2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid
What’s new
- A V6-powered front-wheel-drive Sport Touring trim debuts
- The Premium trim now comes with a new air ionizer
- Part of the third LaCrosse generation introduced for 2017
Pros & Cons
- Comfortable and composed ride on rough roads
- Quiet and genuinely luxurious interior
- Surprisingly adept handling with Dynamic Drive package
- Good fuel economy
- Low-mounted seats front and back may limit comfort
- Small cargo space
- Unremarkable handling without Dynamic Drive package
Which LaCrosse does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
6.3 / 10The 2019 Buick LaCrosse carries over the significant changes that took place back in 2017 and a powertrain update in 2018, as part of the brand's plan to reinvigorate and claw back to its position in the luxury segment. And we like what we're seeing. Rather than a hyperstylized version of a coupe or a sport sedan that does neither very well, Buick has rightly chosen to make a comfortable, efficient and traditional car.
The interior is roomy and comfortable, and the seats feature a wide range of adjustability that is perfect for long stints. Buick's easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system is compatible with both Apple and Android products to help melt away the miles.
The standard eAssist powertrain features a mild-hybrid system, a small electric motor paired to the four-cylinder engine that allows for unobtrusive stop-starts and a little nudge to help get the car off the line. The larger V6 engine, standard in the new Sport Touring model, provides smooth power at the expense of the eAssist's economy. While all models come as front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is available in the top trim models.
Power and handling aren't the LaCrosse's forte. The heavy sedan drives well enough going straight down the road and has good steering feel, but any dynamic maneuvers will leave the tires squealing in most trim levels. Ride quality and noise are also surprisingly disappointing. Things improve considerably with the Dynamic Drive package, but that's only available on the priciest trim levels.
Still, there's no denying that some buyers don't want to get beat up with stiff suspension and confusingly complex technology. For them, the Buick LaCrosse should be appealing. Otherwise, this big Buick leaves a lot to be desired relative to its competitors.
2019 Buick LaCrosse models
The 2019 Buick LaCrosse is available in base 1SV, Preferred, Essence, Sport Touring, Premium, and Avenir trim levels. All except the Sport Touring and Avenir come standard with a mild hybrid powertrain known as eAssist that features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a six-speed automatic, and a small electric motor that together produce 194 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. A 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp, 268 lb-ft) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Avenir and Sport Touring, and optional for the Preferred, Essence and Premium. Front-wheel drive is standard, while the Essence, Premium and Avenir can be fitted with all-wheel drive (V6 only).
The base 1SV comes standard with 18-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, remote ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats (with two-way driver lumbar adjustment), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, OnStar emergency communications, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, an eight-speaker sound system, satellite radio, and the Buick IntelliLink infotainment interface that includes an 8-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. It is available only in black or white exterior paint.
The Preferred adds a power-adjustable steering wheel, a cargo net and more paint choices.
The Essence trim adds different exterior trim, 19-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, driver-side auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats, leather upholstery, driver memory settings and wireless smartphone charging. The Sport Touring only differs with its special exterior trim. Optional on both is the Driver Confidence I package that adds blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert systems.
The Premium trim includes the Driver Confidence I items and adds forward collision warning, a head-up display, lane keeping assist, the Safety Alert driver's seat (buzzes to get your attention to various safety warning systems), an ionizing air cleaner, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats with massage and four-way lumbar adjustment.
The Sport Touring, Essence and Premium can be bolstered with a couple of option packages. The Sun and Shade package has a panoramic sunroof and a power rear sunshade. The Sights and Sounds package adds a navigation system to IntelliLink, an 11-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system and HD radio.
The Avenir comes with 19-inch wheels, a revised front fascia, upgraded leather upholstery, special floor mats, and the contents of both packages listed above.
Optional for the Essence, Premium and Avenir models is the Dynamic Drive package, which equips the LaCrosse with 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers and, for front-wheel-drive models, an upgraded front suspension design. You can also specify the Driver Confidence II package for the Premium and Avenir trims, which adds adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking that detects vehicles and pedestrians, and an automatic parking system.
Trim tested
Scorecard
| Overall | 6.3 / 10 |
| Driving | 6.0 |
| Comfort | 7.0 |
| Interior | 7.0 |
| Utility | 6.0 |
| Technology | 7.5 |
Driving
6.0Acceleration
5.0Braking
8.0Steering
6.5Handling
5.0Drivability
7.0Comfort
7.0Seat comfort
8.0Ride comfort
6.5Noise & vibration
6.5Climate control
7.0Interior
7.0Ease of use
6.5Getting in/getting out
7.5Driving position
7.5Roominess
7.0Visibility
5.5Quality
5.5Utility
6.0Small-item storage
7.0Cargo space
5.0Child safety seat accommodation
6.5Technology
7.5Smartphone integration
8.0Driver aids
7.0Voice control
7.0Sponsored cars related to the LaCrosse
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 Buick LaCrosse.
Trending topics in reviews
- comfort
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- fuel efficiency
Most helpful consumer reviews
Great sedan, low gas mileage. Love the hybrid. Comfortable and reliable
Features & Specs
| Essence 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,370 |
| MPG | 25 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 194 hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Premium 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,670 |
| MPG | 25 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 194 hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Preferred 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $33,670 |
| MPG | 25 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 194 hp @ 6300 rpm |
| 1SV 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $29,570 |
| MPG | 25 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 194 hp @ 6300 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite LaCrosse safety features:
- OnStar
- Provides automatic crash notification, an emergency call button and stolen-vehicle assistance, among other features.
- Front Automatic Braking
- Detects an imminent front collision. It will then warn the driver and apply automatic braking if necessary.
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Alerts you to cars in your blind spot with lights in the mirrors, helping to prevent accidents and reducing driver workload.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 4 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 4 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | Not Rated |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Buick LaCrosse vs. the competition
Buick LaCrosse vs. Buick Regal Sportback
The Regal Sportback and the LaCrosse are similar in size, but there are some differences. The Regal is a little smaller in the back seat but has loads more cargo space thanks to its hatchback configuration. Amazingly, although the LaCrosse is less powerful than the Regal Sportback, it is lighter and more efficient.
Buick LaCrosse vs. Chrysler 300
Both the 300 and the LaCrosse are full-size sedans perfect for traveling down the long and winding road. You'll have more driver engagement in the 300, thanks to its rear-wheel drive and powerful standard V6 engine, and you'll ooze machismo even when you don't want to. The LaCrosse is the calmer, buttoned-up sedan, though it is slightly smaller on the inside and in cargo space.
Buick LaCrosse vs. Lincoln MKZ
Both sedans deliver competent highway cruising and multiple powertrain options. The MKZ, though, is available with a twin-turbo V6. If performance is important, then the MKZ is the better buy. Even in base form, the MKZ's turbo four-cylinder outperforms the LaCrosse's non-turbocharged engine. On the inside, the LaCrosse is bigger and plusher. Both come standard with a lot of technology and infotainment features.
FAQ
Is the Buick LaCrosse a good car?
What's new in the 2019 Buick LaCrosse?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Buick LaCrosse:
- A V6-powered front-wheel-drive Sport Touring trim debuts
- The Premium trim now comes with a new air ionizer
- Part of the third LaCrosse generation introduced for 2017
Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?
Is the 2019 Buick LaCrosse a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2019 Buick LaCrosse?
The least-expensive 2019 Buick LaCrosse is the 2019 Buick LaCrosse 1SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,570.
Other versions include:
- Essence 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $36,370
- Premium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $38,670
- Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $33,670
- 1SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $29,570
What are the different models of Buick LaCrosse?
More about the 2019 Buick LaCrosse
For years Buick has attempted to rediscover its luxury automobile prominence, only to fall short. The 2019 Buick LaCrosse brings the iconic American automobile manufacturer closer to the luxury forefront and should be considered if you're shopping for a large luxury sedan.
The 2019 LaCrosse is a quieter and more comfortable option than most vehicles in the midsize sedan segment. The exterior evokes a conservative and uniquely American appearance with smooth lines and Buick's distinctive brightwork and grille.
Inside, you'll find a cozy cabin with materials of a higher quality than used in previous LaCrosses, emulating pricier luxury vehicles with abundant leather and textured plastic. Buick's IntelliLink system completes the interior with a user-friendly touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
You'll also likely be impressed with the LaCrosse's improved handling. Gone are the days of a large American luxury sedan that floats down the road like a tugboat and handles just as poorly. This 2019 LaCrosse feels cushy while cruising but won't trip all over itself on curvy back roads. Adding the Dynamic Drive package stiffens the driving experience with 20-inch wheels and an advanced suspension design.
The LaCrosse base engine, dubbed eAssist, is a mild hybrid system that adds a dollop of electricity to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to return an estimated 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. That's lower fuel economy than offered by full hybrid sedans, but then the LaCrosse is also cheaper. Also available is a strong 310-horsepower V6 engine that returns a still-impressive 25 mpg combined (21 city/31 highway) with front-wheel drive and 23 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway) with all-wheel drive. Both fuel economy and acceleration are among the class-best.
The 2019 Buick LaCrosse comes with several trim options from which to choose. The base LaCrosse (also called 1SV) is remarkable for its generous amenities, while the Preferred, Sport Touring, Essence, Premium, and Avenir offer more luxury, safety and technology features.
The 2019 LaCrosse has established itself as a real contender in the large luxury sedan segment, but it's not without faults. The seats are mounted rather low, compromising seat and driving positions. The engine features a stop-start system that frustratingly cannot be turned off, and the lane keeping system doesn't guide the vehicle along the edge of the lane but rather pinballs the car between the lane perimeters. The price jump between the base and the Preferred trim levels is also questionable given the minuscule added content.
Still, we are pleased with Buick's progress in making the LaCrosse a strong option in the segment. Trust Edmunds to help find the 2019 Buick LaCrosse that ticks off everything you're looking for in a large luxury sedan.
2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Overview
The 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid is offered in the following styles: Essence 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A), Premium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A), Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A), and 1SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A).
What do people think of the 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2019 LaCrosse Hybrid 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 LaCrosse Hybrid.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 LaCrosse Hybrid featuring deep dives into trim levels including Essence, Premium, Preferred, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrids are available in my area?
2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Listings and Inventory
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Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 [object Object] LaCrosse Hybrid for sale near you.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid and all available trim types: 1SV, Premium, Essence, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Buick lease specials