2014 Buick Lacrosse vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

Buick's LaCrosse is its biggest sedan, but it's a straddler--between mid-size and full-size, between mainstream and luxury.

It's a cousin to the new Chevy Impala, another well-received four-door that can be priced nearly as high as the LaCrosse, with an additional four-cylinder engine option for the truly penny-pinching buyer.

It's not quite as nicely finished as the Buick, though.

The Lexus ES sedan now comes in gas-only and hybrid flavors, and is the best-looking sedan Lexus builds--and it's even become more interesting to drive, too.

There's more of a performance emphasis in the Nissan Maxima, which is slightly smaller than the LaCrosse, but it also appeals to those who value rich interior appointments.

The Acura TL might be perceived more as a true luxury sedan, though it's also front- or all-wheel drive; with a six-speed manual, it's more of a driver's car.

The Hyundai Genesis has rear-wheel drive and a choice of V-6 or V-8 engines, and it's an especially strong value.

None of these models are as fuel-efficient as the LaCrosse, except for the all-new Lexus ES 300h, a hybrid model that achieves 40 mpg city, 39 highway.