Buick Cascada: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide

Last updated August 4, 2026

Buick Cascada

The Buick Cascada is a four-seat, front-wheel-drive convertible known for relaxed open-air cruising. It combines a power soft top with a comfortable cabin, useful rear seating, and practical trunk space.

The Cascada brought a factory convertible back to Buick after 25 years when it arrived for 2016. Across its 2016-2019 U.S. run, it stayed focused on relaxed cruising, four-person practicality, and visual presence rather than sports-car sharpness. Its core formula changed little, with a turbo engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive throughout.

Strengths

  • The power soft top lowers in 17 seconds and can operate at speeds up to 31 mph.
  • An insulated roof helps make the Cascada suitable for year-round driving.
  • The heated, leather-appointed cabin supports its comfort-first character.
  • Two rear seats and usable trunk space add everyday practicality to the convertible layout.
  • A 200-horsepower turbo engine was standard throughout its U.S. run.

Who it's for

The Cascada fits someone who wants a used convertible for relaxed weekend drives or everyday cruising but still values comfort, a back seat, and a roof suited to year-round use. It is less suited to drivers seeking the quick responses and sharper feel of a dedicated sports car.

Buick Cascada lineup

The 1SV is the straightforward entry point, centered on the Cascada’s core comfort-first convertible formula. Premium is the step-up trim, though equipment can vary by model year, so used shoppers should compare individual cars. Sport Touring joined the range for 2017 as the style-focused top trim, with unique 20-inch wheels, black cabin trim, sport pedals, and a flatter steering wheel. Pick Sport Touring for the more athletic look, not for added performance, because it brought no major mechanical changes.

Buick Cascada generations

From 2016 to 2019, the Cascada spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2016.

1st Generation (2016–2019)

The Cascada was a four-seat, comfort-focused soft-top convertible. Every U.S. model used a 200-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.

22 In Stock
1st Generation (2016–2019) Buick Cascada
2019

Carryover final year. No 2020 Cascada followed.

2018

Built-in navigation became standard on every trim.

2017Trim changes

The style-focused Sport Touring trim joined the lineup at the top.

2016New generation

The Cascada launched in the U.S. as an all-new Buick convertible.

What's new by year

See what changed in a specific model year of the Buick Cascada.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Buick Cascada only a convertible?

Yes. Every U.S.-market Buick Cascada is a two-door soft-top convertible with four seats. There was no Cascada coupe or sedan in Buick’s U.S. lineup.

Is the Buick Cascada a sports car?

Not really. The Cascada has a 200-hp turbo engine, but its main focus is comfortable open-air cruising rather than sharp sports-car performance. It suits drivers who value an easy power roof, a heated cabin, and relaxed road manners.

Does the Buick Cascada have usable back seats?

Yes, for a convertible. The Cascada seats four and has 32.8 inches of rear legroom. The rear seats are more useful for occasional passengers than those in a strict two-seater, though adults may still find longer trips tight.

Can the Cascada be driven comfortably with the roof up?

Yes. Its soft top has acoustic and thermal insulation to reduce outside noise and help control cabin temperature. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel also make it more practical in cool weather.

Can the Cascada's roof open while the car is moving?

Yes. The power soft top can lower in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. That makes it possible to open the roof without stopping completely when traffic and conditions permit.

Is the Buick Cascada a hybrid or electric car?

No. Every U.S.-market Cascada uses a gasoline-powered 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Buick did not offer a U.S. hybrid or electric Cascada.

Does the Buick Cascada have all-wheel drive?

No. All U.S.-market Cascadas are front-wheel drive. The engine sends power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, regardless of trim.

Was the Buick Cascada sold for more than one generation?

No. Buick sold one U.S.-market Cascada generation from 2016 through 2019. The 2019 model was the final one, and no 2020 Buick Cascada followed it.

Buick Cascada Reviews

What owners are saying about the Buick Cascada.

4.3
Buick Cascada
(553 reviews)
5 stars (264)
4 stars (214)
3 stars (54)
2 stars (17)
1 star (4)

About owner reviews

Carvana owner reviews are provided in partnership with Strategic Vision, one of the largest automotive consumer research providers in the U.S. Star ratings are from ranking surveys completed by owners one to six months post-purchase. Comments from owners are optional, but included here when available.

“It is a good driving comfortable car with poor gas mileage and older infotainment system”

JSJim S.
2017 Buick Cascada Premium
No rating

“I would tell others it is a lot of car for the money. There is a lot of room both head and leg area and it is fun to drive.”

GPGail P.
2017 Buick Cascada Premium

“This car looks great, handles well and is fun and comfortable to drive. I LOVE it!!! We put 6,000 miles on it in the first 3 months- drove through every weather condition - HOT sun- top up - top down, rain - light and very heavy and a snow storm and the car handled extremely well in all conditions. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a great smaller car with a big heart ??”

BFBarbara F.
2017 Buick Cascada Premium
No rating

“This convertible is the smoothest riding vehicle I have ever owned. It has a beautiful exterior as well as sleek interior. My wife and I are very happy with our choice.”

WFWilliam F.
2018 Buick Cascada Premium
No rating

“It's a beautiful car, but being a model originally made in Europe, it does not offer some of the typical things we come accustomed to in models created for americans.”

DBDale B.
2018 Buick Cascada Touring

“it is a show stopper to drive. It solid, good looking and a "cruising" car. This is not a grocery getter. We use a extra vehicle for special days.”

JJJames J.
2016 Buick Cascada Premium