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The more sophisticated, engaging Buick LaCrosse is essentially what started Buick's resurgence in earnest, with its last redesign for 2010, and in those couple of years it's almost—but not quite—erased memories of the stodgy, geriatric Park Avenue the LaCrosse badge had replaced a few years earlier. But this year Buick has lined up a few more very significant changes for the LaCrosse—which, we think, will truly appeal to a younger set, as well as help shoppers to understand that the Buick of 2012 is very different than the Buick of 2002 or 1992.
First, Buick is introducing a new 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder with eAssist, a reconfigured version of GM's belt-alternator-starter mild-hybrid system that was originally introduced a few years ago. This time, the technology brings serious fuel-efficiency improvements, with an EPA-rated 25 mpg city, 36 highway—the ratings of a compact car, and enough to warrant consideration among the price-conscious green set Secondly, for 2012, the LaCrosse gets an all-new Buick IntelliLink touch-screen system that allows easy connectivity to smartphones and media players.
The LaCrosse was at the front of a new styling ethos for Buick, and it's since been followed by the mid-size Regal and new compact Verano. Essentially, that means no more cataract-friendly gauge fonts, padded vinyl roofs, and squishy bench seats, a new, more European-flavored direction for the brand. The look is smooth and graceful, walking a careful line that's not likely deter the brand's older core buyers, but Buick is hoping the LaCrosse will attract a younger set as well. We'd like to say that the tacky 'portholes' have been thrown to the design dustbin, too, but they return in the upper hood area. Inside, the design feels a little more traditional, but if you let any old GM biases fall away before stepping in, it's everything a Lexus shopper might expect and more, with a modern, curvy dash design.
Last model year, the former base engine, a 3.0-liter V-6, was replaced by an 182-hp, 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine as standard and with a 3.6-liter V-6 remaining an option. The base setup proved to be only a placeholder, with the new eAssist technology and its 36-mpg rating coming standard. Included with the eAssist system is an upgraded 115-volt battery, and the electric motor system provides about 15 horsepower of hybrid boost to the engine. Overall, the base powertrain is pretty smoothly integrated and perfectly adequate, though not all that enjoyable. The 3.6-liter V-6 is available, and this year it gets a 23-hp boost, to 303 hp. It's the choice for those who want strong, smooth performance—albeit with a very significant dip in mpg. Behind the wheel, the LaCrosse is still not a performance car, by any means, but it handles the curves better than its predecessors. Fitted with the optional magnetic adjustable suspension, the LaCrosse can be enjoyable to the mildly enthusiastic driver.There's room for five inside the 2012 LaCrosse, and thanks to the width you can even fit three across in back, with enough legroom for all. The ride is smooth but not floaty, and in keeping with Buick's 'Quiet Tuning' philosophy, nearly all the wind and road noise are nicely damped out. But we have noticed that models with the larger 19-inch wheels have some noticeable road noise. The interior in top models feels lavish, with nice detailing and trim, as well as ambient lighting, and rivals Lexus interiors, but base models especially can feel just a little bit simple and plasticky.
The 2012 LaCrosse earns one of the best ratings of any vehicle from the federal government—including five stars overall—and it was rated an IIHS Top Safety pick last year. Safety-tech options include a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cornering headlamps, and rear side thorax bags, and for 2012 the rear-view camera system is available without the nav system. A head-up display is also available.
Depending on whether you go with a Base or Convenience model, or a top Premium or Touring model (the old CX, CXL, and CXS trims have been retired), the feel of the LaCrosse, as well as the equipment list, varies greatly. Base models don't feel any more extravagant than a mid-range Chevy (albeit with somewhat more stylish design)—and with the new features this year, GM has raised base prices by several thousand dollars, to about $30k. But the upper models can feel like entry-level Cadillacs, with an upgraded instrument panel, hard-drive navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. All LaCrosses feature hands-free Bluetooth phone connectivity, remote start, eight-way adjustable seating, and dual-zone climate control. IntelliLink, a new option for 2012, allows streaming Pandora or Stitcher audio, through a paired smartphone, as well as hands-free calling or easy connectivity to media players.
New 36-mpg eAssist powertrainSpacious, nicely trimmed interiorAbsorbent but not pillowy rideTop-notch safetyStill not a sophisticated driving experience (4-cyl)Luxury-brand price when loadedCheaper look and feel for Base model
Buick must have been tired of watching Lexus build its reputation on cars that dominate the comfortable luxury sedan segment the American brand once ruled. The ES sedan was Lexus' top-selling vehicle for seven of the first 10 years the brand existed. After more than 20,000 miles with a 2010 LaCrosse, it's clear to us that Buick has crafted a car capable of challenging the popular ES 350. As a bonus, the LaCrosse looks damn good-and not just for a Buick."Stop the presses!" said senior editor Jonny Lieberman. "We parked [the LaCrosse] at a lot on the corner of Hollywood and Vine, catty-corner from the Capital Records building. As I handed the car over to the valet-a guy who, night after night, week after week, parks Benzes and Porsches and Astons and Italian cars-said to me, 'Nice car.' And he meant it. This guy thought the Buick LaCrosse is a car worth mentioning. Then, after we left the club, the valet pulled the LaCrosse up and a very smartly dressed woman saw the car and said, 'Whoa-beautiful.' Again, a Buick."
The LaCrosse wasn't without its share of issues, but for the most part, the car supported its curbside appeal with decent driving dynamics. Our Buick was a loaded model powered by the 3.6-liter V-6 engine that, in various forms, also serves duty under the hood of the Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Camaro. In our Buick, it produced 280 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Overall fuel economy was 19.9 mpg, not too far below the front-drive LaCrosse's official 21-mpg combined rating. Like any good Lexus competitor, the LaCrosse excelled in high-traffic conditions. "The ride is quiet and comfortable, and the LaCrosse is far less prone to diving forward and leaning back than the Lexus ES I drove last year," logged online production manager Kirill Ougarov. An acoustic glass windshield and extra thick windows provide the isolation any good luxury highway cruiser should have.Motor Trend Rating: 
He was happy with his choice. "Six hours of freeway cruising will make anyone appreciate a soft, smooth ride and a quiet interior. The seats offer virtually no lateral support, but I found them comfortable for kicking back with the cruise control on. The steering is not performance-oriented, but being light and quick made it incredibly easy to drive in parking lots and on the interstate. My brother, his girlfriend, and his roommate were bewildered by the amount of space inside the car and, despite initial reservations, came to appreciate the Buick as a long hauler." Scott also echoed the opinions of others that there is room for improvement. "The huge rear doors make it hard to exit in tight parking lots. The A-pillars are absolutely massive and make looking through a corner nearly impossible. Though it's easy to maneuver, once you get it into the parking spot you realize how little room you had to work with.
"I also have some reservations about the interior. I like the soft armrests on the doors, but the fact that they almost completely obscure the door handles is infuriating. And what's with the cheap plastic center armrest? It's totally out of sync with the rest of the better-quality interior plastics." Overall, though, he does like the LaCrosse: "The Buick was, by and large, a great road-trip companion. My trip was smooth, relaxed, and comfortable. And after 800 miles in two days, that's what I really wanted. The car needs a bit of final polishing, but it's already a better-looking, better-driving car than anything Buick's done in years, and I appreciate that."