2016 Buick LaCrosse Review
2016 Buick LaCrosse Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sleek interior with up-to-date technology
- luxurious ride quality
- quiet at speed
- available all-wheel drive
- top crash test scores.
Cons
- Hybrid eAssist model's slow acceleration
- relatively small trunk
- compromised rearward visibility.
What’s new
For 2016, the Buick LaCrosse gets a standard power driver seat and an updated IntelliLink infotainment system with dual USB ports, an enhanced interface and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Minor equipment changes include a new Sport Touring package that bundles a number of desirable features with unique 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler.
Edmunds says
The 2016 Buick LaCrosse is a well-rounded large sedan that pampers its occupants and drives nicely -- especially with the V6.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Buick LaCrosse 1SV 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$187/mo for LaCrosse 1SV
LaCrosse 1SV
vs
$213/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
As Buick's flagship sedan, the 2016 Buick LaCrosse offers the generous size and accommodations traditionally associated with the brand. Passenger space is copious, with rear legroom rivaling that of some executive-class luxury sedans. Pleasingly, the LaCrosse isn't a snooze to drive either, which you might otherwise assume given the brand's history.
The 2016 Buick LaCrosse's styling is pleasingly understated, with chrome accents tastefully applied.
That said, only one of the two engines available is truly suitable for this class of car. There's either a capable 304-horsepower V6 or a mild-hybrid four-cylinder unit dubbed eAssist. While the latter option provides better fuel economy, we're not convinced it's worth sacrificing the V6's additional power or available all-wheel-drive system.
Regardless of what's under the hood, every LaCrosse is stylish and well-equipped. For 2016, the LaCrosse's IntelliLink infotainment system gets some notable updates, including a revised touchscreen interface, dual USB ports and advanced smartphone integration courtesy of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Although the LaCrosse is a strong effort, buyers should also be sure to look at similarly priced competitors. The Toyota Avalon, for example, is available with a full-fledged hybrid powertrain that gets an EPA-estimated combined figure of 40 mpg, versus 29 mpg for the LaCrosse eAssist. Its more luxurious relative, the Lexus ES can be equipped with the same hybrid system and also shares the Avalon's burly standard V6. The Chevrolet Impala matches the LaCrosse's big sedan comfort at downright reasonable prices, while the rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 offers elegant design and optional AWD. These are all pleasant cars, no doubt, but the 2016 Buick LaCrosse continues to distinguish itself as a satisfying choice in the segment.
Performance & mpg
The 2016 Buick LaCrosse comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 that cranks out 304 hp and 264 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on Leather and Premium 1 trims.
In Edmunds track testing, a front-wheel-drive LaCrosse V6 sprinted to 60 mph in a satisfactory 6.8 seconds. The EPA pegs LaCrosse V6 fuel economy at 22 mpg combined (18 city/28 highway) with front-wheel drive and 20 mpg combined (17/26) with all-wheel drive.
When equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, the 2016 Buick LaCrosse has strong passing power.
Available only on the Base and Leather trim levels is a mild hybrid powertrain called "eAssist" that pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an 11-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Combined peak output is 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are standard.
In Edmunds testing, a LaCrosse with this configuration sauntered to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, a very leisurely showing for this segment. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 29 mpg combined (25 city/36 highway) — fine numbers for an ordinary four-cylinder sedan of this size, but far behind competitors like the Toyota Avalon Hybrid.
Safety
Standard safety features on the LaCrosse include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation. Every LaCrosse comes with a rearview camera, and all except the 1SV and Base model have rear parking sensors as well.
Optional safety features are provided via the two Driver Confidence packages discussed above, highlighted by lane-change alert (which issues a warning during a lane change if another car is rapidly approaching in the new lane) and a collision mitigation system with automatic braking. The "Safety Alert" driver seat (included with the Driver Confidence #2 package) is a novel offering that vibrates to indicate the direction of a crash threat.
In Edmunds brake testing, a LaCrosse V6 with 19-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in 116 feet -- excellent for this segment. A four-cylinder LaCrosse with 17-inch wheels turned in a similarly strong performance, stopping from 60 mph in just 115 feet.
In government crash testing, the LaCrosse earned the top overall rating of five stars, with a five-star rating for both frontal and side impacts. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the LaCrosse its highest rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset test as well as the side-impact, roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.
Driving
The 2016 Buick LaCrosse's four-cylinder powertrain operates smoothly, rarely reminding the driver of its hybridized complexity. The auto stop-start system, for example, is unusually refined, lacking the telltale shudder on restart that plagues many of these setups. Unfortunately, the 2.4-liter gasoline engine sounds coarse under full acceleration, and it feels pretty lethargic, especially with extra passenger or cargo weight. The V6, in our opinion, is the way to go.
There's more driving excitement in the 2016 LaCrosse than you might expect.
With either engine, the LaCrosse's driving dynamics are spot on. The ride is exceptionally comfortable and quiet, but there's more to this Buick than just its cruising credentials. It doesn't feel like a land yacht from the driver seat; on the contrary, it's surprisingly composed and steady when you're driving it around turns. Marginal rearward visibility takes a bite out of driver confidence in parking lots, but the standard rearview camera and various safety systems make the best of it.
Interior
With its distinctive wraparound dashboard, the LaCrosse's interior makes a strong first impression. The rakish design neatly flows into the interior door panels, while the angled center stack, highlighted by a large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, provides a modern and upscale ambience. At night, thin blue lights trace the interior's contours, adding to the big Buick's premium vibe. Materials quality is fully competitive for the price.
The touchscreen interface is generally user-friendly and features crisply rendered icons plus Apple CarPlay compatibility, with Android Auto added to later-production models. However, the touchscreen's location may require an uncomfortable reach for some drivers. On the bright side, the LaCrosse is one of the few vehicles in this price range to provide 4G LTE data connectivity and mobile WiFi as standard equipment.
The interior of the 2016 LaCrosse includes a sleek dashboard that gives the car a distinctly contemporary feel.
As expected in this class, passenger comfort is a LaCrosse highlight. The front seats are supportive and provide ample adjustments for different physiques, while rear legroom is generous enough that even NBA forwards could comfortably sit back there without complaint.
With all that space in back, apparently there wasn't much left for the trunk. With just 13.3 cubic feet of capacity, the LaCrosse V6's trunk holds less than some compact sedans. Moreover, the eAssist powertrain includes a trunk-mounted battery pack that reduces capacity to a paltry 10.8 cubic feet. Either way, the smallish opening can make loading larger items problematic.
2016 Buick LaCrosse models
The 2016 Buick LaCrosse is a large luxury sedan available in six trim levels: 1SV, Base, Leather, Premium 1, Premium 2 and Premium 3.
The 1SV LaCrosse comes standard with the V6 engine, remote ignition, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an eight-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar), split-folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, OnStar telematics with 4G LTE connectivity and WiFi capability, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, the IntelliLink infotainment system (with an 8-inch touchscreen display and smartphone app integration), a rearview camera and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and two USB ports. If you want any other equipment, we advise you to move up to the Base trim level at least, as the 1SV isn't eligible for most options.
An 8-inch touchscreen interface comes standard on every 2016 LaCrosse.
At the Base trim level you get all the 1SV's equipment plus 18-inch wheels and a cargo net. The available Sport Touring package adds unique 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, the Comfort and Convenience package #2 (rear parking sensors, auto-dimming side mirrors with integrated signal repeaters, ambient lighting, keyless entry and ignition, and driver memory settings) and the Leather package (leather upholstery, heated front seats and an eight-way power front passenger seat).
Spring for the Leather model and you'll lose the Sport Touring package's wheels and spoiler, but you get the Comfort and Convenience package #2 and the Leather package as standard. LaCrosse Leather V6 models get 18-inch wheels of their own (19s with AWD), while four-cylinder models roll on 17-inchers.
The Premium 1 raises its game with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 120-volt power outlet, a power rear window sunshade and an 11-speaker Bose audio system.
The Premium 2 adds 20-inch wheels, a torque-steer-resistant front suspension design ("HiPer Strut"), adaptive suspension dampers and a navigation system.
Optional on all but the 1SV and Base LaCrosse is the Ultra Luxury package, which features upgraded leather upholstery with extended coverage (including the center console and door armrests), a faux-suede headliner and real wood accents.
Also optional on all but the 1SV and Base models is the Driver Confidence #1 package, which includes xenon headlights, foglights, a head-up display, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure alert and forward collision alert. The Premium trims can upgrade to the Driver Confidence #2 package, which adds adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation system with automatic braking and a vibrating "Safety Alert" driver seat.
For Leather trim levels, the Experience Buick package bundles the contents of the Driver Confidence #1 package with navigation and the Bose sound system. Another notable option (for all trims except 1SV and Base) is a panoramic sunroof.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#15 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Buick LaCrosse from 2008-2022.$447/yr
vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.81x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).12.7%
vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Buick LaCrosse.
5 star(64%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(2%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Great car
Matt, 02/06/2016
2015 Buick LaCrosse Premium I Group 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Bought the Lacrosse for work and find myself driving it all of the time over the suburban. I'm 6-4 and fit great. Great quality for the price point.
4 out of 5 stars
Stylish and functional from horn to hoof!
Guy Yocom, 11/22/2016
2016 Buick LaCrosse Sport Touring 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
This off-the-lot model did not come with the confidence package, which really should be standard due to visibility issues. My fault and I regret not ordering and waiting patiently. But the vehicle beckoned to me, and the killer price (Buick promotion 15% off, plus a bit more on this particular model as 2017s were rolling in) made me an easy mark. Very happy from the get-go with this car. … Astonished by the value, and I love it more each day. I rent a great many cars on business and this one is more luxurious than any of them. The quiet Is a plus. Near silence even at 50 mph, and then only the pleasant hum of the tires. Handles beautifully. There is but one drawback: The poor visibility resulting from thick pillars at 10 am and 2 pm, rear view no treat either, and blind-spot is wretched. That's why I miss the driver confidence package, which dealer says cannot be retrofitted. Sure wish I had the head-up display, too (!) But adding up the other pluses: Heated seats rock, interior lighting is legant, the surfeit of USB ports wonderful. Love the remote car starting, memory seats and even trunk storage, which though somewhat cramped, turns into bat cave by lowering of back seats. Love the push-button parking break. The V-6 engine is plenty beefy for any circumstance, When I need to pass I tickle the gas pedal and--whom!--I'm gone. Buick nailed so many details with this model. Headrests are perfect...seats hug you like firm glove; nice balance between cushiness and support...unlocking of door with push of a button is a minor miracle, and entire layout of controls is very sensible. I'm a fan, and wish there were a way to add that pesky driver confidence package.
2 out of 5 stars
Pros & cons
Al Brunsting, 12/24/2018
2016 Buick LaCrosse Premium II Group 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Pros: Overall good looks. Comfortable ride - especially on road trips. These components were also good: navigation / infotainment system; sound/speakers; heated, ventilated, & memory seats; rear leg room, enough power at passing speeds; 26 – 30 mpg at highway speeds; good dual zone climate control (ac & heat); adaptive cruise control; &On-star emergency assistance.
Cons: I experienced a … total transmission failure at 38,000 miles (I bought the car new), leaving me in a cornfield far from home. Buick did not pay for all my reasonable rental car expenses. This whole experience cost me 16-hours plus some expenses due only to this Buick failure. After these initial repairs the car still required additional repairs on the transmission. I have lost trust in this car’s reliability & dependability. The car does not hold its resale value well. Buick will stop making this model, increasing my dissatisfaction. Limited trunk space. Restricted visibility at left and right sides of windshield. About 18-22 mpg around town. There was more road noise than I expected.
4 out of 5 stars
39,000 in 9 months
Jayne, 07/20/2016
2015 Buick LaCrosse Premium II Group 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
I am an uber, I drive continuously. I have 39k miles in 9 months. All clients especially men love this car. HUGE inside especially back seats. def fits tall big men great. The only problem i have is the entire electrical system on Navigation and stereo goes out and comes on when it feels like it. This is a problem. Also, car is so low to ground nearly impossible to not hit curbs and … parking bumpers. Overall, the car is a beautiful car all the way around. Except the warrantee should be for 100k like all the other cars for sale out there.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 Buick LaCrosse, so we've included reviews for other years of the LaCrosse since its last redesign.
2016 LaCrosse Highlights
1SV
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $31,065 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $187/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the LaCrosse include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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