2012 Buick LaCrosse Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Buick Lacrosse has one of the highest Total Car Scores in the Large Sedan Category. It is the car charged with taking the brand’s old school image in a more youthful direction. 
 
Reviewers praised the Lacrosse for its supple and quiet ride, responsive handling, strong V6 engine and available all-wheel-drive. It was also noted for having good fuel economy utilizing its eAssist mild hybrid system. Accolades for the interior design include a well-finished cabin, an impressive roster of amenities and a roomy rear seat for three. 
 
Criticism for the Lacrosse targeted the poor rear visibility, a busy control layout and a relatively small trunk. Other negative feedback was the result of an unsophisticated four-cylinder engine and the presence of road noise when equipped with 19-inch wheels. Finally, the Lacrosse was considered too pricey at the top-end of its model range. 
 
Completely redesigned two years ago, the Lacrosse is in its second generation. New for 2012 is the “eAssist” Lacrosse hybrid model (covered separately), an uprated V6 and an expansion of trim designations.

2012 Buick LaCrosse Model Line-Up

The 2012 Buick Lacrosse is sold as a five-passenger sedan. It comes in seven trim levels: base, Convenience, Leather, Premium 1, Premium 2, Premium 3 and Touring. 
 
The base model has standard 17-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone climate and a seven-speaker stereo with USB connectivity. The Convenience model ups the base equipment with power lumbar for the driver and a remote start feature. The mid-level Leather model brings leather upholstery, seat heat and foglamps. Premium 1 trim brings rear parking sensors while Premium 2 adds cooling front seats and a power retractable rear window shade. And Premium 3 includes a sportier suspension and an 11-speaker premium sound system. Lastly, the range-topping Touring model enjoys navigation, a back-up camera system, a head-up display readout and xenon headlights. Notable stand-alone options include sunroof and a rear twin-screen DVD system. 
 
Occupant safety comes from standard ABS, stability control and six airbags. Optional features include blind spot monitoring and two additional side airbags for outboard rear seat passengers. 
 
The 2012 Buick Lacrosse receives very high crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the highest possible ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 
 
The Lacrosse is propelled by a 3.6-liter V6 generating 303 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. This engine mates to either a front- or all-wheel-drive configuration. 
 
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse is 17 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined in front-wheel drive form and 16/26/20 with all-wheel-drive. 

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