2018 Buick Verano Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2018?
No major changes have been made to the 2018 model. Last year, Buick decided to discontinue the Verano’s optional turbocharged engine.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Buick Verano – The Pros
1. Affordable to Own
The 2018 Buick Verano is a strong value that deserves some serious consideration. Prices for the base model start at an estimated $21,000, which should lure budget-minded car shoppers. However, even a fully loaded Verano can now be purchased for less than $30,000. Maintenance costs for the Verano are also quite inexpensive. A 70,000-mile powertrain warranty and 24,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance come standard on every trim.
2. Respectable Fuel Economy
Although the 2018 Buick Verano is not a class leader in fuel economy, its overall efficiency will satisfy most drivers. According to the EPA, the Verano will return 21 mpg in town and up to 31 mpg on the highway. Fortunately, Buick tuned the Verano’s engine to run on regular unleaded fuel.
3. Ideal Blend of Handling and Ride Comfort
In terms of road handling, the Verano proves to be a very surefooted car. Whether you are traveling on the interstate or driving on a rural road, expect to be impressed by the Verano’s agility. Ride comfort is yet another one of the Verano’s standout qualities. Its suspension system performs well even on rough city streets.
4. Sharp-Looking Sport Touring Model
The standard 2018 Buick Verano has an understated appearance. If you desire a more aggressive look, check out the Sport Touring trim. It is by far the sportiest model in the lineup. A racy set of 18-inch alloy wheels give the Sport Touring trim an especially athletic stance. A rear lip spoiler further enhances the sedan’s attractiveness.
5. Standard 4G Wi-Fi Spot
Unlike most cars in this price range, the 2018 Buick Verano comes standard with a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot. This is good news for the drivers who don’t want to spend any extra money. Multiple devices can be connected at the same time, which means all of your passengers will have easy access to the web.
6. High-Grade Interior
On the inside, the Verano feels like a far more expensive model. It is definitely a step above the average commuter car. The Verano’s cabin is well-built and very attractive. Leather upholstery can be added as an option. QuietTuning technology also helps keep outside noise to a minimum. Supportive seats make the Verano an even more rewarding daily-driver.
7. 5-Star Safety Rating
Crash protection is a strong point for the 2018 Buick Verano. It managed to receive a five-star overall safety rating. Buick also offers some useful collision-avoidance technologies. While lane departure warning gives you an extra peace of mind on the highway, rear cross-traffic alert comes in handy in busty parking areas. Side Blind Zone Alert and forward collision warning are offered as well.
8. Award-Winning OnStar System
GM’s OnStar unit is hands-down one of the best communications system on the market. If you happen to experience a troubling situation on the road, you can use OnStar to immediately contact emergency personnel. However, OnStar does more than just give drivers an extra peace of mind. It can also be used to provide real-time driving directions and vehicle diagnostics.
9. Powerful Bose Audio system
A six-speaker sound system comes standard on the 2018 Buick Verano. However, serious music lovers should consider upgrading to the more powerful Bose sound system. The combination of a digital amplifier and high-qualify speakers enables the system to offer excellent sound quality.
10. IntelliLink Infotainment System
Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system is remarkably simple to use. A large display enables drivers to quickly surf through the menu screen. You also have the ability to customize your apps.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Buick Verano – The Cons
1. Delivers So-So Performance
When it comes to overall driving excitement, the 2018 Buick Verano is a notch behind the competition. Although the Verano’s 180-horsepower engine feels peppy, this doesn’t translate to quick acceleration in the real world. The sedan recorded a 0-60 time of nine seconds, which will leave some drivers craving for more performance. Furthermore, a manual transmission is not offered.
2. Not a Great Option for Full-Size Families
The Verano provides plenty of legroom in the front. Unfortunately, a rather tight backseat makes the Verano a less appealing family vehicle. The backseat is more suitable for people under six-feet tall. This could be a concern for growing families.
3. Absence of All-Wheel Drive
You will feel confident driving the Verano in most weather conditions. However, it won’t perform as well in the snow as an all-wheel-drive sedan. Featuring a standard AWD system, the 2018 Subaru Impreza will be a far better choice for commuting during the winter.
How it stacks up to the competition:
Some of the key competitors include the 2018 Acura ILX and the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. When compared to the Acura ILX, the Buick Verano’s affordable price tag gives it a clear edge. Anticipate paying at least $7,000 more for the new Acura ILX. Although the Volkswagen Jetta is fun and affordable, it fails to match the Verano’s long-term reliability.
Conclusion:
While the 2018 Buick Verano may not be the most fun-to-drive car in the segment, it still deserves a thought. You will be able to obtain a luxurious driving experience without shelling out a lot of money. Top-notch passenger safety also helps the Verano to remain relevant. From a styling standpoint, the athletic-looking Sport Touring trim is bound to appeal to a lot of younger drivers.
