
Upgrading Expectations
The 2017 Buick Verano is a confident and capable compact four-door luxury sedan. Despite being smaller than its popular LaCrosse sibling, the Verano doesn’t downsize the things you love most about Buick cars, namely their smooth ride, premium interiors, and fun-to-drive turbocharged engines.
Performance
The 2017 Buick Verano blends power with refinement in a way that’s uniquely Buick. Its sole engine is a 2.4-liter that generates 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2017 Verano was built for comfort and long-haul cruising. It handles rough surfaces with ease and ensures ride quality is always supple and supremely quiet, even at highway speeds. The Verano also has a practical side. Fuel economy is one of its many high points with 24 mpg combined (21 city/31 highway).*
These attributes only serve to reinforce the Verano’s luxury credentials, and when coupled with its composed handling and precise steering, it’s no wonder the Verano continues to win customers over with its many charms.
Features
The 2017 Buick Verano comfortably seats five and is offered in three trim levels: base, Sport Touring, and Leather.
Premium comforts while delivering the utmost value for money has always been an important characteristic of Buick vehicles, and the 2017 Verano proudly carries on this tradition with a robust list of standard features and a welcoming starting MSRP of $21,065.**
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic climate control, and eight-way adjustable front seats. Also included standard are OnStar® telematics (with 4G WiFi connectivity) and a six-speaker audio system—complete with CD player and a USB port.
The Sport Touring incorporates all the previous trim's standard features and adds remote engine start; a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel; and a host of additional tech, including Buick IntelliLink, a rearview camera, Bluetooth®, and smartphone app integration.
The Leather Group adds all the Sport Touring’s features (where applicable) and throws in leather upholstery, heated side mirrors, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats with eight-way power driver's seat, rear parking sensors, and a nine-speaker Bose® audio system.
A number of additional packages are available. The Experience Buick package (available on Sport Touring and Leather models) adds a power moonroof, navigation, and Bose® audio system (Sport Touring only) or Appearance package (Leather only) with rear spoiler and chrome front bumper grille. A Driver Confidence package is also available for the Leather trim level that includes Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Side Blind Zone Alert.
Design
The 2017 Verano forgoes the more ostentatious styling seen on many of its European rivals and instead opts for an athletic yet elegant exterior design aided by Buick's waterfall grille, gently rising beltline, and athletic stance. There are also traditional Buick styling cues, such as aesthetic "portholes" atop the hood directly beneath the windshield pillars.
Meanwhile, Turbocharged Veranos are the sleepers of the line, preferring their performance do the talking, with just a subtle "T" badge on the trunk and dual exhaust outlets to visually indicate their extra muscle.
Step inside and the Verano boasts an interior that is replete with high-quality materials and seating design to keep occupants comfortable for long stretches of road. Speaking of comfort, the driver’s seat is especially impressive, with additional bolstering that keeps you snugly in place during turns.
The Verano’s interior sports a number of touches that underline the car’s desire to cater to the needs of both drivers and passengers. The center console sweeps upward and places controls within easy reach, while the 7-inch touchscreen (standard on all but the base model) presents information in large, legible characters. The arrangement of its icons can even be customized, similar to how one would on a smartphone or tablet.
When it’s time to pack in groceries and luggage – in addition to family and friends – you’ll be happy you selected this premium sedan. The Verano boasts 15.2 cubic feet of trunk space, which is an impressive capacity for this class.
Safety
Safety should never be a “luxury,” which is why the 2017 Buick Verano boasts a robust list of standard safety features. Every Verano model includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and front-seat knee airbags.
Drivers can also select the Driver Confidence package for additional peace of mind.
The 2017 Verano also comes standard with OnStar®, which provides automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle assistance.
Verdict
The 2017 Buick Verano provides all the elements that make a top luxury sedan, like outstanding performance, a comfortable ride, and a wide array of convenience and safety technologies—all at a price that won’t sap your bank account.
Of course, words can only do so much, which is why we welcome you to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Buick Verano.
*EPA estimated.
**The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment.
Image Credit: Buick