2016 Buick LaCrosse

An updated IntelliLink infotainment system with two USB ports and a new display screen have been added to the 2016 Buick LaCrosse. Three new exterior colors include Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, and Ebony Twilight Metallic. Twenty-inch alloy wheels are now available on all-wheel-drive variants of the LaCrosse.

Vehicle Summary

The 2016 Buick LaCrosse is a large premium sedan that slots above the midsize Regal and is available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. A new LaCrosse arrives for the 2017 model year.

Overview

Two engines are available on the 2016 LaCrosse including a mild hybrid unit called e-Assist, which combines a 2.4-liter I-4 with a small electric motor for a combined output of 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque and a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 304 hp and 264 lb-ft. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is excellent in the eAssist model at 25/36 mpg city/highway while front-drive V-6-equipped variants are rated at 18/28 mpg. All-wheel drive is only available with the V-6 and is rated at 17/26 mpg. Trunk space is on the small side for a large sedan at 13.3 cubic feet in the V-6-equipped LaCrosse and 10.8 cubic feet in the eAssist. Split-folding rear seats are standard on all variants of the LaCrosse.

Safety

Standard safety features include dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags. Additional standard safety features include rear-side airbags. Active safety and driver assistance features are available as part of optional packages. The Driver Confidence package #1, which is available on the Leather and Premium trim levels, includes blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, following distance indicator, HID headlights, and a head-up display. On the Premium trims, the Driver Confidence package #2 adds adaptive cruise control with automatic forward emergency braking and the safety alert seat.

Trims, Packages, and What's Standard

Standard features on the base LaCrosse includes a seven-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, a rearview camera, keyless entry, split-folding rear seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and power-adjustable front seats. The Comfort and Convenience package #1 is standard in the base LaCrosse adds two-way lumbar adjustment for the driver, remote start, and a universal home remote. Stepping up to the Leather trim adds keyless start, driver's seat memory, leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, and heated power-adjustable side mirrors. In the range-topping Premium trim, standard features include perforated leather upholstery, a ventilated driver's seat, and a power rear sunshade. An 11-speaker Bose audio system is available as an option on the Leather trim and standard on the Premium grade.

What We Think

In a 2014 First Test review, we said that one of the LaCrosse's strong points is its cabin, which is roomy, quiet, and filled with premium touches such as ambient lighting and wood accents. However, the soft brake pedal means you have to press it harder than you need to due to it being unusually soft. In a comparison test that also included the Lexus ES 350 and Hyundai Azera, the Buick LaCrosse placed second because its body roll was better control and felt stable on the road. While the LaCrosse's interior has a lot of passenger space up front, there's too much wasted space that could be used for extra storage while the rear seats feel cramped compared to its competitors

Cool Fact

The Buick LaCrosse shares its platform with the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac XTS.

Key Competitors

• Lexus ES 350
• Lincoln MKZ
• Chrysler 300
• Toyota Avalon
• Kia Cadenza