; some features are not available in the base trim; limited off-road capability.
Consensus: A compact crossover SUV, the 2022 Buick Envision offers a bit of luxury at a lower price point. The ride focuses more on comfort than sport, and it’s better for four rather than five passengers.
2022 Subaru Forester
2022 Subaru Starting Price: $25,195 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Standard all-wheel drive; reassuring safety scores; spacious for the class; off-road capability; lots of standard equipment.
Below Average: CVT transmission; 1,500-pound tow rating is unremarkable.
Consensus: The 2022 Subaru Forester gets a slightly refreshed look and a new Wilderness off-road-oriented trim. We’ve given our 5-Year Cost to Own award for compact crossovers to the Subaru Forester five years in a row, the most recent being 2021.
Envision vs. Forester: Premium or Practical?
Buick Envision
In Buick’s all-SUV family, the 2022 Buick Envision falls between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave. Seating is for five, but the Envision is still probably best for four.
Priced more like a mainstream compact crossover, the Envision feels more refined, like an entry-luxury model. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder makes a good amount of power. The delivery is smooth rather than sporty and the ride is tuned for quiet and comfort.
Inside, the Envision has high-quality materials, with even the base trim’s cloth being soft and smooth. Standard features include an 8-inch infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and active noise cancellation.
Every Envision also comes standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus safety suite, which includes lane-keeping assist, forward-collision alert, lane-change alert with blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Upper trims get amenities like leather seats, a Bose premium audio system, a 360-degree camera, and a larger touchscreen. A Sport Touring package adds special wheels, badging, and grille, but does not include any performance improvements.
Subaru Forester
The 2022 Subaru Forester isn’t just any compact crossover — it’s an award winner. The Forester is a multi-year winner of the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own title for compact SUVs.
A restyled front end with new headlights and a new front bumper differentiates the 2022 Forester from last year’s model. Not that it really matters — the Forester is already a hot-selling Subaru, appealing to a certain section of automotive buyers who are willing to ignore any aesthetic shortcomings and concentrate instead on the vehicle’s many positive and tangible traits.
The new Forester Wilderness variant debuts this year with slightly more ground clearance compared to a regular Forester: 9.2 inches to 8.7. It also wears all-terrain tires to cope with any off-road adventures its owners will embark upon.
Automatic Emergency Steering is a new driver assistance feature this year. Working at speeds up to 50 mph, it helps with evasive steering maneuvers. The feature is optional on the Premium trim and standard above.
One of our favorite features of the Forester is the large cargo opening. This is an aspect that’s easily overlooked until there’s a big item to stow in the cargo area. Golf bags don’t need tilting to slide in sideways. This aperture, 51.3 inches wide, has a 6-inch advantage over the nearest rival.
Higher trims bring the usual nicer appointments, with the Wilderness receiving its own set of dedicated features. The Wilderness model includes a dedicated transmission and all-wheel-drive system, driving modes for deep mud and deep snow, automatic low gradient control, 17-inch alloy wheels wearing Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires, and a 180-degree front-view monitor.
Similarities
Standard 4-cylinder drivetrains; 5-passenger layouts; NHTSA 5-star safety ratings.
Buick Envision Advantages
More powerful engine; 9-speed geared automatic instead of CVT.
Subaru Forester Advantages
Standard AWD; cargo space; off-road capability; better gas mileage.
Which One is Right for Me?
If you’re looking for some luxury and a smooth ride but still need to watch your budget, the 2022 Buick Envision offers good power, a comfortable interior, and a smooth ride.
The 2022 Subaru Forester forte is its off-road ability, especially with the new Wilderness model’s greater ground clearance. It also boasts low operating costs and high resale value.
Ready to buy a Buick Envision or Subaru Forester? Shop for one on sale now near you.
| 2022 Buick Envision | 2022 Subaru Forester | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo I4 | 2.5-liter flat-4 |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm | 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-spd automatic | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 26 mpg (24 city/31 hwy) | 29 mpg (26 city/33 hwy) |
| Also Available | AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 182.5 inches | 182.1 inches |
| Width | 74.1 inches | 71.5 inches |
| Height | 64.6 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | 36.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.9 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.4 inches | 43.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.7 inches | 58.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 57.2 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 100.4 cubic feet | 111.9 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 52.7 cubic feet | 76.1 cubic feet |
