2018 Buick LaCrosse — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) / 24 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.5L 4-cyl), returning around 35 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Buick LaCrosse workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Buick LaCrosse: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 29 mpg (UK) combined. EPA lists new engine options for 2018: 2.5L 4-cyl. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3.6L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S9) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 102 cu ft (2,888 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 29 combined / 25 urban / 36 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 24 combined / 21 city / 30 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 228 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 29 mpg (US), or 28 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/35) | 190 | $2,300 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/29) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/30) | 228 | $2,800 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse
Running Costs: 2018 Buick LaCrosse
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Buick LaCrosse at 29 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,254 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Buick LaCrosse Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Buick LaCrosse (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Service brakes (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 20V668000, reported 29 October 2020. Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of…
- Service brakes — campaign 18V576000, reported 30 August 2018. Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 18V358000, reported 31 May 2018. Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Buick LaCrosse. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (5), Engine (4), Power train (3). That is well below the median of 48 complaints across the 9 Buick LaCrosse model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 3 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 2 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (5 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 29 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 29 mpg average for Buick models in our database.
Of the 9 Buick LaCrosse model years we cover, the 2018 ranks 2nd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (29 mpg UK combined, against a high of 30 mpg). See every Buick LaCrosse year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3.6L 6-cyl with a automatic (s9).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Buick LaCrosse?
The most efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, or 24 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 35 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Buick LaCrosse (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Service brakes (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse?
Among the 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (5 complaints), Engine (4 complaints), Power train (3 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.