Yahoo Autos Engine and Transmission
Engine and Transmission Rating:
The availability of two different powertrains allows buyers to choose either powerful V-6 gusto or fuel-sipping hybrid economy. The LaCrosse’s electronic gearshift lever is among the least intuitive we’ve ever tested, although we expect that most owners would become accustomed to it over time.
What’s New for 2018?
All new for 2018 is the eAssist hybrid. Serving as the entry-level powertrain, the eAssist setup consists of a 2.5-liter inline-four, an electric motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The electric-assisted powertrain works seamlessly and delivers good fuel economy but at a cost to acceleration performance. Opt for the V-6 and instead of the eight-speed automatic from last year you’ll get a new nine-speed unit. Even with the extra gear, acceleration performance, while quite peppy, is essentially unchanged.
Test Results: Acceleration
2017 Buick LaCrosse
Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available, although it is only an option on the top-of-the-line Premium trim level. We’ve tested both, and the acceleration was only slightly quicker with all-wheel drive. In either guise, the LaCrosse’s engine note is rich and the car feels quick, both when dashing around the city or when pulling out to pass on the freeway. All LaCrosse models come equipped with a fuel-saving engine stop/start feature that turns the engine off when idling and quickly restarts it when the driver lifts his or her foot from the brake pedal. It’s a well-integrated system that is nearly imperceptible to passengers-a good thing, because it cannot be deactivated. Unfortunately, the console-mounted electronic shifter is annoying to operate. It requires an awkward forward-and-to-the-left motion to select reverse that is completely unnatural. You’ll get used to it, but you may never like it.
Test Results: Acceleration
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