Intro: Buick introduces its newly redesigned 2010 LaCrosse and in doing so, staked its claim on a respectable piece of the luxury sedan market. The latest iteration of this full-size sedan has sharper angles, and decidedly bolder styling, with hood vents, and dual exhaust ports built into the rear bumper.
Trims for the 5-passenger LaCrosse are CX, CXL, and the range-topping CXS. We test drove a CXS that featured standard fog lights, 18-inch chrome-plated wheels, and the largest engine in the lineup.
Performance: Base engine for the CX is a 182 horsepower 2.4-liter inline-4. Up-rated CX models and the CXL get a 255 horsepower 3-liter V6. Both engines send power to standard front wheel drive or available all wheel drive on the CXL through a 6 speed automatic transmission, while the CXS is powered by a 3.6-liter direct injected V6 sending 280 horsepower to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic.
EPA Estimates: Here are the highest and lowest EPA estimates for fuel economy:
Features: The curvaceous interior of the LaCrosse envelops the driver and front passenger. Our test model came equipped with heated and cooled front seats, heated leather steering wheel and a retractable rear window sunshade.
The 120-volt wall-style power outlet and ultrasonic rear parking assist are subtle but effective features, while the multicolor driver information display and standard 7-speaker CD/MP3/XM premium sound system delight the senses.
Safety: Standard safety features include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, StabiliTrak stability control, traction control, a full array of front and side impact airbags, and OnStar Automatic Crash Response.
Pricing/Warranty: Base MSRP for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is $26,245. A CXS model starts at $33,015. The LaCrosse is backed by a 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Summary: With three capable engines, bold fresh exterior styling, and an artfully crafted and feature laden interior, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse goes the extra mile to assure its standing in the premium sedan market place.