Now in its 10th model year and fifth year of its second generation, the Buick Lacrosse is a large four-door luxury sedan. Like many of its competitors, the refreshed 2014 Buick LaCrosse provides a comfortable, smooth, spacious ride.
Never a high volume seller (the best-selling year was 92,00 units in 2005), the LaCrosse nonetheless shouldn’t be overlooked. The dilemma for Buick is that the large sedan segment is ripe with fine choices. The new Kia Cadenza, the re-designed Chevrolet Impala and stalwarts like the Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES350 all have substantial new or sustained followings.
Key Takeaways
- Powertrain: 3.6-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
- 18 mpg city and 28 highway, 21 combined, on regular gasoline.
- Test drive: a round trip of about 400 miles from Sacramento to Santa Cruz, primarily on highways and freeways.
- 2014 refresh: adaptive cruise control, lane change alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts, an updated touchscreen interface and a new interior with LED accent lighting.
- Rivals named: Kia Cadenza, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES350.
- Interior: Plush, comfortable, well-designed interior.
2014 Updates
With the 2014 Buick LaCrosse, the competition in theory should increase. Its refreshed edition includes adaptive cruise control, lane change alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts, an updated touchscreen interface and a new interior with a good dose of LED accent lighting.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
A getaway weekend in large, fine-cruising sedan? What’s not to like? My wife and I took a short vacation to Santa Cruz from Sacramento in the new LaCrosse. The round-trip journey was about 400 miles, primarily on highways and freeways. But we also visited art studios and restaurants during small-city treks in urban neighborhoods.
The Buick LaCrosse provided everything expected in big sedan. The ride was smooth, as if driving while enjoying the comforts of well-adorned living room.
2014 Buick LaCrosse Verdict
As a large, heavier sedan, the LaCrosse needs a little extra time for braking. And stopping required further attention because the brakes are soft. But the ride quality, smooth, steady acceleration, strong visibility and good gas mileage (for the segment) overshadowed the braking learning curve.
The Buick LaCrosse has a good selection of technology features, including an intuitive navigation system we used often. One minor concern: While the voice providing directions was pleasant, “she” sometimes gave instructions just prior to the next turn or freeway entrance or exit. We managed without any major issues, however, further adding to an overall assessment. A week with the 2014 Buick LaCrosse isn’t long enough.
Likes
Plush, comfortable, well-designed interior.
Quiet ride.
Strong standard features list.
Chameleon-like exterior color. Is it purple? Is it brown?
Dislikes
Small trunk.
Only a few small storage areas.
Super sensitive detection system.
Soft brakes.
Facts & Figures: 2014 Buick LaCrosse
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.