The 2019 Buick LaCrosse AWD with the 3.6L V6 gets 23 MPG combined. This LaCrosse configuration is for a specific buyer: someone who wants a comfortable, spacious, and quietly confident full-size sedan, and who values the added security of all-wheel drive in colder areas. The fuel bill is part of the cost for that customer.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates are 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway because it’s a naturally aspirated V6 powering a heavy sedan. Stop-and-go traffic affects the city figure because the engine works harder to overcome inertia, and the all-wheel-drive system adds to the drivetrain loss. On the open road, approaching 30 MPG is possible. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps the engine stay efficient at higher speeds, but physics require fuel to move this much weight. The V6’s 310 horsepower makes freeway merging easy, but pressing hard on the accelerator lowers MPG.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, fueling your 2019 Buick LaCrosse AWD will cost about $1,900 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually and national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving. Keep in mind that this is an estimate; consistent aggressive driving can increase that number, while efficient driving could reduce it.

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG often differs from EPA estimates. Drivers in hilly areas or with aggressive driving habits should expect numbers closer to the low end of the EPA range, maybe below 20 MPG in mixed driving. Conversely, drivers who cruise on flat highways at moderate speeds might see numbers closer to 30 MPG overall. Cold weather also impacts fuel economy because gasoline doesn’t burn as efficiently.

How it compares

The Buick LaCrosse AWD’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors but lower than some front-wheel drive alternatives. The 2019 Toyota Avalon, available only in front-wheel drive, gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined with its V6 engine. The Nissan Maxima, also FWD-only, gets about 24 MPG combined. The Chrysler 300, with V6 and V8 engines and available all-wheel drive, mirrors the LaCrosse’s 23 MPG combined with the V6 and AWD. The fuel economy of the LaCrosse AWD is a trade-off for all-wheel drive, important for buyers in colder areas. People who want better fuel efficiency in this segment might consider hybrid options, but they would lose the LaCrosse’s V6 power and refinement, or even all-wheel drive.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The LaCrosse’s V6 provides enough power, so there’s no need to press the gas pedal hard. Gradual acceleration allows the engine to operate more efficiently, improving your MPG. Anticipate traffic flow by releasing the accelerator before stoplights or slowdowns to minimize hard braking, which wastes energy.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle consumes fuel. If you will be stopped for more than a minute, shut off the engine. Modern starters are designed for frequent use, and restarting the engine consumes less fuel than prolonged idling. Be mindful that excessive idling in extremely hot or cold weather is sometimes necessary.

Regular maintenance is important. A maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements. These things add to efficiency gains.

Consider your driving mode, if equipped. Some LaCrosse models offer driving modes that can prioritize fuel efficiency. “Eco” mode adjusts throttle response and transmission mapping to optimize MPG but lowers performance. Review all Buick fuel economy data for more insight, compare to the LACROSSE MPG across all years, and drive accordingly.