Used 2019 Buick LaCrosse Sport Touring Sedan Review

The 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.

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.