The 2013 Buick LaCrosse arrived as a midsize luxury sedan that blended traditional American comfort with modern technology and design. Buick positioned the LaCrosse as a stylish, smooth, and reliable choice for drivers seeking an upscale experience without the steep price tag of German luxury brands. It represented a new era for Buick, aiming to attract younger buyers while still appealing to those who valued comfort and refinement. The 2013 model year brought updates in technology, powertrain options, and interior features, making it an appealing choice for families and commuters alike who wanted luxury wrapped in practicality.
Design and Exterior Styling
The exterior of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse was designed to reflect sophistication and modern appeal. It featured a flowing body shape with sculpted lines, giving it a sleek yet elegant presence on the road. The signature waterfall grille emphasized Buick’s design identity, while chrome accents added a touch of luxury. Large headlamps and LED lighting elements provided both style and functionality, ensuring visibility and safety during night drives.
The LaCrosse had a wide stance that gave it a solid, confident look. Buyers could choose from a range of wheel designs, and higher trims offered larger wheels that further enhanced the sedan’s premium character. Unlike boxy sedans of the past, the 2013 LaCrosse leaned heavily on aerodynamic curves, which not only looked stylish but also contributed to better fuel efficiency.
Interior Comfort and Features
The cabin of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse showcased the brand’s commitment to comfort and premium quality. With soft-touch materials, wood accents, and leather upholstery available, the interior felt upscale while remaining practical. The seating was designed to provide long-distance comfort, making it ideal for road trips as well as daily commuting. Both front and rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, a highlight that set the LaCrosse apart from many competitors in the midsize segment.
Technology was a strong point of the 2013 model. Buick introduced its IntelliLink infotainment system, which featured a touchscreen interface, smartphone integration, and voice recognition. Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and available navigation made the LaCrosse a modern sedan that catered to tech-savvy drivers. Optional upgrades included premium sound systems, ventilated front seats, and a dual-pane sunroof, elevating the sense of luxury inside.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the 2013 Buick LaCrosse offered a choice of engines designed to balance performance with efficiency. The base model featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with eAssist mild hybrid technology. This system improved fuel economy by using a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration and to capture energy during braking. With eAssist, the LaCrosse achieved an impressive fuel economy rating for its class, appealing to drivers who valued efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
For those seeking more power, Buick offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivered 303 horsepower. This option provided smooth acceleration and confident highway passing power, making it a favorite among buyers who valued performance. Both engine choices were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering seamless gear shifts and a refined driving experience.
Ride Quality and Handling
One of the strongest qualities of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse was its ride comfort. The suspension system was tuned to absorb road imperfections, creating a quiet and smooth experience inside the cabin. Buick also incorporated sound-deadening technologies, such as laminated glass and active noise cancellation, which minimized outside noise and enhanced the luxury feel.
While the LaCrosse was not designed to be a sporty sedan, its handling was composed and confident. The steering was responsive, and the available all-wheel-drive system provided extra stability in challenging weather conditions. For daily driving, the LaCrosse offered a balance of comfort and control that appealed to a wide range of buyers.
Safety Features
Safety played a major role in the design of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse. Standard features included multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. Higher trims offered advanced technologies such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems provided drivers with added confidence on busy roads and highways.
The LaCrosse also came with OnStar, Buick’s telematics service, which included automatic crash response, roadside assistance, and turn-by-turn navigation. These features made the LaCrosse not just a luxury sedan but also a safe and secure vehicle for families and individuals alike.
Trim Levels and Options
The 2013 Buick LaCrosse was available in several trim levels, allowing buyers to choose the level of luxury and features that best suited their needs. Common trims included the base model with eAssist, the mid-level Leather and Premium trims, and the top-tier Touring model. Each step up offered additional features, such as upgraded materials, enhanced audio systems, and advanced driver-assist technologies.
- Base with eAssist– Focused on fuel economy and value, featuring standard IntelliLink and premium styling touches.
- Leather Trim– Added leather seating, heated front seats, and enhanced interior finishes.
- Premium Trim– Offered additional technology, safety systems, and convenience features.
- Touring Model– Equipped with the V6 engine, advanced suspension, and top-of-the-line luxury options.
Fuel Economy
One of the standout qualities of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse was its efficiency, particularly with the eAssist system. The four-cylinder model with hybrid technology achieved fuel economy ratings of around 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, numbers that were competitive against smaller, less luxurious sedans. The V6 model, while more powerful, still offered respectable fuel economy, especially for a car of its size and class.
Reliability and Maintenance
The 2013 LaCrosse earned a reputation for solid reliability when properly maintained. Buick’s engineering focused on creating a vehicle that could withstand years of use while maintaining comfort and performance. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations, ensured that the LaCrosse remained dependable for families and commuters alike.
Many owners praised the vehicle for its durability and for the relatively low cost of ownership compared to European luxury brands. Replacement parts and servicing were more affordable, making the LaCrosse an attractive option for those who wanted premium features without high upkeep expenses.
Comparison with Competitors
In 2013, the Buick LaCrosse competed with several well-known midsize and full-size sedans, including the Toyota Avalon, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera, and Acura TL. While some of these models leaned more toward performance or affordability, the LaCrosse struck a balance between comfort, technology, and value. Its quiet ride and advanced infotainment system helped it stand out from the competition.
Buyers who might have considered German brands like Audi or BMW often found the LaCrosse to be a practical alternative, delivering many luxury features at a lower price point. This competitive advantage gave Buick an important foothold in the midsize luxury sedan market.
Legacy of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse
The 2013 Buick LaCrosse played a key role in modernizing the Buick brand and reshaping its image. It demonstrated that Buick could produce a vehicle that appealed to both traditional buyers and a younger demographic looking for stylish and tech-savvy options. The balance of fuel efficiency, luxury, and safety made the LaCrosse a respected contender in the sedan segment.
Today, the 2013 LaCrosse remains a popular choice in the used car market. Its blend of design, reliability, and comfort continues to attract buyers who want a well-rounded vehicle without the premium price tag of luxury imports.
The 2013 Buick LaCrosse combined elegance, advanced features, and strong performance to create a midsize luxury sedan that stood out in its class. With its refined design, fuel-efficient eAssist system, and comfortable interior, it appealed to a wide audience of drivers. Whether chosen for its efficiency, its luxury touches, or its reputation for comfort, the LaCrosse remains a reminder of Buick’s ability to deliver style and substance in one complete package.
For those considering a well-rounded used car, the 2013 Buick LaCrosse represents not just transportation but an experience—smooth, quiet, and timelessly refined.