2019 Buick LaCrosse Essence FWD Automatic

Model Highlights

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse is an exercise in understated beauty, with attractive, sculpted lines from every angle. The car is stiffer than the earlier model but, impressively, it is also nearly 300 pounds lighter. Crisp handling is achieved thanks to a five-link rear suspension, while an optional "HiPer Strut" front suspension is available, as is an electronically controlled continuously damped active suspension with both Touring and Sport modes. The LaCrosse is available in six trims: Base, Preferred, Essence, Premium, Sport Touring and Avenir. All are powered either by a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine or the available direct-injection 3.6L V6 with variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation. The 2.5L inline 4-cylinder gets 25 mpg city and 35 highway, while making 194 HP and 187 pound-feet of torque. Power is transferred to the wheels by a 6 speed automatic FWD transmission. The V6 unit makes 310 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable shift control. The Premium, Essence and Avenir, paired with the direct-injection V6, are available with Buick's all-wheel-drive system sending power to all four wheels thanks to a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system, which constantly monitors traction and makes adjustments to traction as necessary. Both engines benefit from stop/start technology for even more improved fuel economy. Being the luxury brand that it is, even the base LaCrosse is well-equipped. Standard exterior features include 18-inch alloy wheels, active front lower grille shutters to aid aerodynamics, automatic xenon HID headlights with LED accents, heated power mirrors with LED turn indicators, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. Inside, the LaCrosse benefits from Buick's QuietTuning, which helps reduce and absorb noise and vibration thanks to advanced acoustic materials. Coupled with active noise cancellation, the LaCrosse makes for a pleasantly quiet ride. Interior amenities include keyless entry and ignition, automatic dual-zone climate control, leatherette seating with 8-way powered front seats and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The Buick IntelliLink infotainment system includes an eight-inch touchscreen control, Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone integration, dual USB ports and Bluetooth streaming audio. Cruise control and OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in WiFi hotspot are also standard. The LaCrosse Preferred trim adds a power tilt and telescopic steering, SiriusXM satellite radio and a built in cargo net. The LaCrosse Essence gets leather seating with heated front seats and driver's side memory settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and articulating headlights. The Premium trim brings a heated steering wheel, a head-up display and 4-way lumbar heated/ventilated massaging front seats. Advanced safety features bundled in the Driver Confidence Package on the Premium trim includes forward collision alert, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, side blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert. Drivers who desire a sportier look will like the new Sport Touring trim which features a black mesh grille with body colored surround, rear spoiler, body colored fender vents and 19-inch midnight silver wheels. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim brings the most class and convenience to the LaCrosse. The Avenir features 19-inch wheels, exclusive mesh grilles with black ice finish, a panoramic power moonroof, wood-toned trim, navigation, a Bose surround sound audio system and wireless smartphone charging. Buick offers some enticing packages to add to the luxury. A Sun and Shade package adds a panoramic power moonroof and rear window powershade. A Sights and Sounds package upgrades the infotainment system with navigation, HD radio and a Bose premium audio system. Drivers looking for additional performance can opt for the Dynamic Drive package, which includes 20-inch wheels, real-time suspension damping and sport mode selectivity. Automatic park assist is bundled in the Driver Confidence Package II, as is front pedestrian detection, automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.