Overview & Reviews

When a carmaker reskins an existing car as a more upscale model, the result traditionally offers little to recommend it over the less expensive corporate twin. This is decidedly not the case with the Buick Verano. Although it's based on the Chevy Cruze, this entry-level Buick is bolstered with more than a few key upgrades.

In addition to more sophisticated styling and a nicer interior, the Buick Verano also boasts a larger engine, a quieter ride and the availability of luxury features not offered on the Chevy. It all comes together harmoniously, as the Verano is a good example of Buick's efforts to produce more modern and engaging vehicles that maintain the style, comfortable ride and quiet cabin expected of the brand.

Current Buick Verano
The Verano is a compact luxury sedan that comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. A 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is also available, and it's definitely the more appealing engine as it provides much better acceleration with a minuscule fuel economy drop. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available with it.

There are four trim levels: base, Convenience, Leather and Premium. Highlights of the base Verano include 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth (phone and audio streaming), a six-speaker sound system, OnStar telematics and Buick's Intellilink electronics interface and smartphone integration. The Convenience Group adds features including rear parking sensors, heated front seats, a power driver seat and a variety of driver warning systems (blind-spot, forward-collision, lane-departure and rear cross-traffic). The Leather Group adds keyless ignition and entry, a heated steering wheel,  leather upholstery and a Bose audio upgrade. Finally, the Premium Group is exclusive to the Turbo model and combines the Leather and Convenience features with a rear spoiler. A sunroof is optional on all Verano models, and a navigation system is optional on all except the base.

In reviews we've been impressed by the Buick Verano's precise steering and surprisingly athletic handling. Performance is more than adequate for daily driving, but the 2.4-liter is underwhelming for an entry-level premium sedan. The Turbo model is the better choice. One of the Verano's greatest strengths, however, is its compliant and quiet ride quality. Whether on a thousand-mile road trip or just running errands around town, the Buick Verano is pleasant for drivers and passengers alike.

The Buick Verano's handsome cabin provides room for four adults (though legroom in back is a bit tight for tall folks) and the overall fit and finish is on par with other entry-level luxury sedans. This Buick also offers leading-edge technology via its Intellilink system that allows streaming Internet radio like Pandora and Stitcher. Operation of Intellilink and other systems is intuitive thanks to a sharp, standard touchscreen and (admittedly abundant) accompanying buttons.

Used Buick Verano Models
The Verano debuted in 2012. In 2014, safety features such as forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems were added to the options lineup and heated front seats became standard on all Veranos except the base model.

User Reviews:

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  We LOVE this car! - 2013 Buick Verano
  By sclose - June 8 - 8:28 am

  We purchase a new Verano with the Leather Group package and some additional options. It has ALL the bells and whistles except the turbo (which I didnt want). The base engine has more than sufficient power, the six speed transmission shifts super smoothly, the handling is outstanding, and this is the quietest car we have ever riden in! The Bose music system is incredible! The rear seat handles our 6 2" grandson perfectly with plenty of leg and head room. On our last 200 mile trip through the Sierras and Feather River Canyon we got an incredible 34.5 mpg! After months of research and test driving MANY cars, we made the right choice! And its a looker too!

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  Tacky fuel-guzzler not what I expected - 2013 Buick Verano
  By bigbaddave - March 12 - 9:21 am

  We already have an Enclave, which we like, so when my wifes old Cavalier was damaged in a crash we didnt hesitate to go for the Verano. And what a mistake that was. Like the Enclave the Verano is a heavy auto for its size that guzzles fuel and unlike the Enclave, it doesnt make up for it in other ways. The dashboard knobs feel cheap and require more effort to press than the Enclave. The green-white information screen looks like a two-tone video game from the 1980s. The engine sounds like a lawnmower. I test drove the version with the more powerful engine and didnt notice much difference. The view from the back isnt great. I must say this vehicle is a real disappointment.

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  Verano vs. Semi = Verano WIN! - 2013 Buick Verano
  By momsdword - February 19 - 5:04 pm

  My husband absolutely loved his 2013 Verano. It was his "baby". Sadly, it was recently hit by a Semi truck on the freeway (Semi drivers fault). My husband is undergoing neck, back and shoulder treatments, but he walked away from this accident. The Verano did its job of protecting him. The car was totaled all the way around it, but the passenger compartment stayed in tact, airbags deployed as they were supposed to and all the exterior safety features did their job so that the most important possession inside the car (my husband) was protected. We are very impressed with the Verano and cannot say enough about this wonderful car. So grateful to it and to God for protecting my husband!

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  2013 Verano - very nice luxury compact! - 2013 Buick Verano
  By lrinnc - January 24 - 8:59 am

  Ive had many small to medium sedans, but this time I wanted a domestic near-luxury compact instead of expensive foreign makes or the usual mid-sized choices. The Verano fit the bill perfectly. Tasteful two-tone interior, understated exterior styling, and perfect size for an empty-nester or young professional. The base motor is only average in terms of power and MPG, but the overall goodness of the car for the price is undeniable. The well-equipped base model seems to be the best value, if you can do without the Convenience or Leather packages.

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  Blown Away! - 2012 Buick Verano
  By cadilew - October 23 - 9:02 pm

  I will confess I got into my Verano thanks to an almost unbelievable lease offer. Thought Id use it as a second car for the price and limited mileage. Once I got behind the wheel and drove it for a few hundred miles I honestly felt deprived when I got behind the wheel of my Lexus LS 430! The Verano is quieter, smoother and has more features than cars costing many multiples of its price tag. Sold my Lexus and am driving the Verano on a daily basis now. Could not be happier! Already dreading the day my lease deal ends. Hopefully Buick will have another offer that comes close to what I currently have so I can stay behind the wheel of a Verano for another couple years...

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  Luxury and sport in a tidy package. - 2013 Buick Verano
  By normsky - August 17 - 7:23 am

  The Verano is a delight to drive with the radio off and the climate control turn down low. When on the phone using Bluetooth most dont know I am in the car on the highway. The laminated front glass areas do a great job of eliminating wind noise as most manufacturer wouldnt do. The ride is smooth and quiet yet sporty when you need it. The steering is very quick to response and it matches the responsiveness of the brakes. Highway fuel economy exceeds EPA estimates even with AC blasting. The seats are great on long trips as the foam density is about the best I have recently experienced, yet hugging you for a sporty feel.

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  Nice upgrade from previous vehicle - 2013 Buick Verano
  By sociallygifted - August 13 - 5:56 pm

  In all I truly enjoy the bells and whistles that Buick has established for my age group 35-40 yr old. I wanted to support america this go around and decided to purchase from an American car maker. Who knows the roads better than the soil that the cars are being manufactured. Im glad that Ive purchased this vehicle! For the price point compared to other vehicle options, I dont believe that you will be disappointed.

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  defroster vent stays open - 2012 Buick Verano
  By larrylp - July 24 - 12:38 pm

  Condensation builds up on the exterior front window when running the air conditioner. The dealer said this was because the defroster vent NEVER completley closes allowing cold air to exit. In certain temperature/humidity condensation forms. The windshield wiper must be run to allow visibility. Dealer states designed that way. No fix

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  Update of 7/13/13 review - 2013 Buick Verano
  By ohheck - July 24 - 10:20 am

  A new problem since my review. 3 blocks from my dealer, the Climate Control quit blowing cold air and started pumping out high heat like the heater was on. I pulled into the dealer, the Service Adviser acknowledged the problem as did the Service Mgr. The S/A got the cold air working again, so I pulled out of the dealership and the cold air quit again. I returned and the dealer put me in a loaner and said they would call later that day. When they did, the S/A told me that the mechanic couldnt get the Climate Control to fail, so nothing was wrong. I do not recommend the Verano to anyone and will return to buying foreign as soon as my short term lease is up. Enough is enough.

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  interior noise - 2013 Buick Verano
  By wmhgh - July 16 - 8:29 pm

  I thought "Luxury" meant quiet. The road noise is unbearable. I took it back to the dealer and they had me drive another one. Same thing. It sounds like youre driving with the door half open. Very disabbointing