The Buick LaCrosse is the newest addition to the Buick family and it has been a success by any type of measure. This serious full sized sedan has a very aggressive exterior design that you will either love or hate. The LaCrosse has design that really makes a statement and that statement in "look at me". As Buick tries to move their average customer age back down to appeal to a younger crowd, this vehicle seemed like the next logical step after the huge success of the Buick Enclave.
This vehicle offers a very strong breaking, handling and all around performance compared to others in its class. This new model will be marked down in the record books as another win for Buick. This full sized Buick is 197 inches long and this puts it in the same body class as a Chrysler 300 or a Ford Taurus. However, this model offers a lot more power and totally different design that will set it apart from any of its competitors. This new model will become the flagship sedan model from Buick and moving forward plans on bringing many new innovations to the front line from Buick.
The Range
Bodystyle: Sedan
Engines: 2.4L I-4, 3.6L V-6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Models: CX, CXL FWD, CXL AWD, CXS
What's New
LaCrosse enters its second model year with very minor changes. The Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is now standard on CX and CXL front-wheel drive models. Variable-effort electric power steering has been added to four-cylinder models. A tire repair kit is available, replacing the space saver spare and jack. Buick promises to cut trim levels in the future, for single, high-content models.
Exterior
Several design cues hearken back to early 1950s Buicks, including the "sweepspear" profile treatment, the vertical-bar waterfall grille, and ventiports placed atop the hood. Four ventiports signify the four-cylinder, six ventiports indicates the V-6 engine.
Interior
LaCrosse's interior features rich, subtle ambient lighting. The base CX comes with cloth seats and XM radio. CXL adds heated leather seats and dual-zone climate control. The CXS includes perforated, heated and ventilated leather seats.
Performance & Handling
The LaCrosse CXS features GM's HiPer Strut front suspension, which is designed to reduce torque steer, improve sensitivity to tire irregularities and wheel imbalance and improve camber control and impact isolation. Most will find the 2.4-liter direct-injection four an adequate replacement for the 3.0-liter V-6. The 3.6-liter V-6 is standard with CXL AWD and CXS. A Touring Package adds real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity.
Safety
StabiliTrak, front-, side- and roof-mounted head curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and electronic brake force distribution with brake assist are standard on the LaCrosse. Options include heads-up display, adaptive lighting, Side Blind Zone Alert and rearview camera.
EPA Fuel Economy
CX, CXL I-4 FWD: 19 city mpg/30 highway mpg
CXS 3.6L FWD: 17 city mpg/27 highway mpg
CXL 3.6L AWD: 17 city mpg/27 highway mpg
You'll Like
- Styling
- Quality
- Performance
- Ride and handling
- Value
You Won't Like
- Lingering brand image
- Interior shoulder-space
- Too many variations
Sum Up
Approaching flagship status
If You Like This Vehicle
- Lexus ES 350
- Acura TL
- Lincoln MKZ