Buick LaCrosse: A Tale of Two Sedans
The all-new, third-generation 2017 Buick LaCrosse is a near-luxury full-size sedan that features base, Preferred, Essence, and Premium trims.

2017 Buick LaCrosse

2017 Buick LaCrosse
The all-new, third-generation 2017 Buick LaCrosse is both a near-luxury full-size sedan and a super-deluxe road mansion.
Let’s start with features the base, Preferred, Essence, and Premium trims have in common. The entire LaCrosse lineup rides on General Motors’ lightweight P2XX platform (shared with the Chevrolet Impala) and is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 (shared with the Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia).
The prior generation’s eAssist mild hybrid was discontinued, but thanks to fuel-saving measures such as automatic stop/start and a feature that shuts down two cylinders under low demand, the combined fuel rating is up from 22 miles per gallon (mpg) to 25.
The base model also includes a new, eight-speed automatic transmission, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, sound-deadening measures and acoustic glass, 18-inch wheels, HID headlamps, and LED running lights and taillights.

Specs for the 2017 Buick LaCrosse.
The Preferred trim brings more exterior color options plus satellite radio, power adjustable steering wheel, polished alloy wheels, and a cargo net — for about $4,000. The Essence includes all of the above plus a panoramic sunroof, leather, heated front seats with driver memory, and an optional Driver Confidence package that features blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic detection with audio alerts.
The real excitement begins at the top of the lineup, where the Premium edition comes with all of the above plus heated steering wheel, massage chairs, head-up display, and forward collision alert. Premium buyers can also add magnetic ride control suspension with 20-inch wheels ($1,625); adaptive cruise, auto braking, and automatic park assist ($1,690); and all-wheel drive ($2,200), which drops the combined mpg to 23.
The base LaCrosse competes with the Nissan Maxima and the Toyota Avalon; the completely decked-out Premium puts it firmly in Acura TLX and Lexus ES 350 territory. With its super-quiet ride and a sleek, sophisticated, and somewhat understated design, the LaCrosse holds a competitive edge over the entire group.
Better yet, Buick’s engineers were able to add 2.6 inches between the wheels, most of which can be found in the rear legroom, and bumped the outgoing model’s much derided trunk from 13.3 cubic feet to 15.0.
Fleet buyers who are in the market for a new executive sedan would be wise to include the new LaCrosse on their demo lists. It is in showrooms now, with starting MSRPs ranging from $32,065 to $44,190 for Premium with all-wheel drive.
More Small Fleet

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
Hot Weather Driving Tips for Fleet Drivers
As we head into another potentially extreme summer season, the risks for fleet drivers remain high, from engine strain and tire blowouts to unpredictable traffic patterns. An expert shares advice on how fleet drivers can boost their safety during the steamy summer months.
Read More →
