2009 Buick LaCrosse Trims and Specs

The entry-level 2009 Buick LaCrosse CX seats six in its roomy interior, with 42 inches of front legroom and 37.6 inches of rear legroom. The trunk holds 16 cubic feet of cargo and includes a standard cargo net. A 3.8-liter V6 engine and 4-speed automatic with overdrive deliver 200 hp and 230 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 RPM.

Riding on a four-wheel independent suspension, this front-wheel-drive midsize sedan comes with standard 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction control, 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tires, dual front-side airbags with passenger sensors, and side curtain airbags for both rows. Other safety features include seatbelt pretensioners, OnStar, automatic headlights with halogen lamps, and daytime running lights. Options add an auto-dimming rearview mirror, stability control, 17-inch wheels, and parking sensors.

Hardly lacking in luxury, the 2009 LaCrosse CX offers power windows, locks, and mirrors, as well as programmable remote entry, remote start, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a trip computer, and a 6-way power driver's seat. A comparable passenger seat is optional. A CD/MP3 player comes with radio data and satellite radio. Dual-zone climate control includes backseat controls. Intermittent wipers, tilt and telescopic steering, a compass, a tachometer, and a front power outlet provide added convenience. The dash, consoles, doors, and steering wheel are decked out in leather, alloy, and wood trim. Available extras include a 6-CD changer, Bluetooth, a sunroof, and a split-folding rear bench.

The most significant upgrade in the 2009 Buick LaCrosse CXL from the entry-level CX is its leather upholstery. This front-wheel-drive midsize sedan is powered by a 200-hp, 3.8-liter V6 and 4-speed automatic with overdrive. Fuel economy hovers around 20/29 mpg. Its other major upgrade is a programmable remote for the locks and windows.

The sedan seats six, but an optional 60/40 split-folding rear bench accommodates five passengers. The trunk holds a spacious 16 cubic feet and comes with a cargo net. A full power setup includes windows, locks, and mirrors, remote programmable entry, remote start, a 6-way power driver's seat, a trip computer, and wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls. The 6-speaker CD/MP3 player also features satellite radio. Other standard equipment includes intermittent wipers, three cupholders, a front power outlet, tilt and telescopic steering, a tachometer, and a compass.

The safety profile is fairly extensive. Dual front-side airbags feature passenger deactivation, and side curtain airbags cover both rows. The 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tires and standard traction control help with road grip, and the 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes feature electronic brakeforce distribution. A tire monitor, automatic headlights, halogen lamps, and Onstar round out the equipment list. If you're willing to pay extra, you get stability control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, parking sensors, larger 17-inch wheels, and OnStar. Other available options include Bluetooth, a sunroof, a 6-CD changer, and a 6-way power passenger seat.

The performance-oriented 2009 Buick LaCrosse Super hits 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, thanks to its 5.3-liter, 300-hp V8 engine. Paired with a 4-speed automatic with overdrive, the powertrain delivers 323 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 RPM. The consequence is a lower fuel economy of 16/24 mpg. Riding on a Macpherson strut front and multilink rear suspension, the Super gets Magnasteer power rack-and-pinion steering and larger 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

Moving up to the 2009 LaCrosse Super adds standard stability control and rear parking sensors to the safety features, which already include traction control, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows of this front-wheel-drive sedan. An auto-dimming rearview mirror and foglights join the automatic halogen lamps. OnStar and a tire monitor are also standard. The midsize sedan seats five, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats that open onto a 16-cubic-foot trunk. Legroom is spacious, at 42 inches up front and 37.6 in the back.

Significant equipment upgrades in the Super include a 6-way power passenger seat (joining the similar driver's seat), upgraded leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 9-speaker sound system, and a garage remote. On the outside, a rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips signal the sporty pretensions. Already standard are power windows, locks, and mirrors, programmable keyless entry, a universal remote, a trip computer, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, and a CD/MP3 player with satellite radio. More convenience-oriented features include tilt and telescopic steering, a front power outlet, a cargo net, intermittent wipers, front and rear climate control, a tachometer, a compass, and three cupholders. The few options left add a sunroof, a CD changer, and Bluetooth.