2015 Buick Lacrosse

Active grille shutters added last year help smooth the grille for better aerodynamics and fuel economy, and cooler LED headlights and taillights bookend the upscale sedan. We say GM designers stopped short; the fake portholes affixed to the body don't add any functionality and they detract from an otherwise smooth shape. "Ventiports," as they're called in Buick speak, are unsightly echoes of the past and remind us of a time that Buicks weren't so elegant or graceful.

The LaCrosse is soft where it should be: at the roofline and shoulders, but carries enough visual heft down low to announce its presence. Big, beefy 20-inch wheels only underscore its bottom-heavy size, and it has some of the stance that we'd typically associate with rear-drive sedans, even though the LaCrosse is a front-driver most of the time. The long nose adds to that shape, and a small decklid spoiler at back adds some length.

The standard powertrain is a fuel-efficient approach for the Buick sedan. It's a 2.4-liter inline-4 that's mated to a mild-hybrid system that GM calls "eAssist" comprised of batteries and an electric motor. The electric motor delivers 15 hp to the overall drivetrain, so it's not capable of powering the sedan on its own, but the batteries help power some accessories and restart the engine after long pauses at stoplights or in traffic. The total system power output is pegged at 182 horsepower and it's mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic. Power here is adequate for the sedan, although not that enjoyable. In our experience, eAssist helps out shifts most of the time, but the system still needs some smoothing around the edges to be perfectly seamless.

Traditional luxury-sedan shoppers may be more satisfied with the 3.6-liter V-6, which is a more traditional feel for Buick sedans. Mileage takes an expected hit, but the V-6 is strong and smooth, with enough power leftover to make passing a breeze. We also suggest that the V-6 be the preferred pick for people looking to carry several passengers on long trips. The V-6 is also the only powertrain where all-wheel drive is available, a Haldex system that routes power to the rear wheels when the front tires begin to slip.

Base models are the only ones that feel simple and plasticky, and the woodgrain inside feels out of place. Spend more and get more, with upstream models and trims getting better interior appointments and quality inside.

The LaCrosse comfortably fits five adults, with room for three across the big back seat. The rear seats don't suffer from the coach-seat cramp that we find in other mid-sizers, and the LaCrosse is a step up in terms of space—but not in price.

From the driver's seat, it might be easy to miss the spacious qualities. The roof is tall enough for decent head room, but the console is wide and tall—more so than in the related Chevrolet Impala. The seats are supportive, but soft, and adjustable in eight ways even in base cars. Upper trims get upgraded heated and cooled perforated leather, along with power adjustability and memory settings.

The back may have the best seats in the house, as far as we're concerned. The LaCrosse is more spacious than Buick's smaller Regal, and it's roomier than similarly priced family four-doors. Head room is plentiful in the back and the LaCrosse is wide enough for two adults to stretch out, three-across is fine in a pinch—and the LaCrosse is a perfectly acceptable crossover replacement—but four adults won't fight for space anytime soon in the big Buick.

Interior storage is well placed, with enough cubbies and bins for most loose change, maps, music, or cords. A large trunk is vast and wide, only made bigger by the spilt-folding rear seats that give the LaCrosse a cavernous cargo hold.

The LaCrosse is already one of the safest sedans you can buy, and last year, Buick added two new packages of safety gear that pack even more technology into its four-door body. Some of them may be a case of too much information, depending on your driving skills and driving budget.

Buick has added more advanced safety features to the LaCrosse's repertoire including forward-collision warning with accident avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-change alert systems. The systems use a combination of cameras and radar to monitor the car's surroundings and avoid crashes. When equipped the LaCrosse uses a rumble seat to alert the driver, which we've found useful in some situations—but not all. Blind-spot monitors and adaptive headlights are optional.

Outward visibility is generally good, though the rear pillars and smaller rear glass can be a challenge for some. A standard rearview camera can help.

Eight airbags are standard for when things go pear-shaped and a crash may be unavoidable.

Up to 60 favorites can be programmed into the system, and they span a wide range from functions: destinations, radio stations, etc. The system stores up to 1,000 contacts and understands voice commands spoken naturally—not in a complex system of commands determined by programmers. The home screen features useful and easy-to-understand icons that wouldn't be out of place on a smartphone. When fitted with the optional navigation system, the LaCrosse offers easier destination entry, which we appreciate and can plague other systems. The biggest difference between Buick's setup and Cadillac's is the lack of haptic feedback—a gentle vibration on the screen to confirm your selection.

On every LaCrosse, the usual complement of standard features includes power windows, doors, and mirrors; cruise control; climate control; remote start; Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming; and an AM/FM/XM/CD audio system.

It's when it's trimmed out into Premium or Touring trim levels that the big Buick turns out Caddy-style feature content—features like a nicer instrument panel and an optional head-up display. Other options include a power sunroof, Bose audio, and a DVD entertainment system.

The eAssist mild-hybrid powertrain delivers an EPA-rated 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, for a combined gas mileage figure of 29 mpg. That's a very good number for a large sedan, and in real-world driving, our editors have seen about 30 mpg in 270 miles of mixed driving.

A word of caution, though. While we've been able to come close to replicating the LaCrosse's 36-mpg highway rating, we've found it challenging—virtually impossible—to see the EPA test's 25 mpg in city driving. The trip computer's figures in typical city driving have been more in the 19- to 21-mpg range.