Which Buick LaCrosse Version Should You Buy?
The Buick LaCrosse data supports four practical choices: the 2.4 AT for moderate power, the 2.4 AT Hybrid for the lowest measured fuel consumption, the 3.6 AT or 3.7 AT for stronger acceleration, and the first-generation 5.3 AT for maximum torque.
The Buick LaCrosse data supports four practical choices: the 2.4 AT for moderate power, the 2.4 AT Hybrid for the lowest measured fuel consumption, the 3.6 AT or 3.7 AT for stronger acceleration, and the first-generation 5.3 AT for maximum torque. Buyers considering newer cars can also compare the 240 hp 2.0 i AT from the third-generation restyling with the 230 hp 2.0 i AT from the fourth generation. Every listed LaCrosse is a Sedan with an Automatic transmission, but output, drive type, economy and chassis specifications differ substantially.
Buick LaCrosse generations and the versions worth comparing
The first generation ran from 2004 to 2009 as a Sedan with three versions: 5.3 AT, 3.6 AT and 3.8 AT. Its 2007–2009 restyling also had three versions: 2.4 AT, 3.0 AT and 3.8 AT. These cars use 4-speed Automatic transmissions and FWD. The original 5.3 AT is the performance choice, while the restyled 2.4 AT is the least powerful option in this generation.
The second generation ran from 2009 to 2013 as a Sedan with seven listed versions. Its engine choices include 2.4 AT, 2.4 AT Hybrid, 3.0 AT and 3.6 AT, all with a 6-speed Automatic. FWD is standard among most entries, while one 303 hp 3.6 AT has AWD. The 2013–2016 restyling offers four versions: a 182 hp 2.4 AT, a 200 hp 2.4 AT Hybrid, and two 304 hp 3.6 AT versions distinguished by FWD and AWD.
The third generation ran from 2016 to March 2019 as a Sedan with two 3.7 AT versions. Both produce 305 hp and use an 8-speed Automatic, but one is FWD and the other AWD. The restyling beginning in April 2019 has one 2.0 i AT: a 240 hp Turbo, FWD version with a 9-speed Automatic.
The fourth generation begins in December 2022. Its single listed Sedan version is the 2.0 i AT, producing 230 hp with FWD and an Automatic transmission. The number of gears is not measured.
Buick LaCrosse engine options and specs
Repeated names are separated below by generation, power or drive type so that each exact database version name remains intact.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 5.3 AT | 300 hp | 438 Nm | 5327 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, 3.6 AT | 243 hp | 311 Nm | 3564 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, 3.8 AT | 203 hp | 305 Nm | 3791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First restyling, 2.4 AT | 168 hp | 225 Nm | 2384 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First restyling, 3.0 AT | 176 hp | 244 Nm | 2980 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First restyling, 3.8 AT | 200 hp | 305 Nm | 3791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 3.6 AT, AWD | 303 hp | 351 Nm | 3564 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, 2.4 AT Hybrid | 200 hp | 280 Nm | 2384 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 3.0 AT, 300 hp | 300 hp | 351 Nm | 3000 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 182 hp | 182 hp | 233 Nm | 2384 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 3.6 AT, 303 hp FWD | 303 hp | 351 Nm | 3564 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 3.0 AT, 255 hp | 255 hp | 294 Nm | 2994 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 3.6 AT, 280 hp | 280 hp | 351 Nm | 3564 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2.4 AT, 182 hp | 182 hp | 233 Nm | 2384 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling, 3.6 AT, AWD | 304 hp | 358 Nm | 3564 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling, 3.6 AT, FWD | 304 hp | 358 Nm | 3564 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2.4 AT Hybrid | 200 hp | 280 Nm | 2384 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third, 3.7 AT, FWD | 305 hp | 363 Nm | 3649 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third, 3.7 AT, AWD | 305 hp | 363 Nm | 3649 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third restyling, 2.0 i AT | 240 hp | 350 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth, 2.0 i AT | 230 hp | not measured | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | not measured | Automatic; gears not measured | FWD |
For power per litre, the third-generation-restyling 2.0 i AT leads the listed range at approximately 120.1 hp per litre. The fourth-generation 2.0 i AT provides approximately 115.1 hp per litre. The second-generation 300 hp 3.0 AT reaches exactly 100 hp per litre, while the third-generation 305 hp 3.7 AT versions produce approximately 83.6 hp per litre. The first-generation 5.3 AT delivers approximately 56.3 hp per litre but supplies the highest listed torque, 438 Nm.
Buick LaCrosse performance and mpg comparison
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City / highway / combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| First, 5.3 AT | 5.9 s | 230 km/h | 14.7 / 9.8 / 12.4 |
| First, 3.6 AT | 8.3 s | 229 km/h | 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.6 |
| First, 3.8 AT | 9.3 s | 229 km/h | 11.8 / 8.1 / 10.2 |
| First restyling, 2.4 AT | 10.9 s | 200 km/h | not measured |
| First restyling, 3.0 AT | 9.9 s | 200 km/h | not measured |
| First restyling, 3.8 AT | not measured | 190 km/h | not measured |
| Second, 3.6 AT, AWD | 6.8 s | 245 km/h | 14.7 / 9 / 11.8 |
| Second, 2.4 AT Hybrid | 8.5 s | 225 km/h | 9.4 / 6.5 / 8.1 |
| Second, 3.0 AT, 300 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 182 hp | 10 s | not measured | not measured |
| Second, 3.6 AT, 303 hp FWD | 6.6 s | 250 km/h | 13.8 / 8.7 / 11.2 |
| Second, 3.0 AT, 255 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second, 3.6 AT, 280 hp | 6.6 s | 250 km/h | 13.8 / 8.7 / 11.2 |
| Second restyling, 2.4 AT, 182 hp | 10 s | not measured | not measured |
| Second restyling, 3.6 AT, AWD | 6.8 s | 243 km/h | 13.8 / 9 / 11.8 |
| Second restyling, 3.6 AT, FWD | 6.5 s | 250 km/h | 13.1 / 8.4 / 11.2 |
| Second restyling, 2.4 AT Hybrid | 8.4 s | 225 km/h | 9.4 / 6.5 / 8.1 |
| Third, 3.7 AT, FWD | 5.9 s | 265 km/h | not measured |
| Third, 3.7 AT, AWD | 5.6 s | 261 km/h | not measured |
| Third restyling, 2.0 i AT | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Fourth, 2.0 i AT | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The quickest measured choice is the third-generation AWD 3.7 AT at 5.6 seconds to 100 km/h. It is 0.3 seconds quicker than the FWD 3.7 AT, although its 261 km/h maximum is 4 km/h lower. Both have identical 305 hp and 363 Nm outputs.
For economy, the second-generation 2.4 AT Hybrid and its restyled counterpart share the lowest measured figures: 9.4 city, 6.5 highway and 8.1 combined. Against the restyled FWD 3.6 AT, the Hybrid uses 3.7 less in the city, 1.9 less on the highway and 3.1 less combined, while giving up 104 hp and 78 Nm. Consumption units are not specified in the supplied data.
Buick LaCrosse weight, clearance, tank and wheel sizes
The first-generation 3.8 AT weighs 1620 kg kerb and 1980 kg gross, has 150 mm of ground clearance and a 66-litre tank. The first-generation 3.6 AT weighs 1655 kg kerb and 1970 kg gross, while the 5.3 AT weighs 1710 kg kerb; its gross weight is not measured. All three have 150 mm clearance and 66-litre tanks. Wheel sizes are not measured.
In the first-generation restyling, the 2.4 AT weighs 1560 kg kerb and 1900 kg gross, with 165 mm clearance and a 72-litre tank. The 3.0 AT and 3.8 AT each weigh 1652 kg kerb and 1970 kg gross; clearance is not measured, and each has a 72-litre tank. The 3.8 AT offers 225/55 R17 and 225/60 R16 wheels; wheel sizes for the other two are not measured.
Among second-generation cars with measured weights, the 3.0 AT with 255 hp is 1791 kg, the 303 hp FWD 3.6 AT is 1826 kg, and the 303 hp AWD 3.6 AT is 1903 kg. The restyled 2.4 AT Hybrid weighs 1704 kg, the FWD 3.6 AT weighs 1767 kg, and the AWD 3.6 AT weighs 1878 kg. Gross weights and tanks are not measured. Clearance is 165 mm. Restyled wheel options are 235/50 R17, 235/50 R18, 245/45 R19 and 245/40 R20; wheel sizes for the pre-restyling entries are not measured.
The third-generation 3.7 AT versions have 150 mm clearance and offer 235/50 R18 or 245/40 R20 wheels. Their kerb weight, gross weight and tank capacity are not measured. The restyled 2.0 i AT weighs 1600 kg, but its gross weight, clearance, tank and wheel sizes are not measured. All corresponding measurements for the fourth-generation 2.0 i AT are not measured.
Weight per horsepower further separates closely related choices. The restyled second-generation FWD 3.6 AT carries approximately 5.81 kg per hp, compared with approximately 6.18 kg per hp for the AWD 3.6 AT. The FWD version is 111 kg lighter, accelerates to 100 km/h 0.3 seconds sooner and reaches a top speed 7 km/h higher. The AWD version’s distinguishing benefit in the supplied specifications is AWD rather than FWD.
Which Buick LaCrosse version should you buy?
Choose the third-generation AWD 3.7 AT when measured acceleration matters most: its 305 hp, 363 Nm and 5.6-second 0–100 km/h result are the strongest acceleration combination in the data. Choose the FWD 3.7 AT when maximum speed matters more: it reaches 265 km/h, 4 km/h above the AWD car, while retaining the same power and torque.
Choose the restyled second-generation 2.4 AT Hybrid when measured economy is the priority. It combines 200 hp and 280 Nm with 8.1 combined consumption and an 8.4-second 0–100 km/h time. Its pre-restyling equivalent has the same output and consumption but needs 8.5 seconds, a difference of 0.1 seconds.
Between the restyled 3.6 AT versions, choose FWD for the stronger measured performance and lower weight. It is 111 kg lighter than the AWD car, reaches 100 km/h 0.3 seconds sooner, and uses 0.6 less in the city and 0.6 less combined. Choose the AWD 3.6 AT specifically when AWD is the required drivetrain; both versions produce 304 hp and 358 Nm.
Choose the first-generation 5.3 AT for maximum listed torque. Its 438 Nm exceeds the third-generation 3.7 AT by 75 Nm, and its 300 hp matches its 5.9-second 0–100 km/h result. Its measured combined consumption is 12.4, however, versus 10.6 for the first-generation 3.6 AT and 10.2 for the first-generation 3.8 AT.
The newer 2.0 i AT versions suit buyers who prioritize output from a smaller displacement. The third-generation-restyling car produces 240 hp and 350 Nm from 1998 cc, uses Turbo and a 9-speed Automatic, and weighs 1600 kg. The fourth-generation 2.0 i AT has the same 1998 cc displacement but produces 230 hp, 10 hp less; its torque, boost, gear count, performance, economy and weight are not measured. On the supplied evidence alone, the 240 hp 2.0 i AT is the more completely documented and more powerful of these two choices.