2018 Buick LaCrosse

Pros: Spacious cabin; upscale interior materials; quietness; surprisingly engaging handling

Cons: All-wheel drive only offered with top trims; some testers find the non-traditional shift lever’s operation awkward

CG Says: The 2018 Buick LaCrosse gains a new base powertrain. Standard power for LaCrosse is GM’s eAssist system that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with a compact electric motor for a total of 194 horsepower. The 3.6-liter V6 engine returns with horsepower increased slightly to 310. The V6 is paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces an eight-speed auto. All-wheel drive is newly available with Essence trim. Added midyear was a new line-topping Avenir model with a unique grille and more luxurious interior trim. What Denali is to the GMC line, Avenir will be to Buick. The model lineup ascends through Base, Preferred, Essence, Premium, and now Avenir trim levels. 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 recently redesigned 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.