Summer's Setting: The Buick Verano Says Adios (Quick Review)

From my throwback files: My tester 2013 Buick Verano. I stopped at my old elementary school to take pictures.

Following up my other recent posts on cars we’re saying goodbye to in the near future, here’s another odd departure in my book: The Buick Verano. The smallest Buick currently on sale in the United States, the Verano was introduced in the 2012 model year and filled a void in the brand’s lineup that was last occupied by the Skylark in the 90s. It looks as if there will be a 2017 model year Verano, although I imagine it’ll be an abbreviated run. Quick fun fact: “Verano” means “summer” in Spanish. So now, why do I think this is an odd decision that this model is being discontinued in North America? Because Buick’s sales figures haven’t been bad in recent years, and the Verano is selling especially well in Canada. The Verano’s sales did fall this year in the United States, while the compact Encore’s sales rose. Overall, Buick’s sales as a brand fell 5.45 percent through June 2016.

The "eyelash" chrome accents on the trunk seem to highlight the Buick logo on the trunk. I found the Mocha Bronze Metallic color on my tester with Cashmere leather to be a very nice combo. This model even had back-up sensors and a rear view camera. LED taillights would be nice, however.

I had a chance to test drive a new 2013 Verano, and I was satisfied (though not totally blown away) at the effort that was put into the car. Garber Buick in Saginaw, Michigan assisted me that day and has been excellent throughout the years with helping my family get the best deals possible on our new cars. I highly recommend them! My brown tester was fully loaded with everything, and had navigation, leather, blind-spot monitoring, push-button start, heated seats and steering wheel, Bose premium sound, and a sunroof. The car drove smoothly and was mostly quiet overall, just what you’d expect from a Buick. However, it wasn’t particularly sporty or quick, a stark contrast from Buick’s other somewhat-compact sedan offering, the Regal. Granted, my tester wasn’t the turbocharged model, which uses a version of the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder that’s used in the Buick Regal. But rather, it had a decent (but noisy at high RPMs) 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and gets a little over 30 mpg highway.

Push button start was standard on this top-of-the-line Verano, as was navigation, heated seats, XM Radio, and a suite of other convenience features. It was a very luxurious, though cramped, environment.

Even turbo models don’t come with a sport-tuned suspension or any appearance upgrades besides a little red “T” on the trunk that lets you know you’re driving a special Verano. But rather, to satisfy those who want a little more “style” and “flare” in their compact Buick, the brand introduced a Sport Touring trim for the 2016 model year. Personally, I think it looks nice. However, if you’re looking for the Sport Touring specific styling treatments (such as blacked out rims, etc.) with the turbocharged engine, sorry… Not possible. Other impressions I had of the Verano was that while the interior was comfortable up front, the rear seat area was INCREDIBLY tight, even with the front seats moved forward. Trunk space was fine, although the rear end might look even more upscale by including LED stoplights and turn signals on higher trim levels. Same goes for the front end, which would look more upscale with the addition of LED running lights.

Setting Sail
So again, why do I think saying goodbye to the Verano is strange? Besides its sales numbers holding up well in Canada and Buick’s successful global resurgence, compact cars are very hot right now. And for years, the Verano has had a monopoly in its segment, as its next nearest competitor, the Acura ILX, doesn’t sell nearly as well as it does! I see these little Buicks all over, and I can literally go a few weeks without seeing any Acura ILXs on the road. You would think Buick would want to keep an asset like that in its lineup. Sure, you could argue the also-compact Encore SUV crossover is selling very well too. But I’m talking specifically about compact SEDANS for now. Additionally, a redesigned Verano is going on sale in China, and like most new Buicks, looks as if it’s going to be a very solid car. As I previously mentioned, in contrast to Canadian market figures, Buick’s sales in the U.S. fell some earlier this year. This puts Buick in somewhat of an ironic situation, because a new Verano could very possibly inject some new luxury spirit into a seemingly aging lineup.

The redesigned Chinese Buick Verano. Unfortunately, it appears as if we won't see it here in the United States.

Alas, this is all mainly based on my analysis of the situation. And based on my impression, the Verano is a decently luxurious and feature-packed sedan that should satisfy many buyers in its segment. What is your impression of the Verano and of the overall Buick lineup right now? Personally, Buick has become one of my favorites brands. It’ll be interesting to see if this model is replaced or brought back in the future after some redevelopment.

Grading

Engine Power/Economy: B- (7 points)

Quietness: A- (8.5 points)

Interior Quality/Comfort: B- (6.5 points)

Driving Dynamics: B (7.5 points)

Cargo Capacity: B (7 points)

Overall: 36.5/50 (C)

Other Specs:

Engines Available: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (180 horsepower), 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (250 horsepower)

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Fuel Economy Ratings: 21 city/32 highway (2.4), 21 city/30 highway (2.0 turbo)

Model Pricing (2016): $21,990 (Base 1SV) - $29,595 (Premium Turbo)

Trim Levels: 1SV (Base), Verano, Sport Touring, Leather, Premium Turbo

Available/Standard Safety Systems: Blind-Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Various Airbags (Front, Side, Rear Seat Side, Curtain, Knees), Tire Pressure Monitor, Advanced Brake Assist, Anti-Lock Brakes, Stability Control, Traction Control, Rear Backup Camera, Rear Park Assist

Key Competition: Acura ILX, Volkswagen Jetta (SEL)

Crash Test Results:

IIHS Offset: Good

IIHS Small Overlap: N/A

IIHS Side: Good

Roof Strength: Good

Head Restraints & Seats: Good

Star Ratings: Frontal Driver- 5 Stars   Frontal Passenger- 5 Stars   Front Side- 5 Stars   Rear Side- 5 Stars   Rollover- 4 Stars

On the Adam's Autos "Should You Buy It?" scale of "Drool, Cool, Meh, or Bleh": The Verano is "Meh"... So lease it or rent it.

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