Flash Drive

2017 Buick LaCrosse

April 10, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium AWD

The All-New 2017 Buick LaCrosse is a very handsome, contemporary luxury sport sedan.

Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 305 horsepower 268 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway/23 mpg combined

Base Price: $43,265

As Tested: 48,970

Performance:

Very smooth engine and transmission

Good acceleration

Paddle shifters

Refined highway ride

Confident all-wheel-drive

The 2017 Buick LaCrosse looks good from all angles.

Reasonable fuel economy, but not great

Excellent, high-tech safety features

Blind spot monitor

Lane departure warning in seat cushion

Head-up display

Smooth auto stop/start

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver legroom

Super stretch-out front passenger legroom

Ample, adult-friendly rear seat room

Good rear shoe room

Center position fits adults, but is hard and uncomfortable

Buick LaCrosse interiors are extra roomy up front with quality materials used throughout.

Thick, contoured, heated leather steering wheel

Power tilt/telescopic column

Lots of auxiliary controls, but not well marked

Comfortable seats with soft headrests

Three temperature heat and ventilated front seats

Firm power lumbar support both front seats

High quality interior materials

Solid door shut

Rear doors open extra wide

Wide rear armrest with shallow storage bin

The Buick LaCrosse rear seat is great for adults, although the center position is quite hard.

Quality Bose sound system

Utility:

Useful cornering lights

Bright, airy panoramic sunroof with power shade

Good outward visibility

Courtesy lights in door bottoms when opened

Small, non-locking glovebox

Medium size console bin

Large open console storage under shifter

Deep front and rear door bins

LED interior lamps

Big, deep trunk with flat floor

Covered hinges

Sturdy cargo net

Split, folding rear seats fold almost flat

The Buick LaCrosse trunk is large with a flat floor and a sturdy cargo net.

Big, wide pass-through

Two narrow seatback pouches

WOW Factors:

Sharp contemporary styling

Spacious, luxurious interior

Confident, comfortable touring sedan

Excellent safety features

Whines:

Uncomfortable middle rear seat position

Auxiliary steering wheel controls not well marked

Bottom Line:

The all-new 2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium AWD sedan is spacious, luxurious, very comfortable, and pleasant to drive, whether around town or on long trips. It’s sharply styled and loaded with great safety features. The very roomy interior and large trunk are highlights.