2010 Buick LaCrosse Adds 30 MPG Model

The new standard engine for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be a direct-injection Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder that gives the LaCrosse an EPA-rated 19/30 mpg city/highway. Buick expects about a fourth of LaCrosse customers to opt for this engine with an MSRP of $26,995 for the CX model.

The four-cylinder CX will go on sale in April. We’re still waiting on word from GM when the model will go on sale, but it is currently not listed on GM’s website, and no four-cylinders are listed in Cars.com’s inventory.

Customers will also briefly have the option of two V-6 engines, the 3.0-liter and the 3.6-liter. In 2011, the 3.0-liter LaCrosse will be discontinued.

The four-cylinder engine helps the LaCrosse compare better to its competitors in the mileage department. The 2010 Acura TSX with a four-cylinder engine manages 21/30 mpg, while the 2010 Lexus IS goes for 21/29 mpg. The advantage for the LaCrosse, however, is that it costs less than both of those cars.

Comments

Glad to see GM put DI in a 4 cyl, hope they spread it over to the Malibu etc. Any word on HP numbers?

I don't think the LaCrosse is in the same class as the TSX or IS. LaCrosse is a larger car with a less sporty demeanor. It would compare more equally to a Lexus ES.

D,
You may be right but we usually base it on prices. and the four-cylinder. The ES only has a 6 and starts much higher.

David T,
I think, you are wrong on this one.
So, do I compare Mini Cooper with Tachoma because they have same price and 4 cylinders?

"...engine helps the LaCrosse compare better to its competitors..."

Seriously, this Buick is nowhere near TSX and IS .
Those are compact cars. And their price is largely artificially inflated.
This is a midsize sedan and even if it does cost the same it is still not real competition. I don't even imagine somebody buying a Lexus will think of Buick. Lexus is a prestigious brand. And 4 cyl Buick is just a pretender. It is like Suzuki trying to put their junk of Kizashi against Audis. Come on, people.

Tony,
$$$ is the number one way people shop for cars. I don't even get into comparisons with commenters much anymore because each person sees things differently. The IS is smaller for sure, the TSX with interior room not much. The upcoming Regal fits more on size and driving feel with both I would say too.

But there just aren't many luxury/entry level luxury cars with four-cylinders under $30K.

Does the LaCrosse really feel like a luxury car under $30k? Last I checked, the base model was pretty stripped. I wouldn't be surprised if it was difficult to even find one on dealer lots without alloys or leather. (At the rental desk, however...)

I see GM's new ploy is to put underpowered four cylinder engines into vehicles that weigh too much. First it was the Equinox and now it's the LaCrosse. GM can compare a Buick to a Lexus until the cows come home but it's not working. The brand perception is what it should be. Buick = Old Man mobile.

My grandfather recently traded in his old Regal for a new LaCrosse. I haven't had a chance to drive it yet but my Grandma says he loves it.

Isn't this based on the same platform as the Aura and Malibu? If so, why is it so less fuel efficient especially if it has DI in comparison to the Malibu and Aura? I wouldn't think it weighs significantly more than either of those models.

Aaron,

The LaCrosse is not based on the Aura/Malibu platform, hence the video cars.com made at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

2.4-Liter that gets 19/30 mpg? I hear that FORD has a v/6 that gets 31mpg (305hp) and it will be going in the 2011 Mustang.GM is behind the times.

I can't imagine anyone under the age of fifty having even a remote interest in a Buick. What the hell was the General thinking by keeping this brand in the USA.

Trying to follow Hyundai's lead?
at least they are trying to have something more fuel efficient!

Such an aggressive looking stance for such a marshmallow ride.

I understand the reason for dropping the hamster wheel into such a big car, Government motors is offering this to the 5% of buyers who can accept its sluggish performance and in turn GM can get their CAFE ratings up to offset the gluttony of inefficient gas guzzlers in the rest of their stable. Meanwhile they will charge a premium for the larger, more powerful 3.6 V6 (exploding camshafts and all).

Well...I'm 45 and am choppin' at the bit to get my hands on the new Buick Regal!!! Guess I'm an old soul...

No Mark, you just recognize a good car when you see it.

Such a nice car. With the way Buick is moving I'm actually kind of worried about Cadillac lagging, but hopefully that won't happen.

As for the TSX/IS comparison, LaCrosse is not in the same class (it's main competitor is the ES and it destroys that vehicle in every way, but the upcoming Buick Regal is, and it looks to blow both of those cars out of the water.

Now they just need to add an option to allow you see to the left and right.

I love the Buick Lacrosse 2010 and I'm about to buy one. I'm 42 and I have been driving a Buick Regal GS 2004 for 7 years now. The only thing stopping me from buying the Lacrosse right now is the people around who think I'm too young for an old man mobile. They think I would look younger with another car...my personaly is strong and I always buy what I want but heck...people's perception is driving me crazy these days. I'm waiting for the 2011 Regal to come to testdrive it...I think I'm sticking to this wonderful brand. I even tried the Enclave and my people give in more to it, though. Today, I'm testdriving the Acura TL and the Lexus IS.
Any other ideas for a budget 35-40?

Jose,
One thing life has taught me is to forget what people think when it comes to YOUR affairs. Buy what YOU like because it's YOUR MONEY and damn what your "friends" think. BTW, I'm 36 and love the new LaCrosse and wouldn't mind in the least being seen driving one if this was the type of vehicle I was in the market for.

I really like the looks of the LaCrosse, and since I do a lot of highway driving, I would probably be one of the ones to take the new 4-cylinder. Buicks are out of my price range though.

I've decided to devote my future purchases to Ford. I appreciate capitalism and a company that pulls ITSELF up by its bootstraps when times are tough. The new Fusion is a great car - wish it was built in the USA. I'm holding out for the new Focus because I like hatchbacks.

GM kept Buick because of China - not the U.S. The LaCrosse and Regal look like great cars, and I expect they'll pick up some market share outside the gray-hair demographic.

However, I think GM made a big error getting rid of Pontiac. I understand why they did it (for one thing, the Obama administration pretty much told them they had to), but I still think it was a big mistake.

Oh, and in terms of age, I'm 34. I could care less what people think about me owning a Buick, but like I said, I can't afford them. I currently own a 2005 Pontiac Vibe, which is really a Toyota, of course. Best car I've ever owned and perfect for my lifestyle. I can throw my bike in the back, haul tons of stuff - whatever, and I've had NO reliability issues with over 130K on the odometer. I would have bought another one in a heartbeat, but...now I can't!