2017 Buick LaCrosse: A Sophisticated Mid-Size Sedan
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse marked a significant evolution for the brand's flagship sedan, transitioning to a new platform that emphasized comfort, quietness, and a more premium driving experience. It offered a compelling blend of style, technology, and refined performance, aiming to attract buyers seeking a sophisticated and comfortable daily driver.
Highlights
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Engine: The 2017 LaCrosse was powered by a potent 3.6L V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a smooth and responsive 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering confident acceleration and a refined driving feel. For the first time, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was available, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
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Safety Features: Buick equipped the 2017 LaCrosse with an impressive suite of advanced safety technologies, designed to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents. Key features included:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): This system automatically applies the brakes when it detects an imminent frontal collision, helping to mitigate or avoid impact.
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling, while Lane Keep Assist actively provides gentle steering input to keep the vehicle centered.
- Forward Collision Alert: This system provides visual and audible warnings when it detects a potential forward collision, giving the driver more time to react.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Beyond simply maintaining a set speed, this feature automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead, easing highway driving.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Sensors in the rear of the vehicle detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots and illuminate a warning light in the side mirror, alerting the driver to their presence.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: When backing out of a parking space, this system detects approaching vehicles from either side and provides audible and visual alerts.
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Trims: The 2017 LaCrosse was offered in a well-defined hierarchy of trims, each building upon the previous one:
- LaCrosse (Base): Still offered a generous amount of standard features, including desirable comfort and technology amenities.
- LaCrosse Premium: Elevated the experience with more luxurious appointments and advanced features.
- LaCrosse Essence: Further enhanced comfort and convenience, often including premium leather seating and advanced driver aids.
- LaCrosse Avenir: Positioned as the top-tier, most luxurious trim, offering exclusive styling cues, premium materials, and the most comprehensive set of features.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Quiet Cabin: The 2017 LaCrosse was lauded for its exceptionally quiet interior, thanks to extensive sound-deadening measures and acoustic-laminated glass, creating a serene and relaxing environment.
- Comfortable Ride: The new platform provided a smooth and compliant ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel.
- Stylish Exterior Design: The redesigned LaCrosse adopted a more sculpted and elegant exterior, with flowing lines and a distinctive grille that projected a modern and sophisticated image.
- User-Friendly Infotainment: The IntelliLink infotainment system was generally intuitive to use, featuring smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) for seamless connectivity.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Buick LaCrosse generally translates to a comfortable and refined daily driving experience. The spacious interior, comfortable seating, and quiet cabin contribute to a stress-free commute. Maintenance is typically on par with other mid-size luxury sedans from the era. Routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections will be standard. Buick's reputation for reliability is generally good, but as with any vehicle, unexpected repairs can occur.
Insurance costs will vary based on individual factors such as driving record, location, and coverage levels. Given its features and target market, the LaCrosse may command slightly higher insurance premiums compared to more mainstream sedans, but generally competitive within its segment.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 LaCrosse excels in comfort and refinement, there are a few points buyers should be aware of:
- Less Engaging Driving Dynamics: While the V6 engine provides ample power, the LaCrosse prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. Drivers seeking a more engaging and athletic driving experience might find it a bit too soft.
- Base Engine Performance (if a lesser option existed, though the V6 was standard for 2017): In markets where a less powerful engine might be offered (though not the case for the 2017 model), performance could be a consideration for some.
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While generally user-friendly, some reviews noted occasional slight lag in the infotainment system's responsiveness at times.
- Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, the rear seat space, particularly legroom, might feel slightly less generous than some competitors in the mid-size segment, especially for taller passengers.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is a highly competent and appealing mid-size sedan that successfully blended comfort, technology, and sophisticated styling. Its powerful V6 engine, advanced safety features, and exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing a refined and relaxing driving experience. While it may not offer the sportiest driving dynamics, its strengths lie in its ability to provide a tranquil and well-equipped sanctuary on wheels, making it a strong contender in its class.