2015 Buick Verano

Buick’s line of two- and three-row SUVs are worth considering for shoppers looking for a nicer interior than in a Chevrolet or Ford without the luxury prices of a Cadillac, Lincoln, Lexus, or Acura. Options within Buick’s lineup start with the Envista, which is unusually sized between a large sedan and a subcompact SUV. The largest options include the three-row Enclave. Some of Buick’s models have earned Consumer Reports recommendations for having intuitive infotainment systems and quiet, pleasant interiors. Among U.S. car companies, Buick also ranks high in our new car reliability ratings. Some recent models also made our lists of recommended used cars.

Buick's compact sedan is both quiet and luxurious, but its position in the Buick food chain does entail compromises. For example, upscale features such as a heated steering wheel are available, while basics like a power-seat recline and adjustable lumbar are not. Power comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, but its 24 mpg overall fuel economy is unimpressive for the class. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is also available. The car is very quiet, but some engine noise is evident. While Verano rides relatively comfortably, handling is best described as responsive, rather than sporty. The interior is nicely finished, but cramped in the rear. The best package to get is the Convenience Equipment Group, which adds a power driver's seat, heated mirrors, a rearview camera and blind spot monitoring.