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Buick LaCrosse

EPA MPG: 24 mpg
Average Retail Price
$9,925 - $20,225

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

By definition, large sedans are meant to be easygoing road-trip companions that provide plenty of quiet, room, and comfort, yet don’t command the premium price associated with an elite luxury brand. That pretty much sums the traditional definition of Buick, and it is one that the LaCrosse large sedan fits perfectly. As promised, Buick's flagship LaCrosse has a hushed cabin, a well-trimmed interior with a roomy rear seat, and a cushy ride. Add in a powerful and economical V6 engine, up-to-date electronics, and available all-wheel-drive, and the LaCrosse provides a compelling entry in the large sedan segment.

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2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Buick vs. Other New Car Brands

Buick vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2018 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

$9,850 - $20,175
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$18,050 - $20,550
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$12,450 - $21,200
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$19,725 - $21,575
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$15,225 - $23,650
economy-icon
EPA MPG 27 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 2.5-liter 4 (200 hp)
  • 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 9-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2017-
Current Generation

Buick's flagship sedan delivers what you'd expect. The LaCrosse rides comfortably and features a well-trimmed and quiet cabin with a spacious rear seat. Paired with an eight-speed automatic, the smooth 3.6-liter V6 supplies plenty of power and a decent 24 mpg overall. The LaCrosse is one of the few offerings in the large-sedan class that is available with all-wheel drive. Handling is responsive but not sporty. The ride is cushy and absorbent, but we would skip the optional 20-inch tires, which transmit too much harshness to the passengers. Cabin access and visibility are compromised by the car's low stance. Most controls are easy to use, including the IntelliLink touch-screen infotainment system, but the unintuitive shifter proves maddening. Updates for 2018 include a new 194-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (with the eAssist mild hybrid system, designed to improve fuel economy) paired with a six-speed automatic as the standard powertrain. Also, the V6 gets a new nine-speed automatic, replacing the eight-speed unit. The LaCrosse was discontinued after the 2019 model year.

2010-2016
2010 Redesign Year
The best versions of the LaCrosse are those built after this redesign. The model boasts a very well finished interior and comfortable seats, alsong with a firm and composed ride. All of this plus responsive handling made the LaCrosse an impressive and competitive large sedan for the first time. Optional electronic safety features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert. However, driver visibility is difficult due to the thick front and rear roof pillars. Updates for 2014 included a new interior with simplified controls and new seats. WiFi became standard in 2015, along with a rearview camera. The 2016 models got a new touchscreen display screen and two USB ports.
2005-2009
2005 Redesign Year
The LaCrosse debuted for 2005. Luxury features are plentiful, while attention to detail is solidly up to task. LaCrosse also handles soundly. Additionally, it has a quiet and comfortable ride, along with beautiful interior fit and finish. Overall though, it wasn't a significant leap forward from preceding Buick models. Rear seat room is tight and the base 3.8-liter V6 is thirsty and sounds coarse. The up-level 3.6-liter V6 is more refined. A 5.3-liter V8 lasted from 2008 until the 2010 redesign. Overall, this version of the LaCrosse scores well in our testing, though it slightly lags the class leaders.