GREEN | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
2013 Buick Verano: 21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway (25 mpg combined)
EPA
2013 Buick Verano Turbo: 21/30 mpg, 24 mpg combined (auto); 20/31 mpg, 24 mpg combined (manual)
EPA
Buick's upscale brand image hasn't been in conflict with gas mileage on its larger cars. The LaCrosse and Regal both now come standard with mild-hybrid eAssist technology, which lifts their fuel economy into direct competition with other mid- and full-size sedans.
The Verano is a bit further behind in its pack. Though it shares some body structure and suspension pieces with the 42-mpg Chevy Cruze, the Verano has a larger-displacement, 2.4-liter four-cylinder under the hood.
With the six-speed automatic transmission, the standard Verano is rated by the EPA at 21 miles per gallon in the city cycle, and 32 mpg highway. That's significantly off the pace set by the Cruze and by other compact sedans like the Mazda3, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra, all of which earn 40-mpg highway ratings.
The choice to fit a larger four-cylinder gives the Verano a smoother, more confident character than it would likely have with the Cruze's 1.4-liter turbo engine, but its gas mileage just isn't as good. The Verano's gas mileage is, however, better than nearly all luxury-brand sedans its size (except for hybrids like the Lexus HS 250h and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid).
The Verano Turbo makes the base four-cylinder engine look even more compromised. It's rated at 21/30 mpg with the automatic, and 20/31 mpg with the manual transmission. That's still well off the pace of mid-size, mass-market sedans like the Altima, Accord, and Fusion, but more acceptably close to their performance-minded models.
Conclusion
Overall gas-mileage numbers are high, but in its class the Verano isn't particularly economical.
