The Modern Flagship: A Review of the Buick LaCrosse
For decades, the name Buick LaCrosse has been synonymous with big, comfortable, and traditional American luxury. It was the quintessential full-size sedan, a car built for quiet highway cruising and a plush ride. However, over its three distinct generations, the LaCrosse evolved from a conventional sedan into a modern, tech-laden, and sophisticated flagship for the brand. It was the car that carried the torch for Buick's reinvention, blending classic comfort with contemporary design and advanced technology. This review explores the LaCrosse's journey, focusing on its most influential generations and its legacy as an underrated luxury sedan.
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| The Modern Flagship: A Review of the Buick LaCrosse |
Generation 2 (2010-2016): A Design Revolution
The second-generation Buick LaCrosse, launched in 2010, was a revolutionary car for the brand. It was a complete departure from its bland, boxy predecessor. The design was fluid and elegant, with a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette, sweeping body lines, and Buick's signature porthole vents on the hood. The interior was even more impressive. It was a clean, dual-cockpit design with a graceful dashboard that flowed into the door panels. The materials were high-quality, with rich wood grain and chrome accents, and the fit and finish were excellent.
But the real story was the car's mission: to compete with entry-level luxury sedans from Europe and Japan. The LaCrosse offered a standard V6 engine, but the most compelling model was the 2.4-liter four-cylinder with Buick's eAssist mild-hybrid system. This system offered a significant boost in fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, a key selling point for a segment increasingly focused on economy. The LaCrosse's ride was its greatest strength, as it was buttery smooth and whisper-quiet, thanks to Buick's "QuietTuning" philosophy. Noise cancellation technology, laminated glass, and extensive sound insulation made the cabin a tranquil oasis on the road.
Generation 3 (2017-2019): The Pinnacle of Refinement
The third and final generation of the Buick LaCrosse, introduced in 2017, was the culmination of Buick's modern design and engineering efforts. It was built on a new, lighter, and more rigid platform, which significantly improved both handling and efficiency. The design was more dramatic than its predecessor, with a bold, waterfall grille and a low, wide stance. The roofline was sleeker, giving it a more athletic and coupe-like profile.
Inside, the cabin reached new heights of luxury. The materials were even better, with genuine wood trim and high-quality leather. The dashboard was redesigned to be more driver-centric, with a prominent touchscreen and a clean, uncluttered layout. Buick also offered a new mild-hybrid system, this time paired with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, as well as a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 that provided effortless acceleration. The V6 was also available with an optional intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which improved traction and handling in all weather conditions.
The third-generation LaCrosse was a technological tour de force. It featured a host of advanced driver-assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision Alert. The infotainment system was advanced, with a large, responsive touchscreen and seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The ride was still exceptionally smooth and quiet, but thanks to the new chassis, the car felt more planted and composed through turns. It was the perfect blend of modern technology, classic comfort, and surprisingly sharp dynamics.
The End of an Era: The Legacy of the LaCrosse
In 2019, the Buick LaCrosse was discontinued in North America, a victim of the same market forces that spelled the end for many other sedans: the overwhelming popularity of SUVs and crossovers. Its departure marked the end of an era for Buick, as it was their last full-size sedan and a symbol of their commitment to traditional comfort-oriented vehicles.
Despite its relatively short modern lifespan, the Buick LaCrosse was a critical success. It was praised for its quiet and comfortable cabin, its elegant design, and its excellent value proposition. It offered a level of luxury and refinement that often rivaled more expensive German and Japanese sedans, but at a more accessible price point. The LaCrosse was a car that over-delivered on its promises, providing a serene and sophisticated driving experience without the hefty price tag. For those looking for a luxurious and comfortable used car, the LaCrosse remains an excellent and often overlooked option, a testament to its status as a true flagship sedan.
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