2017 Buick LaCrosse Review

Name: 2017 Buick LaCrosse Review
Brand: Buick
Rating: 4.2 (63 reviews)

Price Range: $16,999 - $24,998

2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium Sedan Exterior Shown

2017 Buick LaCrosse Essence Sedan Exterior

+162

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Price & Payment

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$19,381 avg. price

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers^{Manager, Written Content
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Comfortable and composed ride on rough roads
Interior is genuinely luxurious and very quiet at highway speeds
Surprisingly adept at going around turns
Good fuel economy from a strong V6 engine

Cons

Low-mounted seats may create compromised driving and seating positions
Engine start-stop system cannot be turned off
Lane keeping assist ricochets the car between lane markers
Eyebrow-raising price jump from base trim level to Preferred

What’s new

The Buick LaCrosse is completely redesigned for 2017. Highlights include a higher-quality interior, a bigger trunk, new features, and significantly improved ride and handling.

Vehicle overview

If you're shopping for a large sedan, the 2017 Buick LaCrosse is quite simply one of your best options. Completely redesigned and massively improved for 2017, the new LaCrosse should easily meet your desires if you're searching for a quieter, more comfortable and more refined car than what's offered in the midsize sedan segment.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2017 Buick LaCrosse
Preferred Sedan
$11,988
- 75,513 miles
- Insurance loss reported, 3 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Crystal Auto Group (294 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Houston, TX
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (21 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G4ZN5SS2HU178920
Stock: 178920
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2017 Buick LaCrosse
Premium Sedan
$21,500
- 21,253 miles
- Insurance loss reported, 2 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Flex-S Cars (474 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Garland, TX
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (21 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G4ZR5SS2HU175097
Stock: 175097
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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However (and this is a big however), the 2017 LaCrosse isn't just another full-size four-door like the Chevrolet Impala, Kia Cadenza or Toyota Avalon. Though Buick has tried for several years to re-establish itself as a luxury automaker, this is the first model that legitimately makes the grade. In addition to its classy styling and high-quality, well-equipped cabin, the new LaCrosse offers the refinement, poise and sophistication you expect from the best luxury cars. It can be both comfortable on the highway and stable and secure on curvy back roads without bobbing about like the S.S. Minnow on a three-hour tour. It is especially composed when the LaCrosse is equipped with the Dynamic Drive package, with 20-inch wheels and a more advanced suspension design.

In short, the 2017 model is a dramatic step up from the previous generation, enough for it to genuinely compete with luxury sedans such as the Lexus ES 350 and the Lincoln MKZ. In fact, you might like the Buick more because it matches or betters them in terms of comfort, performance, fuel economy, driving dynamics, overall ease of use and sound isolation. Consider it one of your best options in either segment.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Whether you're shopping for a large sedan or a comfort-oriented luxury car, the redesigned 2017 Buick LaCrosse will impress. The LaCrosse name promises a smooth-riding, quiet drive, and this newest version delivers. A more enjoyable driving experience is unexpected but certainly appreciated.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our initial impressions of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium Sedan (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Driving

A strong V6 helps propel the LaCrosse to the top of its class for acceleration, and braking performance is just as admirable. The all-wheel-drive system sharpens the LaCrosse's remarkable handling ability. The engine stop-start system cannot be disabled, though, and you might find that annoying.

Comfort

The LaCrosse has a cushy ride that soaks up bumps but doesn't give you the disconnected, floaty feeling that too many luxury sedans exhibit. Like others in this class, the cabin is extremely quiet at all speeds.

Interior

Like many large sedans, the LaCrosse delivers a spacious interior with enough legroom for one 6-footer to sit behind another. Rear headroom is more limited due to the sloping roofline. With copious amounts of leather and textured plastics, materials quality is higher than in previous models.

Utility

Although the trunk is fairly deep, its 15 cubic feet of space is small for the segment, and the wheelwells are intrusive. You'll find many places to store small items, but the cupholders are rather shallow and drinks might tip over. LATCH anchors are extremely easy to access.

Technology

Buick's IntelliLink system is a cinch to use, especially with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The touchscreen can wash out in sunlight, though. We've also found the adaptive cruise control can be overly abrupt when automatically applying the brakes.

Compare 2017 Buick LaCrosse trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Buick LaCrosse models

The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is a full-size sedan that offers the serene ride that shoppers have come to expect from the luxury-oriented brand. The LaCrosse is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine (310 horsepower, 282 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It's loaded with amenities in the base LaCrosse trim level (also called 1SV), but more luxury, safety, and technology features can be added in the Preferred, Essence and top-tier Premium trims. All come standard with front-wheel drive, but the Premium can be equipped with an advanced all-wheel-drive system.

Standard equipment for the base LaCrosse includes 18-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, simulated-leather upholstery, power front seats, OnStar (with an onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot), an eight-speaker sound system and the Buick IntelliLink infotainment interface (includes an 8-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration). It also comes with fuel-saving automatic engine start-stop and cylinder deactivation technologies.

The LaCrosse's Preferred trim adds a power-adjustable steering wheel, a cargo net in the trunk and satellite radio.

Stepping up to the Essence trim gets you adaptive headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, driver-seat memory functions, leather upholstery, heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging. Optional for this trim level is the Driver Confidence 1 package (requires Sights and Sounds package; see below) that adds advanced blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The Premium trim includes the Driver Confidence 1 items and adds forward collision warning, a head-up display, lane departure warning and intervention, the safety-alert driver seat (buzzes to draw your attention to various safety warnings), a rear storage bin, ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, a household-style 120-volt outlet and ventilated front seats with massage. The optional Driver Confidence 2 package adds adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking (detects vehicles and pedestrians) and an automatic parking system.

The Essence and Premium can be bolstered with three option packages. The Sun and Shade package adds a panoramic sunroof and a power rear sunshade. The Sights and Sounds package (requires the Driver Confidence 1 package) adds a navigation system to IntelliLink and an 11-speaker, premium Bose surround-sound audio system. Finally, the Dynamic Drive package adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers and, for front-wheel-drive models, an upgraded front suspension design.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Buick LaCrosse 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) 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 $2.72 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas

$133/mo

$170/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above 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

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

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

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.}

Buick LaCrosse Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

63 reviews

5(54%)

4(22%)

3(14%)

2(7%)

1(3%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Good value for retired folks

Richard Stewart, 12/09/2016

2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

Being retired, I was looking for a quite comfortable roomy car with easy to use controls and lots of safety features for my wife and me to use for travel. The Lacrosse fit the bill. I was impressed with all the safety features (love the heads up display) and the ease of use of the entertainment and navigation systems. Most luxury cars don't have touch screens, which to me was a …

Best kept secret in automobiles

Elwyn H. Davis, 01/09/2018

2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

We traded a 2010 Lacrosse CXS with 92,000 trouble free miles for this car 15 weeks ago. Ours is the Premium trim level. So far, in almost 5,000 miles we love the car and haven't found anything to complain about. Among the great things: Ride, smoothness of operation, seat comfort, Auto stop/start, gas mileage - 35 mpg on highway trips, 21-22 around town mileage, 24.2 overall probably …

A great car!

Bill A., 07/09/2017

2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I purchased a fully loaded 2017 Lacrosse with the premium trim level and couldn't be happier. I absolutely love the way it rides and handles, especially with the sport setting on. It has so many options I'm having a blast learning them all. It is by far the quietest, best riding, and best driving car I have ever owned. And I think it is the most stylish car on the market, not gaudy but …

The Perfect Car for Road Warriors

Greg Kelly, 11/07/2018

2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

My wife and I were looking for a large, comfortable sedan for our frequent trips around the United States, and the 2017 Buick Lacrosse AWD was the perfect choice. It is comfortable and quiet on the inside, and holds the road extremely well, even in the snow. (Because of the low ground clearance, it does not do as well in deep snow.) We appreciate the "out of site" luggage space in the …

See all 63 reviews of the Buick LaCrosse

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2017 Buick LaCrosse videos

2017 Buick LaCrosse Review

Our experts review the 2017 Buick LaCrosse. If you're looking for a large sedan with the refinement, poise and sophistication you expect from the best luxury cars, the 2017 Buick LaCrosse might be the car for you. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

2017 LaCrosse Highlights

Trim:

1SV

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$32,065
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$133/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the LaCrosse models:

Side Blind Zone Alert: A light illuminates on the outside mirror if a vehicle is detected in the LaCrosse's right- or left-side blind zone.
Automatic Park Assist: Sensors can detect an open parallel or perpendicular parking space and automatically guide the LaCrosse into it.
Front Automatic Braking: If a forward collision is deemed imminent, the LaCrosse can automatically apply brakes to avoid or lessen the impact.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.9%

2017 Buick LaCrosse Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale nearby

2017 Buick LaCrossePreferred Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2017 Buick LaCrossePremium Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology

Which LaCrosse does Edmunds recommend?

2017 Buick LaCrosse models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Buick LaCrosse 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) 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 $2.72 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Buick LaCrosse Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Good value for retired folks

Best kept secret in automobiles

A great car!

The Perfect Car for Road Warriors

2017 Buick LaCrosse videos