2010 Buick LaCrosse CX

text and images by Michael A. Marrs

For 2010, the Buick LaCrosse comes in three trim levels, with the base model carrying a designation of CX.  At this level, there is a list of standard equipment that includes 17-inch steel wheels, a subtle rear spoiler, power accessories to go along with a very nice audio setup, and a host of safety features.  There are options such as 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and remote vehicle start are also available.  From the base CX, the step up is a CXL, which not only includes the standard CX package, but the entire CX option package, which makes it easy to compare what is really being offered as an upgrade.  From there, CXL options such as leather upholstery become available, as well as a premium Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system that includes 11-speakers and USB connections.  Other options like fog lamps, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, and rear parking sensors are also available.  There is a Luxury package that includes a seemingly unique heated leather and wood-grained steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a power rear sunshade that would be nice during a Texas summer.  The top of the line CXS model incorporates all the CX / CXL standard and optional features as well as a set of 19-inch wheels.  At this level, there is an optional Navigation system that includes a rear-view camera, as well as a rear seat entertainment package that has dual headrest displays, and what is called a Driver Confidence package that includes blind-spot alerts.

 Under the hood, power for the Buick LaCrosse is also conveniently packaged based on the trim level, with all three models utilizing the same Hydra-Matic 6T40 6-speed automatic transmission.  For the front wheel drive, 3948-lb CX model, a 2.4L DOHS I-4 is factory rated to produce 182-horsepower and 172 lb.-ft torque, which carries an EPA rating of 19 City and 30 highway.  The upgrade CXL utilizes a 3.0L V6, with the front wheel drive model getting 255 horsepower and 217 lb.-ft torque and carries an EPA estimate of 17 city and 26 on the highway.  There is also an available all wheel drive CXL model with the same 3.0L V6 that is rated to produce 252 horsepower and 215 lb.-ft. torque, which will cost a little at the gas pump with an EPA estimate of 16 city and 25 highway.  The top of the line CXS model also has the top of the line engine, as the included 3.6L V6 is rated to produce 280 horses and 259 lb.-ft torque which will move the 4065-pound LaCrosse at an EPA estimated of 17 city and 27 highway.  Across this model range, using the factory numbers, there is a 98-horsepower difference from top to bottom, or a 45% increase for the top of the line CXS, with only a 117 pound weight gain at an estimated cost of 2-mpg city and 3- mpg on the highway.

 The test vehicle is the base model 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX Sedan in standard trim, with the optional 17-inch alloy wheels and a gorgeous high gloss Red Jewel exterior color that clearly demonstrates how far factory paint technology has improved.  The new CX interior has the premium cloth seats that could question the desire for leather, with the driver seat having an 8-way power adjustment, and a passenger seat with only 2-way power adjustment.  For a vehicle that exudes classic Buick luxury, it would seem that only two power adjustments on the passenger seat is skimping on the wrong details.  The user accessories are all power, with lighted visor mirrors, an air filtration system that is also standard, as is the AM/FM/XM stereo CD/MP3 player that includes 7-speakers.  The leather wrap steering wheel has a driver feel about it, as does the floor mounted shifter, which is not lighted.  The actual gear indicator is located in the dash, easily in view of the driver, but for anyone in the habit of looking at what their gear indictor at the shifter shows when they shift, ‘shifting’ their view to the dash does take some getting use to.  The cloth seats are soft with an elegant look that is very contemporary.  Controls are easy to reach, with the steering wheel providing immediate access to the oft used audio volume, cruise settings, and OnStar.  The sweeping dash includes a nice wood grain touch, along with a LED lighting arch that reaches across from door to door with a subtle ice blue glow.  This ties in with the matching gauge package lighting, even center stack audio lighting, and some nicely placed ambiance lighting.  Both sides of the upper center console lighting affects the seating areas, while the lower console lighting is for the floor area, and there are also some subtle light touches on all four doors.  This is actually functional beyond just good looks, as the door handles are recessed under or rather built in as part of the door mounted armrests.  To open a door, pull the door latch lever and then reach ‘into’ the door handle to push the door open, or pull the door closed.  The safety features on the test vehicle include stability control, traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, OnStar, and a host of air bags.  Along with the front side air bags, there are full-length side curtain air bags, and an option for rear seat side air bags.  There are four headrests included in the standard interior design that appear to be oversized in a plush interior type of look, however, they do contribute to a reduction in driver side and rear viewing.  From the driver seat, a look over the left shoulder could elicit a necessary move to get look between the side pillar and the headrest.  Depending on where the passenger seat is set, a look over the right could find the passenger side pillar combining with the passenger head rest to create a blind spot that seems larger than normal.  This reduction in visibility is also seen from a rear-view mirror perspective, as the rear window seems to be tightly framed by the top drop, the higher deck lid, and roof pillars, with the rear headrest intruding on that smallish rear view.  This is where the optional rear view camera would be a nice upgrade, or at least the audible rear parking sensors.

 The LaCrosse handles like a car meant to be driven from one point to another.  Not a sports car, not a floating highway boat, but with handling that feels sharp and engaging that makes driving even a short trip a pleasure.  With the stylish interior, there also comes a level of quiet that makes conversation comfortably pleasant, even front to rear, or when the need arises, a blasting rip of AC/DC without being hindered by overly obnoxious road and wind noise.  For the test CX, there is an additional engine noise factor, as the poor little four only has 182 horses to handle almost 4000 pounds.  While it will get the job done, it does let you know it is working.  The V6 options may be well worth considering, particularly with the other upgrades that are included in those packages.

 The test 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX Sedan had a standard MSRP of $26, 245.00, and with minimal options, rolled out of the factory with a listing of $27,670.00 as tested.