The Verano is more affordable than just about anything else in its segment, leaving it without any true competitor.
The short 2017 run, however, leaves it with a less premium equipment list than in the past.
The Acura ILX may be the next closest thing to the Verano—it's not quite as comfortable, but a mid-life revamp has given it more power and luxury touches than it once had.
The Audi A3 is new this past year and drives well, but offers fewer options and at a higher price.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a little firmer on the road than the Verano, but its extra-stylish looks and unmatched cachet might make it worth the extra coin.
Meanwhile, the Chevy Cruze has moved on; it received a thorough redesign for the 2017 model year, moving to a new platform.
The Lexus IS offers better driving dynamics, making it more of a sport sedan than ultra-soft luxury car.
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 2017 Buick VeranoBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Acura ILXBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Audi A3Browse Used Listings |  2017 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Lexus ISBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2017 Buick Verano delivers quiet and comfort but the most appealing engine, the 2.0-liter turbo, doesn't return for the final run. Buyers should look for deals on this lame-duck car. |
The 2017 Acura ILX isn't long on glamor, but it's a focused and comfortable compact sedan on the first rung of the luxury ladder. |
If you can live with its tiny rear seat, the 2017 Audi S3 is an absolute hoot to drive. |
The 2017 Chevy Cruze adds a hatch to the family that retains the same good ride and ample space, without being boomy or loud. |
The 2017 Lexus IS gets a new face and more advanced safety features that help it become a viable rival to German and American competitors. |
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a sharp-looking sedan that washes its hands of back-seat space, and stuns us in CLA45 AMG trim. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $21,065 | $27,990 | $31,200 | $16,975 | $37,825 | $32,400 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas/4-cyl | Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan w/1SV | Sedan | 2.0 TFSI Premium FWD | 4-Door Sedan 1.4L L w/1SM | IS Turbo F Sport RWD | CLA 250 Coupe |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| 4 | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Cabriolet | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/Manual Shift | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Manual | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2017 Buick Verano vs. 2017 Acura ILX | 2017 Buick Verano vs. 2017 Audi A3 | 2017 Buick Verano vs. 2017 Chevrolet Cruze | 2017 Buick Verano vs. 2017 Lexus IS | 2017 Buick Verano vs. 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class | |
