The 2018 Buick LaCrosse eAssist 2.5L 4-cyl achieves 29 MPG combined, a good balance of size, luxury, and efficiency. This mild-hybrid sedan is for drivers who want comfort and a smooth ride more than high performance or the newest tech, but who still want better fuel economy versus the standard V6. It gets good mileage while still feeling like a LaCrosse.

City and highway performance

The 2018 LaCrosse eAssist gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. The 2.5L four-cylinder engine, with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, has enough power for most driving. It does not accelerate very fast, but the eAssist system’s electric motor helps when you start driving, making it more responsive around town. On the highway, the LaCrosse eAssist is comfortable and gets good mileage, making it a good car for road trips. The stop/start system also helps save gas in traffic.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for a 2018 Buick LaCrosse eAssist at $1,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using regular gas, based on the national average fuel price when they made the estimate. Your fuel costs will change with your driving, local gas prices, and where you drive. If you mostly drive on the highway, you might spend less. If you mostly drive in the city, you might spend more.

Real-world expectations

The EPA has standard tests, but real-world fuel economy changes. If you accelerate hard, brake often, idle a lot, or carry heavy loads, your fuel economy will be worse. Regular maintenance, like keeping your tires inflated and changing the oil, is critical for good fuel economy. If you consistently use cruise control on the highway and watch traffic, you can often get mileage close to the EPA’s estimates, or even better in perfect conditions. Those interested in comparing the LACROSSE MPG across all years should find this information helpful.

How it compares

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse eAssist compares well to other large sedans from the time. The Toyota Avalon Hybrid, for example, gets around 40 MPG combined, which is much better, but it drives differently. A similar non-hybrid, like the Chrysler 300 with its V6 engine, usually gets around 23 MPG combined, which shows how efficient the eAssist is. The Acura TLX with the 2.4L four-cylinder gets around 27 MPG combined. For someone who wants a comfortable, spacious sedan that saves fuel, the LaCrosse eAssist is a good middle ground. See all Buick fuel economy data for a broader perspective on their lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to get the best fuel economy in the LaCrosse eAssist. The electric motor gives you torque when you start, so don’t press the gas pedal all the way down. Start smoothly to save gas and keep a consistent speed when you can.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a steady speed, so you don’t accelerate and decelerate as much, which can greatly improve fuel economy on long drives. Set your speed carefully.

Check your tire pressure often. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Look at the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the right tire pressure for your LaCrosse eAssist and use a good tire pressure gauge.

Don’t idle. The eAssist system has a stop/start function that turns off the engine when you stop. It’s convenient, but idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for a long time, turn off the engine if the stop/start doesn’t work.

Follow the maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements help the engine run well and save fuel. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual to keep your LaCrosse eAssist running smoothly and efficiently.