Pros: Spacious cabin; upscale interior materials; quietness; surprisingly engaging handling
Cons: Only one engine available; all-wheel drive only offered with top trim; some testers find the non-traditional shift lever’s operation awkward
CG Says: The Buick LaCrosse is redesigned for 2017 on an all-new platform that’s longer, lower, and wider than the previous model. The new body structure is stronger than the previous architecture as well, despite being about 300 pounds lighter overall. The model lineup ascends through Base, Preferred, Essence, and Premium trim levels. All come standard with front-wheel drive; the top-line Premium trim is available with all-wheel drive. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is new, and it gains fuel-saving start/stop and cylinder-deactivation technologies. An 8-speed automatic replaces the previous 6-speed as the lone transmission. The V6 is now the sole LaCrosse powerplant; the 4-cylinder engine option does not return for 2017. Newly available features include an adaptive suspension system, massaging front seats, wireless phone charging, and power-adjustable steering wheel. Available safety features include forward collision warning and intervention with pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, lane-change alert, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-path detection. The 2017 Buick LaCrosse improves on its predecessor in pretty much every way, offering more interior and cargo room, desirable new technology features, and handsome new styling. When properly equipped, it also delivers a surprisingly nimble driving character that’s sportier than you’d expect from a big Buick sedan. The new LaCrosse has moved upmarket from its predecessor, and the prices have risen accordingly—but this classy, comfortable, and confident big sedan justifies its cost.
| Class | Large Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Buick |
| Nation of Manufacturer | USA |
| Base Prices | Base: $32,065 Preferred: $36,065 Essence: $38,665 Premium: $41,065 AWD Premium: $43,265 |
| Base Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 305 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20-21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-31 |
