hamburger icon

2018 Buick LaCrosse

Change vehicle or year
Select a Year - Buick LaCrosse
OR
Change Vehicle
Make
Buick
Model
LaCrosse
Year
2018
GO
Buick LaCrosse OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
Interior Profile
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 Base 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $29,565
2018 Preferred 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $33,670
2018 Essence 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $36,370
2018 Premium 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $38,670
2018 Essence 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $41,070
2018 Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $43,470
2018 Avenir 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $44,870
2018 Avenir 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $47,070

Overview

The Buick LaCrosse was reworked last year to be more luxurious and high-tech then ever, while still ensuring the vehicle could be enjoyed on curvy roads. Lighter and longer than before, there's a lot to like with the new 2018 Buick LaCrosse.

What's New for 2018

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse gets various changes that should make it more attractive to consumers. An eAssist light electrification system, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor to a six-speed automatic transmission, is the standard powertrain offering for the sedan. The available 3.6-liter V6 engine now comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, while all-wheel drive is available for the Essence model. The sedan also gets a few new exterior colors: Satin Steel Metallic, Red Quartz Tintcoat, and Dark Slate Metallic.

Buick LaCrosse

Choosing Your Buick LaCrosse

With the addition of the hybrid powertrain, the LaCrosse has two power sources for consumers to choose from. Power for entry-level models now comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 194 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain, which features a six-speed automatic transmission, is rated by the EPA to get 25 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 29 mpg.

The available 3.6-liter V6 engine returns from last year and still pumps out 310 hp and 282 lb-ft of torque, but the motor is now paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission instead of last year's eight-speed gearbox. With the new transmission, the V6-powered LaCrosse makes an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

The LaCrosse's sleek exterior styling hides a spacious interior that's packed with features to make the ride as comfortable as possible. Active Noise Cancellation detects unwelcomed noises and emits a sound through the sedan's speakers to cancel them out. Other features, including available heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and an available Bose Premium Sound System, are on hand to ensure that every trip is comfortable.

The 2018 LaCrosse is available in four different trims:

Buick LaCrosse

Base

The LaCrosse 1SV starts at $30,490 (all prices include the $925 destination charge). The hybrid powertrain that puts out a combined 195 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque is the only option. The LaCrosse 1SV comes standard with: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an eight-speaker audio system, OnStar, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, a rearview camera, keyless start, a Universal Home Remote, high-intensity discharge headlights, Rear Park Assist, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, an eight-way driver's front seat, a two-way passenger's seat, and LED taillights. There are no available packages for the base LaCrosse 1SV trim.

Buick LaCrosse

Preferred

The Preferred trim starts at $34,590 and houses the new eAssist hybrid system as standard, but the 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 is available for an additional $2,500. The Preferred is also front-wheel drive only. Standard features for the Preferred trim include: SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a power tilt and telescopic steering column, and an emergency road kit. The Buick Interior Protection Package ($200) is the only available extra for the Preferred trim. It adds all-weather floor and cargo mats.

Buick LaCrosse

Essence

Starting at $37,290, the Essence trim comes standard with the 2.5-liter engine with the eAssist system, but buyers can upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6 for an extra $2,500. Over the Preferred trim, he Essence adds: memory settings for the front seats, heated front seats, perforated leather seats, two-way power front lumbar control for the passenger's seat, wireless charging, articulating high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, and heated and power-adjustable exterior mirrors.

There are several packages available for the Essence. The Driver Confidence Package ($445) adds rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring with lane change alert. Getting the Driver Confidence Package requires the Sights and Sounds Package ($1,145) that brings the Buick infotainment system with navigation, HD radio, and a Bose surround sound audio system. The Sun and Shade Package ($1,550) includes a tilt-sliding power panoramic moonroof and a rear power sunshade. There's also the Dynamic Drive Package ($1,625) that adds 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, larger all-season tires, variable real-time damping, a Sport Model, and a Front HiPer Strut suspension system.

Buick LaCrosse

Premium

The top-level Premium trim starts at $39,590. Power comes from the 2.5-liter engine with the eAssist system, while the 3.6-liter V6 is an extra $2,500. The Premium trim is the only LaCrosse that's available with all-wheel drive, but only when equipped with the V6 engine. With all-wheel drive and the V6 motor, pricing starts at $44,350.

The Premium trim comes with forward collision warning, a following distance indicator, a head-up display, lane keeping assist, ventilated front seats, front massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, and all of the equipment from the Driver Confidence Package as standard.

The Driver Confidence Package #2 ($1,690) adds adaptive cruise control, front automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and park assist. The rest of the packages are carried over from the Essence trim.

CarsDirect Tip

The 2018 LaCrosse improves on a lot of things over last year's model. While the 3.6-liter V6 matches the luxurious character of the sedan better, the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with the eAssist system is the clear choice for consumers wanting to save money at the gas pump. We recommend starting your search at the Essence trim for the leather-trimmed and heated seats.

Get your price on a Buick LaCrosse »

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

Not every brand offers large sedans, but Buick does so with its flagship LaCrosse. The 2018 Buick LaCrosse straddles the line between mainstream and luxury, delivering a handsome vehicle packed with the latest technologies.

Best Value

Buick offers the LaCrosse with standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. Choose the latter if you live wherever wintry conditions are a factor. For everyone else, the front-wheel drive Premium trim is our “best value” model.

The 2018 LaCrosse Premium starts at $39,590 (including a $925 destination charge). We recommend upgrading to the V6 engine with the nine-speed automatic transmission for an additional $2,500. You’ll also find articulating headlights for improved nighttime driving, leather seats, heated front seats, driver seat memory, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror.

  • Model: 2018 Buick LaCrosse Premium
  • Engine: 3.6-liter V6
  • Output: 310 hp/268 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • MPG: 21 city/30 highway
  • Options: V6 engine with nine-speed automatic transmission ($2,500). We think the Driver Confidence Package 2 ($1,690) that adds full-speed range adaptive cruise control, forward automatic braking with full stop, front pedestrian braking, and automatic parking assist is a wise choice for this model.
  • Base Price: $39,590 (including $925 destination charge) on the Premium trim
  • Best Value Price: $43,780

Performance

Buick LaCrosse

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse produces 310 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque from its 3.6-liter V6 engine. A nine-speed automatic transmission works alongside this engine. There's a stark difference between the V6 and the standard 2.5-liter engine that makes 194 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. The smaller engine is part of a “mild hybrid” arrangement that increases torque under acceleration and manages the automatic on/off system. Buick pairs this engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The LaCrosse’s V6 is strong, delivering generous power with ample acceleration even when carrying a full load. The chassis is stiff and we found the steering quick and accurate. The standard 18-inch wheels supply a comfortable ride; models equipped with the 20-inch wheels also have a drive mode selector for a sportier drive.

The LaCrosse with a V6 engine makes an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway – impressive for a large sedan. Although, if you choose the base engine, you’ll come away with a 25/35 mpg city/highway rating.

Interior and Exterior

The LaCrosse’s curvilineal shape brings elegance to the sedan market, typically found on far more expensive models. Its prominent grille, sweptback headlights, wide rear haunch, and stylish rear fascia afford an appearance that's as elegant as it is sporty. The only design drawback of note is the pseudo portholes on the sides above the front wheels near the door panel.

Inside, the cabin is expansive and comfortable. The seats are plush, although the rear seat may seem confining to tall people on account of the sloping roofline and smaller-than-normal legroom. Otherwise, this sedan seats five and offers 15 cubic feet of trunk space.

The interior has its share of soft-touch plastics, but on higher trim models, such as the Premium, the plastics seem subdued and the earth tone leathers are gorgeous. We like the sizable storage space at the base of the center console as it's large enough to hold a tablet or a purse. On the tech front, the Buick supplies such features as Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, OnStar 4G LTE with wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Best and Worst Things

The Buick LaCrosse is a quiet sedan and a strong competitor to the more expensive Lexus ES 350, which doesn’t offer all-wheel drive and has a less powerful V6 engine. On the other hand, the LaCrosse can get expensive, with the top-of-the-line Avenir trim costing $50,000.

Right For...

Buick LaCrosse

Customers who prefer a traditional American sedan, but don’t want the bulk and heaviness of Buicks of the past, such as the Roadmaster. The LaCrosse is sprightly and efficient, a big sedan entirely right in today’s market.

Wrong For...

Bargain seekers. Even as we sifted through the various trims and chose the Premium as our “best value” model, we couldn’t help but think that the $40,000-plus price point is a turn off for some.

The Bottom Line

The Buick LaCrosse holds the flagship banner high in a market where crossovers are more popular than sedans. That said, we think Acura, Lexus, and Lincoln sedan shoppers should consider the LaCrosse as it offers premium features without the Cadillac cost.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 194 HP / 187 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 35 / 30 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 194 HP / 187 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 35 / 30 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
15.8 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$60
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
14.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
102 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
197.5 "
Exterior Width
73.5 "
Exterior Height
57.5 "
Front Headroom
38.4 "
Rear Headroom
37.2 "
Front Legroom
42.0 "
Rear Legroom
38.0 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
56.6 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,490 Lbs.
Wheel Base
114 "
Turning Radius
19.0 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leatherette
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
8
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Ultrasonic Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Pass-key Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 24,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Buick LaCrosse for Sale

Other Buick LaCrosse Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Buick LaCrosse years that you might be interested in.

Buick
Leather
Color: Other
Price

$17,795

Mileage

69,098 mi

Map location icon

DriveTime Van Nuys (18 mi)

Phone: (818) 464-2370
Buick
Leather
Color: Smoky Gray Metallic
Price

$13,094

Mileage

96,799 mi

Map location icon

Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Huntington Beach (29 mi)

Phone: (888) 418-1263
Buick
Premium II
Color: Silver
Price

$20,998

Mileage

40,612 mi

Map location icon

Felix Chevrolet (10 mi)

Phone: (213) 290-1925
Buick
CXL
Color: Gold
Price

$6,995

Mileage

67,818 mi

Map location icon

AutoSpeed Inc (23 mi)

Phone: (818) 249-4888
See All Used Car Listings