Over the years, Buick has held a reputation for comfy, smooth-riding vehicles. Its sedans have always been popular among older drivers. Fortunately, there are many reasons why the 2018 Buick LaCrosse is a becoming a fan favorite:
Performance Specs
Although the 2018 Buick LaCrosse certainly delivers a relaxing driving experience, it’s far from being just a boring car for senior citizens. Families will especially like its spacious cabin. While the base LaCrosse starts at an attractive $29,565, expect to pay more than $38,500 for the top-of-the-line Premium trim.
Buick has introduced an all-new eAssist power source for the LaCrosse, which is designed to maximize fuel economy. The combination of a small electric motor and a four-cylinder engine develops 194 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission helps smoothly deliver the available power.
Although the LaCrosse isn’t built for pure performance, good torque enables it to offer strong acceleration around town. A competitive 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds means the LaCrosse is just as quick as the typical family sedan.
If you’re seeking more excitement while behind the wheel, look no further than Buick’s available V6 engine. It punches out a potent 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. Along with the extra muscle under the hood comes a new nine-speed automatic transmission. When launched from a standstill, the V6-powered LaCrosse scoots to 60 mph in a brisk 5.8 seconds.
During their initial test drive, most people will be pleasantly surprised by how responsive the LaCrosse feels on the street. Although it’s built to offer a luxurious ride, the LaCrosse still has a sporty character.
To experience enhanced road manners, opt for the Dynamic Drive package. When taking a sharp corner, Buick’s HiPer Strut front suspension helps keep the sedan balanced. Adaptive suspension dampers also come with the package. While the suspension’s normal setting is perfect for everyday commuting, the sport mode enables you to have a bit of fun.
Fortunately, ride comfort remains a strong point for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse. In terms of steering feel, the LaCrosse provides just enough feedback to keep drivers connected to the road.
Fuel Efficiency
You can compare the 2018 Buick LaCrosse to the most efficient large sedans on the market.
To no surprise, the new eAssist engine will be your most economical choice. A regenerative braking system helps replenish the car’s battery pack while you drive. Buick also implements the use of an automatic engine start-stop feature, which eliminates wasteful idling.
According to the EPA, drivers can expect to get around 25 mpg in town and up to 35 mpg on the highway. Even the muscular V6 model isn’t bad on gas. Cylinder-deactivation technology helps promote better fuel economy on the open road. You can look forward to getting roughly 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
All versions of the Buick LaCrosse are tuned to burn regular unleaded gas.
Safety and Entertainment Features
A lot of high-tech components come standard on the 2018 Buick LaCrosse.
Featuring a frameless touchscreen, Buick’s high-resolution IntelliLink infotainment system is remarkably simple to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable you to easily integrate your smartphone. Meanwhile, a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot allows your entire family to access the web. Some of the other standard equipment includes a backup camera, Bluetooth technology, and dual USB ports. If the standard sound system doesn’t light your fire, step up to the 11-speaker Bose system. Its crystal-clear sound reproduction and deep bass output will leave you satisfied. A panoramic sunroof and wireless phone charging are offered as well.
Stamped with a five-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA, the 2018 Buick LaCrosse provides great crash protection. You’ll also have access to plenty of helpful driving aids. Unlike virtually all of its rivals, the LaCrosse offers a cutting-edge Safety Alert Seat. If a potential road hazard is detected, the seat immediately vibrates to warn drivers. When tested in real-world driving conditions, the sedan’s automatic emergency braking system did a good job of identifying vehicles and pedestrians. Some of the other available safety innovations include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
2018 Chrysler 300
Although the Chrysler 300 offers a more powerful engine lineup, it is not nearly as efficient as the Buick LaCrosse. This is a major benefit for the drivers who want to travel in luxury without sacrificing any fuel economy.
2018 Ford Taurus
The Buick LaCrosse has a few key advantages over the Ford Taurus. Not only is the LaCrosse better on gas, but it also provides more room for your passengers sitting in the back. Although the Taurus has a well-cushioned ride, it does not handle as well as the LaCrosse.
2018 Lexus ES 350
The 2018 Lexus ES 350 ranks among the most dependable luxury sedans on the market. From a standpoint of passenger comfort, it’s neck and neck with the new Buick LaCrosse. Unfortunately for the drivers who live in a cold-weather state, the Lexus ES 350 doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.
2018 Nissan Maxima
Like the new LaCrosse, the Nissan Maxima is engineered to offer an impressive blend of performance and comfort. Although the Maxima delivers good fuel economy for a large sedan, a combined rating of 25 mpg puts it a step behind the four-cylinder LaCrosse. Furthermore, your family and friends will have more space to stretch out inside the LaCrosse.
Pros/Cons
If you are looking for a premium sedan that’s a pleasure to drive, the 2018 Buick LaCrosse will not leave you disappointed. Its well-cushioned ride and sporty handling promise to keep you happy on a daily basis.
Optional all-wheel drive enables you to remain prepared for bad weather. While the base eAssist engine will save you extra money at the gas pump, some drivers won’t be able to forgo the V6 engine’s punchy performance.
On the inside, the LaCrosse ’s spacious design will enable your passengers to kick back. Easy-to-use features make the LaCrosse especially enjoyable to drive. You will certainly appreciate the infotainment system’s large virtual buttons. After comparing the 2018 Buick LaCrosse to today’s other large sedans, it proves to be a class-leading value.
Despite its high rating, the 2018 Buick LaCrosse does have just a few drawbacks. Although the sedan’s trunk is a decent size, some drivers may desire just a bit more cargo space. In regard to performance, the Buick LaCrosse can’t match the sheer power of cars like the Genesis G80 Sport and the high-powered Lexus GS-F.