2012 Buick Verano Review

MPG-o-Matic 2012 Buick Verano Review Summary: Buick aims high with the Verano sedan, targeting imported luxury marquees from Lexus and Acura to Audi and Volvo, with a price that undercuts the competition. With a smooth and exceptionally quiet ride, the Verano challenges what has come to be convention. The Verano’s FlexFuel engine and its ability to utilize E85 provides a clear advantage in geographic areas where ethanol is plentiful and significantly less expensive than unleaded gasoline. As gasoline prices continue to rise, this capability will become increasingly important.

The 2012 Buick Verano is equipped with a direct-injected 2.4-liter inline four cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The DOHC FlexFuel four produces 180 horsepower and 171 foot pounds of torque. The Verano’s capability to run E85 ethanol offers a significant advantage in certain geographic locations, in these uncertain times.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2012 Buick Verano are 21 city / 32 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We traveled well over 400 miles in our Crystal Red 1SL review unit and waved to the official mileage estimates, with an average of 34.8 MPG on the Interstate highway and 29.6 MPG combined with temperatures ranging from the thirties through the sixties.

While the Verano’s no rocket on rails, the 2.4-liter Ecotech four clears the launch pad with ease.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 34.6 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 35 MPG

Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the low fifties. Our test vehicle was equipped with the standard 18-inch machine-faced alloy wheels, clad with 235/45R18 Continental ContiProContact tires, and was delivered with slightly under 2500 miles on the odometer.

Highway driving range is good. The Verano is fitted with a 15.6 gallon fuel tank, and is designed to run on regular unleaded or E85. The trailer towing maximum rating is 1000 pounds.

The Verano is equipped with four-wheel-disc brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and ABS. The front discs are vented 11.8-in diameter discs, with 11.5-inch vented discs in the rear. The Verano tips the scales at 3,300 pounds.

The monochrome Driver Information Center provides a wealth of data, including tire pressure, oil life, and fuel range, along with those essential average and instant fuel economy displays.

What you may have heard about the Verano is true. The cabin is exceptionally quiet. Buick’s use of acoustic laminated glass and sound absorption materials turn the sedan into a veritable library on wheels.

Our tester was fitted with the 1SL Leather Group option package. The front buckets have three-level heating, with six-way power adjustment in the driver’s seat. The front passenger bucket seat provides eight-way manual adjustment. The beefy leather-wrapped steering wheel provides full controls and is heated as well. Adjustable lumbar support is not offered.

Parking chores are eased with ultrasonic rear parking assistance.

Buick Intellilink and a 9-speaker Bose audio system clearly demonstrate that this isn’t your Grandpa’s Buick, with all the goodies, including a seven-inch LCD display, XM Radio, and Pandora-integration. Handsfree Bluetooth, OnStar and USB input are standard. iPod integration is good, although we experienced some hiccups with our old iPhone 3G.

There are two twelve-volt outlets: one concealed at the base of the dash, and one at the back of the center console. The USB and auxiliary audio inputs are located inside the center console.

The back seat provides 37.8 inches of headroom and 33.9 inches of legroom. The fold-down center armrest provides two drink holders for passengers so inclined.

The Verano’s trunk provides as much as 15.2 cubic feet of storage. The amount of storage space drops to 14 cubic feet if equipped with the spare tire/jack kit and Bose premium audio system. The 60/40 rear seat folds down to accommodate longer items.

All-in-all, the 2012 Buick Verano succeeds by delivering a quiet ride and solid fuel economy, at a price significantly below many of its competitors. The Verano’s FlexFuel-capable engine should put it at the top of the short list in geographic locations where E85 ethanol is plentiful and markedly less expensive than unleaded gasoline.

Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 60%
Final Assembly Point: Lake Orion, MI
Country of Origin:
Engine – United States
Transmission – United States

– by Daniel Gray