2012 Buick Verano vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

Nailing down the Verano's competitive set is quite the task.

That's because there really aren't any direct ones now—though we expect there to be more offerings in its class, like the Lincoln MKC and an upcoming smaller Acura sedan, within a year or two.

For now, the somewhat sportier-feeling Acura TSX is a possible sedan to cross-shop, though the Acura isn't up to the Verano's standards of smooth and quiet.

Audi's A3 is a hatchback for now, but it's about the same size and price; for the same money, you definitely get more of everything in the Verano, but there's no all-wheel drive offered in the Buick.

The Infiniti G25 and Lexus IS 250 are two other rivals; both are rear-wheel drive sedans, primarily, with cramped backseats compared to the Verano and less comfort, but they're sportier.

Slightly downmarket from the Verano is the Chrysler 200; in theory, Chrysler intends to make the same sort of statement with upper trims of the 200, but it simply doesn't feel luxurious in the same way as the Verano.