The Verano, now in its fourth year of production, is a small luxury sedan that seats four comfortably and five in a pinch. It features up-to-date electronics, with several safety systems that appeared as options for the 2014 models and are now standard for all but the base model.
A comfortable and luxurious interior along with a quiet ride put the Verano squarely in the luxury market with a more economical price tag than many of its competitors.
What's New for 2015
For the new model year, the Verano stays very much the same as in the previous year. An exception is an upgraded version of the OnStar system featuring 4G LTE technology; it’s faster than the previous version and its coverage range extends beyond that of many smartphones. The Verano also now comes standard with a built-in WiFi hotspot with a 3-month trial for this service.
Choosing Your Buick Verano
While the Verano’s list of standard features is long and upscale, there are still a few choices that allow buyers to add customized touches.
First up, there’s a choice of engines. An Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the standard equipment. It peaks at 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque and comes connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. For drivers wanting a sportier driving experience, the available Ecotec 2-liter turbocharged engine produces 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Buyers of this engine choose between a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
Estimated fuel economy is similar between the two engines. The 2.4-liter averages 25 mpg in combined driving while the 2-liter turbo earns a combined 24 mpg with either transmission.
Four trim groups cover a host of possible features, and many of them are standard equipment.
The Buick Verano delivers comfort, convenience and luxury in all models. If you like power with your luxury you’ll probably prefer the Premium turbo model, although the non-turbo engine produces enough power for most day-to-day driving situations.