2011 Buick LaCrosse: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The main change for the 2011 Buick LaCrosse is a more fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder replacing the old 3.0-liter V6 in the CX and front-wheel-drive CXL. This is a trim and powertrain update, not a redesign.

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About the 2011 Buick LaCrosse

2nd generation LaCrosse (2010-2016), second model year, before the 2014 refresh.

Buick positions the LaCrosse as a quiet, modern luxury sedan for drivers who want a smooth ride, upscale design, and useful technology without the harder-edged feel of a sport sedan. The brand leans on flowing exterior lines, a hushed cabin, quality interior materials, and long-distance comfort. Against mainstream midsize sedans, the LaCrosse stands out with a more premium look and feel, roomy five-passenger seating, and available all-wheel drive on upper trims.

The CX is the efficiency-focused entry trim, but it retains the LaCrosse's quiet cabin, power driver's seat, and automatic climate control. The CXL adds leather, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control, while the CXS pairs a 3.6-liter V6 with ventilated front seats, push-button start, and a heated steering wheel.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The CX and front-wheel-drive CXL switch from the previous 3.0-liter V6 to a 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder. The all-wheel-drive CXL retains a V6, and the CXS continues with its 3.6-liter V6.

Styling

A rear spoiler becomes standard on the CX and CXL after being optional for 2010.

Structural

The CXS gains a HiPer Strut front suspension designed to improve steering feel and reduce steering-wheel tug during acceleration.

2011 Buick LaCrosse specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Buick LaCrosseCX0 in stock	2011 Buick LaCrosseCXL0 in stock	2011 Buick LaCrosseCXS4 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	17–19 mpg	17–19 mpg	17 mpg
MPG Highway	27–30 mpg	27–30 mpg	27 mpg
Horsepower	182–280 hp	182–280 hp	280 hp
Torque	172–259 lb-ft	172–259 lb-ft	259 lb-ft
Max Towing	1000 lb	1000 lb	1000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	13.3 cu-ft	13.3 cu-ft	12.8 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	40.5 in	40.5 in	40.5 in
Seats	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Rear Window Shades
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2012 Buick LaCrosse compares

The biggest change for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse is that the 2.4-liter eAssist mild-hybrid system became the standard four-cylinder powertrain, with an EPA estimate of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. This was a substantial powertrain and packaging update, not a full redesign.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2011 Buick LaCrosse?

The biggest change is the new standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the CX and front-wheel-drive CXL. It replaces the previous 3.0-liter V6 in those versions and makes fuel economy the focus of the 2011 update.

Is the 2011 Buick LaCrosse a redesign?

No, the 2011 Buick LaCrosse is not a redesign. It is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2010, with targeted engine, suspension, and equipment changes.

Do all 2011 Buick LaCrosse trims have a four-cylinder engine?

No. The CX and front-wheel-drive CXL use the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while the all-wheel-drive CXL retains a V6 and the CXS has a 3.6-liter V6.

What changed on the 2011 Buick LaCrosse CXS?

The 2011 CXS gains a HiPer Strut front suspension. It is intended to make the front end feel more controlled and reduce steering-wheel tug when accelerating.

How does the 2011 Buick LaCrosse differ from the 2010 model?

The 2011 model replaces the 3.0-liter V6 with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the CX and front-wheel-drive CXL, adds a revised front suspension to the CXS, and makes the rear spoiler standard on the CX and CXL. The overall design and trim structure otherwise remain largely unchanged.