2012 Buick LaCrosse: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

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.

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About the 2012 Buick LaCrosse

2nd generation (2010-2016), third model year; major powertrain and trim-structure update

Buick positioned the LaCrosse as a roomy, quiet premium sedan with flowing interior design, supportive seating, substantial rear-seat space, and comfort-focused road manners. Its main distinction was offering near-luxury materials and technology without requiring a traditional luxury-brand badge. For 2012, the model also emphasized an unusual pairing of full-size comfort with either eAssist fuel economy or strong V6 performance, while higher equipment groups added advanced comfort and driver-information hardware.

The base LaCrosse emphasizes quiet, roomy comfort and fuel economy, with eAssist, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and a USB port. Premium II and Premium III models pair the 303-horsepower V6 with comfort features such as ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Touring is the performance- and technology-focused version, with electronically controlled suspension, navigation, blind-zone warning, and a windshield-projected information display.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The 2.4-liter eAssist mild-hybrid system became the standard four-cylinder powertrain and earned an EPA estimate of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The 3.6-liter V6 increased to 303 horsepower in every version using that engine.

Tech

Bluetooth phone connectivity and a USB media port became standard across the lineup. Dual-zone automatic climate control also became standard.

2012 Buick LaCrosse specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Buick LaCrosseBase0 in stock	2012 Buick LaCrosseLeather0 in stock	2012 Buick LaCrosseTouring1 in stock	2012 Buick LaCrossePremium I1 in stock	2012 Buick LaCrossePremium II0 in stock	2012 Buick LaCrosseConvenience1 in stock	2012 Buick LaCrossePremium III0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, eAssist, 2.4 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, eAssist, 2.4 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, eAssist, 2.4 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, eAssist, 2.4 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd Shft Ctrl	Auto, 6-Spd Shft Ctrl	Auto, 6-Spd Shft Ctrl	Auto, 6-Spd Shft Ctrl	Auto, 6-Spd Shft Ctrl	Auto, 6-Spd Shft Ctrl	Auto, 6-Spd Shft Ctrl
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	25 mpg	17–25 mpg	17 mpg	17–25 mpg	17 mpg	17–25 mpg	17 mpg
MPG Highway	36 mpg	27–36 mpg	27 mpg	27–36 mpg	27 mpg	27–36 mpg	27 mpg
Horsepower	182 hp	182–303 hp	303 hp	182–303 hp	303 hp	182–303 hp	303 hp
Torque	172 lb-ft	172–264 lb-ft	264 lb-ft	172–264 lb-ft	264 lb-ft	172–264 lb-ft	264 lb-ft
Max Towing		1000 lb	1000 lb	1000 lb	1000 lb	1000 lb	1000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	10.8 cu-ft	10.8 cu-ft	13.3 cu-ft	10.8 cu-ft	13.3 cu-ft	10.8 cu-ft	13.3 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	40.5 in	40.5 in	40.5 in	40.5 in	40.5 in	40.5 in	40.5 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	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
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
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 2013 Buick LaCrosse compares

The biggest change for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse is that its 8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen becomes standard across the lineup. Otherwise, this is a light update with revised trim equipment rather than a redesign.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest difference between the 2012 and 2011 Buick LaCrosse?

The biggest difference is the 2012 LaCrosse’s standard eAssist four-cylinder powertrain. Buick also replaced the CX, CXL, and CXS lineup with seven equipment groups and upgraded the V6 to 303 horsepower.

Does every 2012 Buick LaCrosse have eAssist?

No. The 2012 LaCrosse uses eAssist as its standard four-cylinder powertrain, while V6 versions have a 303-horsepower 3.6-liter engine. Premium II, Premium III, and Touring use the V6 as standard equipment.

How did the 2012 Buick LaCrosse trim lineup change?

The 2012 LaCrosse replaced the former CX, CXL, and CXS labels with Base, Convenience, Leather, Premium I, Premium II, Premium III, and Touring equipment groups. The new structure creates clearer steps from basic comfort to V6-powered luxury and technology.

Was the 2012 Buick LaCrosse fully redesigned?

No. The 2012 LaCrosse remained part of the second generation introduced for 2010. Its changes centered on engines, standard cabin equipment, and a reorganized trim lineup rather than a new body or platform.

What distinguishes the 2012 Buick LaCrosse Touring?

The 2012 Touring is the lineup’s performance- and technology-focused version. It has the 303-horsepower V6, electronically controlled suspension with a Sport setting, navigation, premium audio, blind-zone warning, a windshield-projected information display, and headlights that turn with the steering.