When the all-new Buick LaCrosse arrived last year, it made quite and entrance. Along with the Enclave, the LaCrosse has moved Buick’s reputation from stodgy to stunning.

And, once again, the LaCrosse makes headlines, this time by widening its appeal with an efficient four-cylinder engine. Answering the demands for better fuel economy even in premium models, a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine is now standard on the base LaCrosse CX. GM says it will be rated at 30 miles-per-gallon gallon on the highway.

Also used by the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, the 182-horsepower 2.4 gets its stingy rating thanks to direct fuel injection, and mating to a six-speed double overdrive automatic.

On the varied roads around Northern Virginia, we found the LaCrosse four-banger to have ample power.  At the same time, it offered a smoothness and quiet attitude that is sometimes lacking with the more powerful V6s.

The LaCrosse CX with the Ecotec will go on sale this Spring starting at around $27,000.

“Buick is obviously going after more than one kind of buyer in the luxury set. The Ecotec will appeal to the more conservative, efficiency-minded, while the V6 LaCrosse is geared for the performance-oriented.” – Shamit Choksey

To that end, Buick has also introduced enhancements for the top-end V6 CXS LaCrosse trim.
Called the HiPerStrut, it’s a highly modified MacPherson strut that decouples front suspension motion from the steering geometry.

Its primary advantage for most drivers is to greatly reduce aggressive throttle torque steer. But, in addition, HiPerStrut adds to agility, delivers more linear steering, while also giving better bump control and body isolation.

That’s a tough combination to meet. But, we were impressed how much HiPerStrut improves the LaCrosse’s already refined ride and handling experience.

HiPerStrut is an impressive improvement on classic technology, and it will be available in late May.

 

 

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Specifications

  • 2.4-liter Ecotec engine:
  • 182-horsepower:
  • Starting just under $27,000: