After a hefty redesign for 2010, expect few changes in the 2011 Buick LaCrosse. This venerable, five-passenger, entry-level luxury sedan stands a notch below the Lucerne and a couple below Cadillac, but remains a staple on the Buick menu. Three trims, the base CX, midlevel CXL, and top-shelf CXS are once more available for the next-gen LaCrosse, with the CXL trim available in either an inline four-cylinder (I4) front-wheel-drive (FWD) version or a V6-equipped all-wheel-drive (AWD) trim. Always popular with the over-30 crowd, a recently available adaptive suspension system is geared toward attracting a somewhat younger clientele to this staid, family-oriented auto. Lauded by those in the know for its quiet, contemporary, and notably spacious cabin, the LaCrosse, unfortunately, does provide a bit of a letdown with its smallish (13.3 cubic feet) trunk. Ford’s Taurus rerun presents the greatest domestic challenge to the 2011 LaCrosse, with the Lexus ES 350, Hyundai Genesis, and Acura TL representing its closest Pacific Rim competition.

The LaCrosse’s underperforming 3.0-liter V6 has been dropped in favor of the more economical four-banger, but its legendarily quiet and dignified ride may suffer as a result. Remaining for 2011, then, are the 182-hp, 172 lb-ft/torque 2.4-liter I4, which will be standard for the CX and CXL trims, and the 280-hp, 259-lb-ft/torque 3.6-liter V6 that will equip the AWD CXL and FWD-only CXS versions. Both engines will be under the management of a six-speed auto-manual transmission, with the CXL AWD featuring a center-mounted mechanical limited-slip differential for full-time power to all four wheels. Variable valve timing should allow the I4 to achieve a respectable 20/30 mpg, and the V6 a rather ordinary 17/27 in FWD trims, with a bit less in the CXL AWD.

Standard appearance, comfort and convenience features for the 2011 LaCrosse CX include 17-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front bucket seats, remote power door locks, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with mounted transmission, audio and cruise controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, simulated wood and alloy dash and door accents, a single-CD player with seven speakers, XM satellite radio, and OnStar telecommunications service. The CXL, meanwhile, adds 18-inch painted alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, leather upholstery, multi-level heated front seats, remote engine start, universal remote garage door opener, and Bluetooth communications technology integrated into the OnStar system. In keeping with its top-dog image, the LaCrosse CXS heaps 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, premium leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, reverse-tilt mirrors and a 380-watt Harman Kardon audio system with 11 speakers into the mix.

Options for the CX trim level include many standard items from the upper-level trims, while the CXL offers an available oversize power sunroof, DVD or HDD navigation, upgraded machined aluminum wheels, rear-seat DVD entertainment and a rear-view camera. The CXS, meantime, adds 19-inch aluminum wheels and a selectable suspension with Sport Mode to the options list.

The 2011 LaCrosse is awash with standard safety features, including four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, remote anti-theft alarm, daytime running lights and an OnStar-integrated post-collision safety system. Additionally, the CXL and CXS trims are delivered with standard front fog/driving lights, and the CXS gets standard turn-signal-integrated outside mirrors. Optional for all trims are rear-seat thorax airbags, with the CXL and CXS offering available HID headlights, a blind-spot warning system and the popular head-up display that projects vehicle safety info, including speed and engine performance information, onto the windshield.

Owners of the 2010 LaCrosse seem divided in their opinions of its highly touted cabin ambiance, with some thrilled and others disappointed with interior materials, fit and finish. The smallish trunk and lack of a cabin-installed trunk release has many owners scratching their heads, while disconcerting visibility issues have many owners lined up to install the available rear-view camera system. On the positive side ride comfort, spacious seating, a touch of luxury and spiffy styling add up to decisive owner appreciation for the overall value of this entry-level luxury sedan. The available adaptive suspension system is also praised for giving the LaCrosse a sportier aspect suitable to the younger generation.