Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Hybrid version with 4-cylinder engine
- More powerful V-6 engine
- Adjustment of trim levels

Exterior Features
This is the third year of the latest design for the Buick LaCrosse. This midsize sedan features a Buick-signature flowing waterfall grille and wrap-around headlights, plus a choice of several wheel options. The base trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, which may be upgraded to 18- or 19-inch wheels with chrome treatment as an option. Other exterior features, either standard or available in upper trim levels, include fog lights, Xenon headlights, and a sunroof.

Interior Features
Trim levels higher than the base model include the Leather package (leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated mirrors, fully powered passenger seat); Premium 1 package (rear parking assist and upgraded seats and mirrors); Premium 2 package (larger engine, keyless ignition and entry, perforated leather seats, and more); Premium 3 package (sportier suspension and premium sound system); and Touring package (adaptive suspension, navigation system, and added safety features that include a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring system).

Optional Features
Many upgrades are available as options on lower trim levels, including a sunroof, push-button start, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Under the Hood
The eAssist hybrid system of the 2012 Buick LaCrosse consists of a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that works with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack to deliver 182 horsepower with front-wheel drive. Buick says eAssist improves the fuel efficiency of the LaCrosse by approximately 25%. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine has been improved from last year and now delivers 303 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. The V-6 engine is offered with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse are:
- LaCrosse with 4-cylinder engine: 25/36/29 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- LaCrosse with V-6 engine and all-wheel drive: 16/26/20 mpg
- LaCrosse with V-6 engine and front-wheel drive: 17/27/21 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, and a full complement of air bags. Several other safety features are optional.

To date, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not conducted tests on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse. In safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the LaCrosse received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset and side-impact crash protection.