Buick LaCrosse Model Years and History

The Buick LaCrosse went through a full redesign in 2017 and had substantial drivetrain updates in 2018, with minimal updates for 2019. Among those updates, the LaCrosse adds a new trim, a front-wheel drive Sport Touring. Additionally, Avenir trim models will now come standard with an air ionizer, and two new colors are added to the selection.

The Buick LaCrosse has been given substantial drivetrain updates for 2018. The third-generation LaCrosse now comes standard with a 2.5L 4-cylinder light hybrid engine that Buick calls 'eAssist'. A new 9-speed automatic transmission has been introduced to pair with the optional V6 engine while all-wheel drive is now offered to V6-equipped Premium and Essence models.

The Buick LaCrosse has been reengineered and redesigned inside and out for 2017. The third-generation full-size luxury sedan is lighter and stiffer than the car it replaces, and power comes from a revised 3.6L V6 now making 310 horsepower, which is mated to an all-new 8-speed transmission. Prices start at $32,065.

For 2016, the Buick LaCrosse benefits from the addition of next-generation infotainment systems with an updated screen and dual USB ports.

After a slight refresh for 2014, the 2015 Buick LaCrosse is mostly unaltered. A few new pieces of technology have still made their way into the car however. The LaCrosse now features better smartphone integration and connectivity, with a built in Wi-Fi hotspot, 4G connectivity and a Siri Eyes Free mode. A backup camera is now standard across all trim levels.

The Buick LaCrosse is mostly the same coming into 2014. The grille and front fascia have been revised some, as has the taillight setup. The interior has been revised slightly as well, and includes a new instrument set with a configurable center display. The LaCrosse now offers some high-tech safety gear including collision alert, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings. The Touring trim is not available for 2014.

The Buick LaCrosse receives minor updates for 2013. Buick has streamlined their trim packages, now offering only five instead of seven. The HID Headlights are new, now featuring a distinct blue ring effect, while some of the switchgear inside has been changed for easier use. Power steering on V6 models is no longer hydraulically operated, Buick instead opting for an electric system. IntelliLink is also standard across all models, meaning the bright 7" high definition screen is now centrally located in the interior of all LaCrosse models.

The Buick LaCrosse receives some notable updates for 2012. Among them, CX, CXL and CXS trim levels of years past have been replaced by large option packages: Base, Convenience Group, Leather Group, Premium I Group, Premium II Group, Premium III Group and Touring Group. The 182-hp 2.4L Ecotec 4-cylinder now has standard eAssist, a 15-horsepower electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack that improves fuel economy over last year's engine by 25 percent--now rated at 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Also, Buick's 280-hp 3.6L V6 has been replaced on Premium II, III and Touring front-wheel-drive models by a 303-hp 3.6L V6 sourced from the Chevy Camaro. All-wheel-drive versions of the Leather and Premium I LaCrosse also feature that engine as standard. It can be ordered on Base, Convenience, Leather and Premium I as a no-cost option.

Following a complete redesign in 2010, the LaCrosse returns for 2011 with few major changes. The mid-level 3.0 V6 has been dropped from the line in favor of a 2.4L inline four, which features direct injection. The range-topping 3.6L V6 returns unchanged. Paddle shifters have been added as standard on all models, and a new electric variable ratio power steering system is standard on CX and CXL front-wheel drive models. The CX gets a new tire repair kit as well.

The Buick LaCrosse has been fully redesigned for 2010, with new exterior styling, a roomy interior, and new direct-injection V6 engines that are both fuel-efficient and powerful. The LaCrosse has also been retuned to be more exciting to drive than before without sacrificing ride quality, while new tech options include a heads-up display, a Bluetooth calling interface, and a hard-drive-based navigation and entertainment system.

For 2009, the Buick LaCrosse changes little. The biggest change is that the sporty CSX trim level has been dropped, and with it goes the 3.6L V6. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is now available and a tire inflation kit is standard. Scarlett Red and and Platinum Metallic have been dropped as exterior colors, while Quicksilver Metallic has been added to the palette.

A new Super, with a 300-horsepower V8 and distinctive interior and exterior themes, joins the mid-size Buick LaCrosse line for 2008. All LaCrosse models now get expanded standard equipment. The additional features include more chrome on the outside, a factory remote start system, XM satellite radio, a telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Four new exterior colors join the line for 2008: Scarlet Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic, and Dark Slate Metallic.

The Buick LaCrosse is one of the GM's sharpest sedans, available with either a 200-horsepower 3.8L V6 in the CX and CXL, or a 240-horsepower 3.6L V6 in the CXS. For 2007, there is new Harvest Burl wood trim, redesigned instrument graphics, four new colors and new designs of the 17-inch wheels. A tire pressure monitoring system and OnStar is now standard on all trims. A higher axle ratio (3.05 vs 2.86) is new for the two lower trims, as is a Chrome Enhancement Package for the LaCrosse CX.