2017 Buick Lacrosse Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Completely redesigned for the new model year, the 2017 Buick Lacrosse is one of the sleekest, most sophisticated options among large sedans. With the ideal balance between luxury features and performance chops, this stately vehicle was named among U.S. News and World Report's Best Cars for Families.

With its reimagining, the 2017 Buick Lacrosse has been given a longer, lower stance that creates a cohesive silhouette. One of the biggest flaws of the earlier Lacrosse generation were the large pillars that impacted visibility. This has been improved with the new model, and the trunk has also been enlarged to substantially increase cargo space. While the Lacrosse has always been a stand-out in the large car segment, the 2017 model takes this vehicle above and beyond.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Buick Lacrosse – The Pros

1. Elegant, Refined Interior

The 2017 Buick Lacrosse could be mistaken for a luxury sedan when it comes to the interior. You'll find natural-looking wood trim throughout the cabin and French-stitched faux leather seating surfaces. The redesigned space has a more functional flow, with intuitive controls and a useful center console.

2. Generous Standard Tech

All trim levels of the 2017 Buick Lacrosse are exceedingly well-equipped when it comes to the latest tech, boasting a rearview camera, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, OnStar emergency call system, 4G LTE wireless hotspot, Bluetooth streaming phone calls and audio, and two USB ports. Buick's Intellilink infotainment system features an 8" touchscreen that reviewers find easy to use and attractively designed. You can also connect your smartphone with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

3. Teen Driver Monitoring Features

Parents will appreciate the ability to keep a virtual eye on their teen drivers in the 2017 Buick Lacrosse. This system mutes the audio until all passengers are wearing seatbelts, provides an alert when speed limits are exceeded, and sends parents a trip report.

4. Powerful Performance

The 2017 Buick Lacrosse is equipped with a 3.6-L V6 delivering 310 horsepower accompanied by an 8-speed automatic transmission, among the most powerful engines in this class. Test drivers report quick acceleration, plenty of road speed, and smooth shifting.

5. Sporty Handling Options

Drivers who want a sports-car-like experience can use the paddle shifters for even more control. In the standard front-wheel drive trims (all but the top-of-the-line Premium, which has all-wheel drive), drivers can add an adaptive suspension system allowing them to toggle between Normal and Sports mode for a customized experience.

6. Outstanding Fuel Economy

It's a rare vehicle that ranks high in both power and fuel economy, but the 2017 Buick Lacrosse does just that. Even with the athletic V6, the sedan delivers an EPA-estimated 21 city/31 highway miles per gallon, which is well above average for a car of this size.

7. Expansive Passenger Space

With the redesign of the 2017 Buick Lacrosse, the car adds three inches to the wheelbase--a number that sounds small but translates into noticeably expanded passenger and cargo space. Even the tallest passengers will have plenty of leg room in the backseat, and cargo space increases to 15 cubic feet.

8. Excellent Safety Scores

The Buick Lacrosse is not only one of the safest cars in its class, but also in the industry at large. It's designated as a Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety and has a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.

9. High Projected Reliability

The 2017 Lacrosse was rated as above average in predicted reliability by the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study.

10. Hushed Interior

The active noise cancellation in the Lacrosse provides an enjoyably quiet ride that enhances the luxurious feel of the well-appointed cabin. The redesign has incorporated additional acoustic materials that further dampen road sounds.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Buick Lacrosse – The Cons

1. Luxury Features Absent on Lower Trims

If you want additional comfort features like leather upholstery, heated seats, or an upgraded stereo system, they are only available in the fully loaded trim. That's also the only trim available with advanced active safety features such as driver assistance technologies.

2. Below Average Cargo Space

Although the 2017 Lacrosse is larger than the 2016 version, it's still below average for the class when it comes to cargo space. With just 15 cubic feet, it falls short of the 16 cubic feet average and far short of the more than 20 feet offered by some rivals.

3. Confusing Shifter

General Motors has redesigned its shifter across the board, and drivers of the Buick Lacrosse might find this change confounding. The lever must be pulled back at the same time a button on the side of the shifter is held down in order to put the car into drive, while reversing requires drivers to move the shifter in an L shape.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition:

The Lacrosse's unique balance of power and luxury makes it an optimal choice for many buyers shopping for a large sedan. Its main competitors are the Chevrolet Impala and the Nissan Maxima. The Lacrosse boasts a more powerful engine and better tech features than the Impala, though the latter wins when it comes to cargo space. The Maxima matches the Lacrosse in outstanding power and handling but is missing Android Auto and a wireless hotspot, both standard in the Buick.

Conclusion:

If you want a classic large sedan with sophisticated styling, refined interior, excellent performance, and great fuel economy, the 2017 Buick Lacrosse fits the bill. If you're concerned about high-end safety features or want the amenities of a luxury car at a more affordable price point, there may be cars in this class better suited for your needs.