2019 Buick Lacrosse Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2019 Buick Lacrosse is one of today’s best entry-level luxury sedans. Drivers rave about the Lacrosse’s great balance of ride comfort and adept handling. You can also look forward to getting solid fuel economy. Although the Lacrosse may not have the prestige of a BMW 5-Series or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it delivers an impressive amount of luxury from the price. All-wheel drive is available for the folks who’ll be commuting in the snow.

While Buick didn’t make any extensive updates to the 2019 model, an all-new Sport Touring model has hit the lineup. Let’s see how the available Lacrosse trims stack up to each.

 

Compare the 2019 Buick Lacrosse 1SV vs Preferred Trims. What is the difference?

At the bottom of the Lacrosse range sits the 1SV trim. However, it’s a very appealing base model. Powering the Lacrosse 1SV is an eAssist mild hybrid system. The combination of a small electric motor and a four-cylinder engine helps it to produce 194 horsepower and 187 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission also comes standard. Remember, this trim is only offered with front-wheel drive.

Despite being the least expensive trim, the Lacrosse 1SV will still turn heads with its refined styling. HID headlamps and LED taillights come standard. This trim also receives a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators. Only two exterior colors are available for the Lacrosse 1SV: Black Onyx and Summit White.

Expect the inside of the base Lacrosse 1SV to have a quality feel. Simulated leather upholstery covers the interior. The power front seats with two-way lumbar ensure a relaxing drive. Some of the other creature comforts include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and active noise cancellation.

By loading the base model with an attractive list of high-tech features, Buick makes sure every buyer gets their money’s worth. A built-in Wi-Fi hot spot enables you to save your phone’s data. You’ll also enjoy the Lacrosse 1SV’s 8.0-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Remote start allows you to fire up the engine from several feet away. Some of the other notable features include dual USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

Helpful safety features come equipped on the Lacrosse 1SV. GM’s renowned OnStar system keeps you connected to emergency roadside assistance. Meanwhile, a backup camera and rear parking sensors enhance your ability to spot parking lot obstacles. Parents will benefit from the sedan’s Teen Driver technology, which can provide a driving report card. Some of the other standard safety equipment includes tire pressure monitoring, a StabiliTrak stability control system, and four-wheel antilock brakes.

With an MSRP of $34,595, the Preferred trim is roughly $4,100 more expensive than the base 1SV trim. Unfortunately, this trim is not considered to be a strong value. While its exterior styling is virtually identical, you will have access to additional paint colors like Ebony Twilight Metallic and Red Quartz Tintcoat.

There are also some upgrades found on the inside. A lot of people will appreciate the power-adjustable steering wheel. A cargo net is added as well. For an extra cost, you can get the Preferred trim with a stronger V6 engine. It pushes out a more enjoyable 310 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. Along with the extra muscle comes a more advanced nine-speed transmission.

Compare the 2019 Lacrosse Preferred vs Essence Trims. What is the difference?

Although the Lacrosse Essence is priced at $37,295, it’s likely a better buy than the Lacrosse Preferred. The benefits of the Essence trim starts on the outside. It comes equipped with a more attractive set of 19-inch alloy wheels. You’ll also enjoy adaptive headlights, which make rural driving a bit safer. A V6 engine remains an option as well as an all-wheel-drive system. Featuring an adaptive suspension and 20-inch performance tires, the Dynamic Drive package seeks to further enhance the sedan’s sporty road manners.

When you climb behind the wheel of the Lacrosse Essence, you’ll be surrounded by a greater number of niceties. The perforated leather seats with heating functions are a nice touch. Wireless charging enables you to keep your smartphone fully juiced.

A few optional packages are available for the Lacrosse Essence. While the Sun & Shade package adds a panoramic sunroof and a power rear sunshade, the Sights & Sound package brings a Bose surround-sound system with HD radio and navigation. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is also available as an option.

Compare the Lacrosse Essence vs Sport Touring Trims. What is the difference?

The Lacrosse Sport Touring comes standard with the Lacrosse Essence’s optional V6 engine. You’ll also notice the Sport Touring trim’s more athletic exterior styling. A black mesh grille and a set of 19-inch Midnight Silver wheels come standard. A rear spoiler gives the sedan a sleeker profile. Body-color fender vents further set apart the Lacrosse Sport Touring. Keep in mind certain exterior colors are not available on this trim.

Compare the Lacrosse Sport Touring vs Premium Trims. What is the difference?

Although the Lacrosse Premium may not feature the Lacrosse Sport Touring’s racy exterior touches, it does feel more luxurious on the inside. You’ll especially enjoy the ventilated front seats, which provide massage settings and four-way lumbar adjustment. Meanwhile, an ionizing air cleaner helps you to breathe a bit easier. A heated steering wheel enhances cold-weather comfort. Buick also includes a 110-volt power outlet. High-end features, like the Bose surround-sound system and panoramic sunroof, remain options. Like the Sport Touring trim, the Premium trim is eligible for the Dynamic Drive package.

Aside from the Sport Touring trim’s safety technologies, the Premium trim benefits from forward collision alert and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. Lane-keep assist and a head-up driving display provide more security on the road. You will also likely be interested in the Premium trim’s optional Driver Confidence II package, which equips the sedan with even more advanced driving aids. When approaching unexpected vehicles and pedestrians, the automatic braking system will take action. Adaptive cruise control and an automated cruise control system further enhance safety.

Compare the 2019 Lacrosse Premium vs Avenir Trims. What is the difference?

If you’re looking for the utmost luxury, check out the range-topping Lacrosse Avenir. It has a starting price of $44,870. While the Avenir trim may be on the expensive side, Buick did give it some special touches. A unique set of 19-inch alloy wheels and an exclusive front fascia help the Lacrosse Avenir to stand out.

The Lacrosse Avenir welcomes you to a more lavish interior. High-grade leather upholstery lines the cabin. Special floor mats also help distinguish the Avenir trim. Although most features come standard on the Lacrosse Avenir, you’ll have to opt for the Dynamic Drive and Driver Confidence II packages.

 

Final Thoughts

Drivers not looking to spend much more than $30,000 should consider the base Lacrosse 1SV. It brings a number of positive traits to the table. The standard eAssist engine is a definite fuel saver. Popular features, like 4G Wi-Fi connectivity and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, come standard. Although Buick offers the Lacrosse Preferred, you’ll be better off sticking with the base Lacrosse 1SV or stepping up to the more expensive Essence trim.

Although the Sport Touring trim may not pack more performance than the other trims, its athletic styling will turn plenty of heads. The optional blind-spot monitoring system performs well, so don’t hesitate to spend the extra money. While the optional Bose surround-sound system and panoramic sunroof may be tempting, these features will cause the sedan’s total cost to climb.

Featuring niceties like ventilated seats with massaging functions and an ionizing air cleaner, the Lacrosse Premium is a good choice as well. It’s actually around $700 less expensive than the sharp-looking Sport Touring trim.

Before you buy the range-topping Avenir trim, be sure the upgrades are worth it. Choosing the Premium trim will enable you to save more than $4,000.

2019 Buick Lacrosse Key Features

When shopping for a new 2019 Buick Lacrosse, you must choose your preferred engine. While the base four-cylinder engine with eAssist may not deliver an exhilarating performance, fuel economy stands at an inspiring 25 mpg in urban areas and up to 35 on the highway. Very few sedans in the segment prove to be as efficient. Of course, stepping up to the high-output V6 engine amplifies the Lacrosse’s driving excitement. Fuel economy drops to 20 mpg in town and 30 mpg on the interstate.

Although the Lacrosse offers plenty of driver-assist safety technologies, some could use some overhauling. While the forward collision alert system is worth the money, lane-keep assist and the Safety Alert Seat are far from perfect.

The base eight-speaker stereo sounds entertaining enough from most drivers. However, the Bose surround-sound system is more inspiring. When listening to music, it’ll feel as if you’re sitting in the front row of a concert.

If you love the more aggressive handling of a sports sedan, get the Lacrosse’s optional Dynamic Drive package. Buick’s highly touted HiPer Strut front suspension and adaptive dampers help the sedan to feel more planted on curvy roads.