“It is a great car with a smooth ride, good gas mileage and comfortable seats. It has all the options.”
Buick LaCrosse: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Buick LaCrosse is a large near-luxury sedan known for its quiet ride, generous passenger room, and relaxed road manners. It puts comfort ahead of the sharper feel of a sport sedan.
Comfort was the LaCrosse’s defining theme throughout its U.S. run. Each redesign brought fresher styling, a richer cabin, and more modern technology without changing its calm, roomy character. Even its sport-themed versions focused more on appearance than on turning the car into an aggressive performance sedan.
Strengths
- The quiet cabin and calm road manners make the LaCrosse well suited to long drives.
- Its roomy interior gives passengers generous space to settle in.
- The cabin has an upscale feel without adopting the harder edge of a sport sedan.
- Later models brought more modern touchscreen systems and easier phone integration.
- Its relaxed personality remained consistent even as Buick updated the design and technology.
Who it's for
The LaCrosse suits someone shopping for a comfortable used sedan for commuting, carrying adult passengers, or taking long highway trips. It makes the most sense for a buyer who values quietness, space, and an upscale atmosphere more than sporty handling.
Buick LaCrosse lineup
Most LaCrosse trims build on the same comfort-focused foundation, though their exact equipment varies by model year. Pick Sport Touring if you prefer darker, more athletic-looking trim; in 2019, it also came with V6 power. Premium is the conventional upper-level choice, while the Avenir introduced for 2018 is the more distinctive flagship with exclusive styling and more standard high-end features. Base, Preferred, and Essence models cover the less elaborate side of the lineup, so their year-specific equipment matters more than the badge alone.
Buick LaCrosse generations
From 2009 to 2019, the LaCrosse spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2017, following the 2nd Generation (2010–2016).
3rd Generation (2017–2019)
The final U.S. LaCrosse generation moved to a lighter structure with sleeker styling, a fully reworked cabin, and newer transmissions. It also added mild-hybrid four-cylinder power for most trims in 2018.
13 In Stock
2019Trim changes
Sport Touring returns with dark exterior trim and a standard V6. This was the final U.S. model year.
2018Trim changes
The upscale Avenir trim joins the lineup. A mild-hybrid four-cylinder becomes standard on most trims, while V6 models get a 9-speed automatic.
2017New generation
Fully redesigned with a lighter structure, new exterior and interior styling, and a standard V6 with an 8-speed automatic.
2nd Generation (2010–2016)
This generation brought a more upscale design, a richer and quieter cabin, new powertrains, and a 6-speed automatic. A substantial 2014 update refreshed the exterior, interior, displays, and touchscreen system.
21 In Stock
2016Trim changes
Sport Touring joins the lineup with a darker appearance. The touchscreen system also gains Apple CarPlay, a revised interface, and dual USB ports.
2015Trim changes
The new 1SV trim adds a lower-positioned V6 model.
2014Mid-cycle update
Refreshed exterior styling, a reworked interior, an 8-inch driver display, and an updated touchscreen system.
2013Trim changes
The 8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen becomes standard across the lineup, with some equipment moved between trims.
2012Trim changes
The CX, CXL, and CXS names are replaced by seven equipment groups. A mild-hybrid four-cylinder becomes standard, and the V6 gains power.
2011
Front-wheel-drive CX and CXL models switch from a 3.0-liter V6 to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
2010New generation
Fully redesigned with new styling, cabin, chassis, and engines, plus a 6-speed automatic across the range.
1st Generation (2005–2009)
The original LaCrosse was a comfort-focused sedan. In its final year, it retained the existing body, cabin, and 4-speed automatic before the 2010 redesign.
0 In Stock
2009Trim changes
The CXS trim and its 3.6-liter V6 leave the lineup. CX, CXL, and the V8-powered Super remain for the final year.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Buick LaCrosse.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Buick LaCrosse a sedan, and how much room does it have?
Yes. The LaCrosse is a four-door sedan with seating for five. In the final U.S. lineup, it had 38 inches of rear legroom and a 15-cubic-foot trunk, fitting its role as a roomy comfort car.
What is the Buick LaCrosse known for?
The LaCrosse is known for a quiet cabin, a relaxed ride, generous passenger space, and upscale comfort features. It is a calm near-luxury sedan rather than a sharp-edged sport sedan.
Is the Buick LaCrosse good for long trips?
Yes. Its quiet cabin, roomy seating, and comfort-focused road manners make it well suited to highway travel. Upper trims add useful long-trip features such as ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, premium audio, and a head-up display.
Does the Buick LaCrosse come as a hybrid?
Yes, but it is a mild hybrid rather than a plug-in. Buick used the eAssist four-cylinder in parts of the 2012–2016 lineup and again on many 2018–2019 models. It saves fuel by assisting the gas engine but does not provide normal electric-only driving.
Does the Buick LaCrosse have all-wheel drive?
Some LaCrosse model years and trims have all-wheel drive. It appeared in the second generation and returned on selected third-generation V6 models, including some Essence examples. Check the specific car because front-wheel drive is more common and trim availability changed by year.
How many generations of the Buick LaCrosse were sold in the U.S.?
Three generations were sold in the U.S. The first covered 2005–2009, the second 2010–2016, and the third 2017–2019. Buick ended U.S. LaCrosse production after the 2019 model year.
Buick LaCrosse Reviews
What owners are saying about the Buick LaCrosse.
4.2
Buick LaCrosse
(1,774 reviews)
“This is the quietest, best riding, most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. Super!”
“I just pressure washed the vehicle and lost a small 1.5 inch by 1/4 inch section of paint on the bumper section in front of the hood.”
“I purchased a 2017 Buick Lacrosse which is 6 years younger than my previous 2011. It is an elegant luxury car, has a beautiful appearance. It provides many features that I don't need and therefore do not use, however, the features are topnotch.”
“Incentives motivated me to lease the car at this time. Also was impressed with safety features and the style. Had a LaCross preciously and Loved it.”
“i love the way my Buick drives. the safety features are great! The car looks awesome and i am happy to own a nice Buick!”
Sources
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2019 Buick Lacrosse Brochure
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2018 Buick Lacrosse Brochure
- media.gm.com — Transformation
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2018 Buick Lacrosse Brochure V2
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2017 Buick Lacrosse Brochure
- static.nhtsa.gov — Tsbs / 2017 / SB 10108593 9340
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2018 Buick Lacrosse Brochure V2
- gsitlc.ext.gm.com — Vincards / Pdf / Vincard15 Car 08 05 15 r1.9
- static.nhtsa.gov — Tsbs / 2013 / SB 10073433 5448