2017 Buick LaCrosse

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 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.