Against 456 other V6 cars rated 2009–2011, the Lucerne sits right on their 20 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2006, the 3.9L 6-cyl (2009–2011), does 20.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.6L 8-cyl (2006–2011), 18: $278 a year apart.
Every Buick Lucerne engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 17 / 26 | 2009–2011 | $1,855 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 16.7 / 25.7 | 2006–2008 | $1,949 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 15 / 22.7 | 2006–2011 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Hyundai Sonata gets 28.8 mpg, the Chevrolet Impala 22.3 mpg and the Lincoln Town Car 19 mpg, next to 19.5 mpg for the 2011 Lucerne.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2011) | $0.164 |
| Fuel per year | $1,969 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,845 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2009–2011 | +$49 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,267 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Buick Lucerne gives up 8.5 mpg in town: 24.5 on the highway against 16 in the city, $833 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2011) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24.5 mpg | $1,567 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8.5 mpg (53%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Lucerne changed over the years
The Lucerne peaked in 2011 at 19.5 mpg (16 city, 24.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2008 at 18.5 — 1 mpg apart, or $107 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 16 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 24 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2009 | 16 / 24 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2008 | 15.5 / 24 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2007 | 16 / 24.5 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2006 | 16 / 24.5 | 2 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 12 EPA ratings of the Buick Lucerne — 3 engines across 2006–2011. 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 $3,267. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Buick Lucerne get?
19.5 mpg combined, 16 city and 24.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 18 to 21. Across every year since 2006 the Lucerne has averaged 19.1 mpg.
Is the 2011 Lucerne more efficient than the 2010?
About the same: 19.5 against 19 mpg combined.
Which Lucerne year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 19.5 mpg combined (16 city, 24.5 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Lucerne get better gas mileage than the Hyundai Sonata?
No: 19.5 mpg for the 2011 Lucerne against 28.8 for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, about $636 a year more to run.
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