Review and specifications

2018 Buick LaCrosse

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.

Market value

$13,775

Fuel

Conventional

Transmission

Automatic

Seats

5