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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  Definitely worth the money. - 2012 Buick Verano
  By newcarnow4 - September 2 - 10:17 pm

  I have to say I was very much on the fence with this car. It was get a Toyota or go back to Buick. Ive had two other Buicks in my lifetime. After researching on Edmunds and test driving I went with the Verano. So far I have been very pleased. This is an incredibly nice ride and the options you get for the money paid are amazing. Now the gas mileage seems average and the back room seat could be bigger, but this really is a lot of luxury for the price and I am happy in the end I got it. If you are undecided give it a test drive. Smooth ride and handling, adequate power, lots of bells and whistles put me over the top.

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  Great car for the money - 2012 Buick Verano
  By fredh1 - August 31 - 2:34 pm

  Ive owned it for 6 mos. After I bought it, I learned that this is the best selling car in CHINA. So, GMs built likely a million of these things by now and I think theyve got it down. No problems whatsoever so far, rare for a first year model. Likes: VERY quiet smooth autostick tranny fast enough for any legal driving GREAT handling (tires on this small car are same size as my former 300C Special) OnStar (they do Everything!) fold down rear seats: comfort/interior appearance. Best integration of tech systems of all current Buick models. Dislikes: Short legroom reat seats (but OK in a pinch for 4 adults) needs full power on both front seats cheap looking ext. fender seams.

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  Heads up - - 2012 Buick Verano
  By johnpac - August 28 - 1:47 pm

  I bought my Verano in April, 2012 - I really like the comfort, especially on long drives, and the styling compares with cars several thousands more expensive. However, I would warn you, it is a bit under-powered - not scary weak, but not quite as quick as, say, a Camry. Also, within 2 months I noticed black soot at the tailpipe. Its been looked at twice by the dealers service mgr, who says he called GM about it, and there is little that can be done because it has to do with valve timing. I dont think this qualifies as a "LEMON"-type deficiency, but it is a disappointment. If you can live with cleaning the tailpipe every couple weeks, take a hard look at this car.

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  My First Car Domestic Car! - 2012 Buick Verano
  By sunny45 - July 24 - 8:10 pm

  After three Toyotas, I have changed. Ive had this car for a week and love it! Not only is it beautiful, but it has great handling on the road. The car is very comfortable and I love the the quiet interior (Oh sorry..."Quitetuning". This car is of a better value that most cars this size and within the compact sedan category. Thanks Buick for thinking about those of us that want luxury in a compact and making it worth our money.

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  "WOW!" - 2012 Buick Verano
  By ekl21801 - July 5 - 5:02 pm

  Buick is definitely not your grandfathers or your fathers Buick anymore! Coming from a 37 year old Ford man, I am completely impressed. Great car for the price and Ive looked at all the other car brands just to be unbiased and none could touch the Verano in any categories except maybe speed. Still pretty quick though. Homerun there Buick!

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  Love my Buicks - 2012 Buick Verano
  By bearsgt53 - May 20 - 5:52 pm

  I purchased this vehicle little over a month ago. It is super quiet, great gas mileage and loaded with ammenities. The only cons that i have for this car is the gas filler neck is located on the right side of the car instead of being on the drivers side, also it only has one 12 volt outlet. Would loved to have at least two of them. This is my third Buick ( 96 Regal, 2005 Lacrosse and now this Verano). This has to be the quietest buick so far. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that loves a quiet and smooth riding car.

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  Surprised! - 2012 Buick Verano
  By lukestrawalker - May 1 - 8:04 pm

  I have always been a horsepower junkie. I had visions of my next car being a Challenger R/T with pistol grip. I have been holding out,waiting for Panther Pink,Sub-lime or another funkie retro Mopar color to make a come back.My wife came home from work three weeks ago talking about this car that had shown up at the local Government Motors dealership.She kept talking about this car.Then a little over a week ago she told me she wanted to go test drive the car to get it "out of her system". I have only been excited about three cars in the last 15 years.The above mentioned Challenger,5 series BMW sedan,and now a Buick of all things!The Verano has totally shocked me!!!!

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  Its Almost too Good to be True - 2012 Buick Verano
  By superpowers - April 21 - 11:48 pm

  Ive been driving my Verano for almost a month. I immediatley drove down Topanga Cyn Blvd. to Malibu Beach. If you arent familiar with the area... Its a windy road that passes through mountain terrain and ends at the California coast. The Verano handled every turn with ease. I could definitely tell that this vehicle was designed in Europe (from Opel). I was surpised how sturdy and quiet the interior felt through out the ride. When my friends see the interior, they cant believe its a Buick. The build quality, and the quality of the materials used is probably above most if not all in its class.

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  My First american car! - 2012 Buick Verano
  By sothernkimb - April 18 - 12:47 pm

  Took delivery om my White Diamond Verano about 6 weeks ago. I will contiune to update as it ages. This car was bar none the best compact luxury car I looked at. I traded in my Acura for it! The Verano is very quiet, and it feels very solid. It has all the luxury features i need. Im very happy with the cars overall performance. Several of my friends have driven this car (all import owners) and they too have come away impressed. Good job Buick, you snagged this 35yr old as a new customer. I never thought Id own a Buick.

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  under 700miles and major transmission problem - 2012 Buick Verano
  By unhappy2012 - April 13 - 11:55 pm

  To say I am unhappy is an understatement. Spent too much on this car buying it new, but feeling assured that I would not have "problems" with it. At 550 ck engine light came on and transmission shifting was a hard jump with lights flashing. Turned car off, drove a bit more, transmission problem gone but check engine light still on, took to dealership. Computer cks showed no problem, service dept drove car for several days, no prob. Same prob a 2nd time and car stuck in low gear, only go 35mi/hr gear did not shift,cruise cntrl not working,drove straight to dealer, Buick sent a part to hopefully fix car.My old car was reliable,now I have an unreliable expensive new car. Stuck with a LEMON