Against 416 other V6 cars rated 2017–2019, the LaCrosse beats their 21.7 mpg average by 4.8 mpg, about $321 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2005, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2018), does 29 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.3L 8-cyl (2008–2009), 19: $697 a year apart.
Every Buick LaCrosse engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 25 / 35 | 2018–2018 | $1,324 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | 25 / 35 | 2019–2019 | $1,324 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 22.7 / 33.6 | 2010–2016 | $1,438 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 18.4 / 28.3 | 2010–2019 | $1,753 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 17.2 / 27.6 | 2005–2009 | $1,829 | |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 16 / 24 | 2008–2009 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 37.3 mpg, the Honda Accord 40.3 mpg and the Toyota Prius 56 mpg, next to 26.5 mpg for the 2019 LaCrosse. The LaCrosse costs the most of them to run: $763 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2019) | $0.121 |
| Fuel per year | $1,449 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,245 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2017–2019 | −$321 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,740 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2019 Buick LaCrosse gives up 10 mpg in town: 32.5 on the highway against 22.5 in the city, $525 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2019) | 22.5 mpg | $1,707 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32.5 mpg | $1,182 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the LaCrosse changed over the years
The LaCrosse peaked in 2019 at 26.5 mpg (22.5 city, 32.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2009 at 20 — 6.5 mpg apart, or $471 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2012: 21.5 to 24.5 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 22.5 / 32.5 | 2 | $1,449 | |
| 2018 | 23 / 32.5 | 2 | $1,449 | |
| 2017 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2016 | 21 / 31.5 | 2 | $1,567 | |
| 2015 | 21 / 31.5 | 2 | $1,567 | |
| 2014 | 21 / 31.5 | 2 | $1,567 | |
| 2013 | 21 / 31.5 | 2 | $1,536 | |
| 2012 | 20.5 / 31 | 2 | $1,567 | |
| 2011 | 18 / 28 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2010 | 18 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2009 | 16.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2008 | 16.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2006 | 17 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2005 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 26 EPA ratings of the Buick LaCrosse — 6 engines across 2005–2019. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,740. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2019 Buick LaCrosse get?
26.5 mpg combined, 22.5 city and 32.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 24 to 29. Across every year since 2005 the LaCrosse has averaged 23.3 mpg.
Is the 2019 LaCrosse more efficient than the 2018?
About the same: 26.5 against 26.5 mpg combined.
Which LaCrosse year has the best gas mileage?
The 2019, at 26.5 mpg combined (22.5 city, 32.5 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the LaCrosse get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 26.5 mpg for the 2019 LaCrosse against 37.3 for the 2020 Toyota Camry, about $420 a year more to run.
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