2015 Buick LaCrosse

Performance: 2.4-liter hybrid, four-cylinder, 182 horsepower; 3.6-liter, V6, 303 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 26-36 mpg; 17-25 mpg

Price: $31,065 to $40,500

Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain 6 years/70,000 miles;
roadside assistance 6 years/70,000; corrosion 6 years/unlimited 

Baby Boomers probably recall an era when driving in a large Buick was somewhat of a status symbol. It was much cooler than being seen in the family station wagon, which was typically packed with four to six kids during the 1960s and ‘70s.

Back in the day, Buick was the standard-bearer for the big, bulky, powerful V8 sedans that a generation of Americans proudly drove for more than three decades, starting in the 1950s and running into the '70s.

Flip forward several decades later, and guess what: The 2015 Buick LaCrosse is nothing like your father’s Buck!

One of the more interesting selections in this year's Buick lineup is the LaCrosse. This midsize sedan is the largest in Buick's lineup and bears some resemblance to General Motors’ other full-size sedans – the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac XTS. 

Although the LaCrosse is not a full-size sedan, it still has a fairly high-performing engine, a powerful 3.6-liter, V6 that generates 303 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, making it a sedan that will easily get up and go.

However, if that's not how you want to roll, one can also purchase the LaCrosse hybrid model. That's right, Buick is offering a hybrid sedan, which several years ago replaced the standard four-cylinder model.

The hybrid engine won't remind anyone of those glory-day Buicks, but the comparison in gas mileage is laughable at 26-36 mpg. Note that judged by today's standard for hybrids, the LaCrosse gas mileage is on the low side.

The hybrid powertrain pairs with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with an 11-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. This unique combination produces 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Yet it has rather sluggish acceleration – going 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds.

A year ago, the folks at Buick redesigned the LaCrosse. One of the most noticeable changes came in appearance – the LaCrosse had a definite “cool” factor. The hood was more sculpted, the headlights were new, the grille was larger, and the overall design was a terrific advertisement to a younger generation of drivers.

A look around various websites reveals that the new-look LaCrosse is indeed attracting a younger crowd of car buyers. One 25-year-old professional called the LaCrosse “an affordable yet classy car to drive.” There’s no doubt that the Buick brain trust loved that praise.

There were some subtle changes to the 2015 LaCrosse, but basically it’s the same car, which is a good thing. It still offers lots of comfort, is roomy, and delivers a quiet ride.

The interior is fairly techie in nature. Yet most people will find that the IntelliLink infotainment system and its 8-inch touchscreen are user-friendly.

The LaCrosse is an entry-level, luxury sedan that’s not a head-to-head rival of the Lexus ES 350 or the Acura TL. However, considering the cost, performance and appealing style, it’s definitely worth a look.

Jeffrey Weidel lives in Rocklin and can be reached at [email protected].