The 2019 Buick LaCrosse is one of the brand’s flagship sedans. Most might associate the LaCrosse with older folks or rental fleets, but after experiencing the latest model year, you might discover the LaCrosse is just your style.

Consider Buick the next time you’re in the market for a new car – the LaCrosse is a popular sleeper car, and here’s what makes it a fantastic choice.

Performance Specifications

The 2019 Buick LaCrosse can be purchased in the following colors:

  • Black Onyx
  • Summit White
  • Ebony Twilight Metallic
  • Quicksilver Metallic
  • Pepperdust Metallic
  • Satin Steel Metallic
  • Pewter Metallic
  • Red Quartz Tintcoat
  • White Frost Tricoat
  • Carageen Metallic

There are only 2 engines to choose from for the 2019 Buick LaCrosse. First up is the 2.5-liter inline-4-cylinder paired to an electric motor. The duo makes 194 combined horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 9-speed automatic transmission shifts the 3.6-liter V6 engine, capable of 310 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Models are front-wheel drive from the factory, but those who choose the Essence, Premier, and Avenir trims have the option of all-wheel drive.

Entertainment and Safety Features

Edmunds reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2019 Buick LaCrosse high marks. The model achieved 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA overall and the IIHS awarded it “Good” in all categories. To understand more about why this Buick received such praise, let’s talk about the specific safety features offered on the 2019 model.

Standard on all 2019 LaCrosse models are an 8-inch touchscreen, LED daytime running lights, remote start, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, fog lamps, Apply CarPlay and Android Auto, and steering-wheel-mounted controls. Standard safety features include Teen Driver, Rear Park Assist, and a rearview camera. While base LaCrosse models ride on 18-inch wheels and come equipped with the smaller 2.5-liter engine, they are only available in black or white exterior paint. For around $30,000, you can stock your rental fleet for the next decade.

However, if you’re looking to upgrade just a bit, choose the Preferred model, which features a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. With the same engine as the base model, it’s still a bit slow, but efficient when it comes to stopping at the pump. The Essence trim adds leather seats, heated front seats, and Rear Park Assist to the mix for the best you can get with the smaller engine block.

Choose the Sport Touring model if you want a spoiler and 19-inch wheels. Add a heated steering wheel, heads-up display (HUD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and heated/ventilated/massaging front seats and you’ve got the Premium package all tied up neatly. Optional on these 2 models are a moonroof, Automatic Parking Assist, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, an air ionizer, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. This is the type of package you want to invest in if safety is one of your top priorities.

However, high-rollers will enjoy the Avenir trim, because it can be fully loaded with everything we’ve mentioned so far, plus built-in navigation and wireless charging, OnStar, a dual-outlet exhaust, and a premium Bose audio system. There are a number of additional packages customers can choose from as well, depending on what trim level you choose.

Fuel Efficiency

Buick’s website gives the fuel efficiency ratings for the 2019 LaCrosse as follows: the smaller 2.5-liter engine is capable of 25 city and 35 highway EPA-estimated MPG, while the 3.6-liter V6 ranks in at 20 city and 30 highway MPG. We’d guess that these numbers correlate to the front-wheel drive transmission, which is standard, but contact your local Buick dealership for more specific information.

How the 2019 Buick LaCrosse Compares

While the Buick LaCrosse doesn’t have as many competitors as most SUVs and trucks do these days, the competition is still fierce. For example, the Lincoln MKZ offers just as much style and the Kia Cadenza breaks away from the traditional boxy design language most Cadillacs and Buicks are fluent in. However, the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler’s 300C, and the Toyota Avalon are softer as well, but they are only front-wheel drive.

On its own, the 2019 LaCrosse does well in its segment. Consumer Reports appreciated that the visibility is improving but regretfully said that ingress and egress are still difficult. However, as U.S. News stated, “Buick doesn’t skimp on standard features.” The LaCrosse is also expected to do well in terms of reliability.  Pros

  • Easy-to-use infotainment system
  • Affordable luxury
  • Lots of room in the cabin

Cons

  • Small trunk
  • Cheap interior materials

Whether or not you find the new Buick lineup youthful, the brand has definitely stepped up their game in order to stay on as a player. The 2019 LaCrosse is no exception to this new standard. Whatever the case, take your guess at Buick’s destiny by test driving a model today.

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Rebecca Henderson has a Master's in German and a Bachelor's in Creative Writing. She alternates her time between writing and working on a variety of motorized projects. Most recently, she and her boyfriend have been building a custom drift trike. Rebecca believes that language, love, and a life worth living are only the first ingredients to happiness.