Below the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, you have the sub-luxury segment that includes well-equipped sedans that don’t quite hold the brand cachet as the true luxury cars, like the Buick LaCrosse and Toyota Avalon. While the Avalon and LaCrosse are great alternatives for those who refuse to pay big bucks for a badge, which is the better alternative: LaCrosse or Avalon? We took a deep dive into the Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse to see which is the better choice. Continue reading to find out what we think.
See a side-by-side comparison of the LaCrosse & Avalon »
What the LaCrosse Gets Right
At $30,495, the Buick LaCrosse has a massive price advantage over the Avalon. This gives buyers a $5,925 cushion to pocket or add more features with. The LaCrosse also boast a legit upscale look inside and out, while the Avalon tries a little too hard to reach for sportiness.
Inside, the LaCrosse’s noise cancelling system keeps the cabin pin-drop quiet. This plays a big role in making this sedan feel even more upscale.
With a 310-horsepower V6 engine, the LaCrosse has a slight power advantage over its Toyota rival. The LaCrosse is also more athletic in the corners, giving more of that sports sedan feel premium-sedan buyers seek. Also, the LaCrosse’s optional all-wheel drive exposes a massive void in the Avalon lineup in cooler climates where snow can trap front-wheel-drive vehicles.
What the Avalon Gets Right
The Avalon’s new look appeals to the younger buyer thanks to its sportier face. Despite the sporty intentions its body puts out there, the Avalon is well-mannered on the road, delivering a super comfortable ride that's almost unmatched outside of true luxury sedans.
Inside, the Avalon delivers one of the most comfortable cabins in its class with nicely shaped seats that are supportive and soft, over 40 inches of leg room in the rear, and lots of room for all five passengers. And with up to 16.1 cubic feet of trunk space, the Avalon totes 1.1 cubes more than the LaCrosse.
While the Avalon is significantly pricier than the LaCrosse, the value is there. The Toyota Avalon comes loaded to the grille with tons of features, including standard 17-inch wheels, a moonroof, leatherette seating, a seven-inch driver information display, five USB ports, a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and more.
Finally, the Avalon is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus and comes standard with all the latest safety gadgets like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, and emergency assistance.
The Older Crowd May Prefer the Buick
Buick has done a great job shaking the grandfather-car feel, but the LaCrosse is still better suited for the older crowd that prefers simpler luxury.
Verdict: Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon does a great job aiming at the younger crowd with its new looks and loads of tech. The Buick LaCrosse runs a tight race against the Avalon, but the Avalon’s roomier rear seat, more-premium features, and sportier look puts it ahead of the Buick by a nose.
Take a closer look at the Buick LaCrosse »
Take a closer look at the Toyota Avalon »
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