2013 Buick LaCrosse: What's New

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Buick LaCrosse is intended to compete with premium or near-luxury models like the Volkswagen Passat. It was designed in the U.S. and China, where Buick has a significant presence. Buyers can choose from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with fuel-saving eAssist hybrid technology or a 3.6-liter V-6.

(Skip to details on the: LaCrosse eAssist)
New for 2013
For 2013, Buick’s IntelliLink system, which uses Bluetooth or the USB port to pair a smartphone to the touch-screen stereo and stream music from Pandora Internet Radio or Stitcher SmartRadio, is now standard.

Other changes for 2013 include new blue rings on the xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and a repositioned rearview mirror for better visibility.
Exterior
The LaCrosse’s grille is large and bold, and a distinctive accent line runs along the side from headlight to taillight. It’s a stronger statement than the previous generation, but Buick hasn’t redefined itself to an extent that will turn off traditional buyers. Exterior features include:

• Standard 17-inch wheels; 18- and 19-inch wheels available
• Available fog lights
• Available side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Available adaptive damping suspension

Interior
The interior is modern with features such as ambient LED lighting and USB connectivity. There are high-quality materials and contrasting-color stitching. The backseat truly has room for three passengers. Optional interior features include:

• Navigation system
• Dual-display backseat entertainment system
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Harman Kardon-brand surround-sound system
• Heated steering wheel 
• Power rear sunshade

Under the Hood
The LaCrosse comes with one of two engines: a 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with eAssist hybrid technology or a 303-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. Both are direct-injection designs, a relatively new development in gasoline engines that portends good gas mileage for the engines’ size and power. Mechanical features include:

• Both engines can run on regular gas, and the V-6 can use E85 ethanol
• Standard six-speed automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available with V-6

Safety
The LaCrosse has front- and side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags that cover both rows of seats. Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control are also standard, as is the OnStar communication system with six months of free service. Optional safety features include:

• Adaptive headlights
• Blind spot warning system

LaCrosse eAssist
In the LaCrosse eAssist, Buick engineers paired a 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder with an advanced lithium-ion battery pack and a 15-kilowatt electric motor. The result is EPA-estimated gas mileage of 25/36 mpg city/highway. This technology enables regenerative braking, electric-power assist during acceleration, fuel cut-off during deceleration and a stop-start function for the gas engine. The LaCrosse eAssist also has improved underbody aerodynamics, low-rolling-resistance tires and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to direct more air over the car. Back to top