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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  New owner - 2012 Buick Verano
  By veranowner - March 31 - 12:35 pm

  I just picked up my car from the dealership and Im very excited about it. The ride home was so smooth and quiet. There was plenty of power on the highway and the ride definitely felt luxurious. I understand that Im coming from a Vibe, (which is an awesome car, btw) but even so, for just a little more money, I feel like Ive moved into a much higher class. Im excited for Buick with this car. Once the word gets out that the Verano is a great value, I hope people will support it. The one thing Im nervous about is reliability. Ive had zero problems with my Vibe and it has 110,000 miles. If the Verano can come close to that, Ill be happy for Buick, and for me, too. Will update.

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  Buick Verano 2012 - 2012 Buick Verano
  By jim992 - March 4 - 9:21 am

  We recently purchased a Buick Verano 2012 in January we previously had a 2008 Infiniti G . We are very pleased with the Verano it actually has a quiter and more comfortable ride than the G it is comparable in size and about 12000 dollars cheaper.

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  American Auto is Back! - 2012 Buick Verano
  By jerseyboys - February 21 - 8:02 pm

  The Buick Verano is amazing. Its has european handling, smooth ride, and looks better than my coworkers BMW, Plexus, and Mercedes.

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  Buick Verano - 2012 Buick Verano
  By carman14 - January 10 - 7:18 am

  Just picked this car up yesterday for the little lady. So far this car exceeds all expectations. Rides as quiet as a library, holds road tight and looks like mpg beats out what I expected. Interior is what sold me on this car. Comes with combination of fabric and leatherette ( looks like leather at first) Intellimark Radio with voice recognition is remarkable. Takes a bit to understand all but well worth it. Fit and finish looks good, 18" wheels, nice touch for base model. Only downside was is that seats are manual unless you upgrade to next level. Exterior looks like a mini Regal which I feel is an elegant car too. Car based on Cruze platform which I rented but does not come close GM nice !

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  2012 Verano review - 2012 Buick Verano
  By tomf25 - December 11 - 4:04 pm

  I am a retired Chevy dealer (forty years) so I have had many many new cars in that time. On December 9, 2011 I picked up my new Verano and I must say it is one of the nicest cars I have ever driven. I like it even better than the 2010 LaCrosse I traded in. Congratulations Buick, you hit a home run!! Tom Forsyth

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  Boring - 2012 Buick Verano
  By Jimmy - May 28 - 9:07 am

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  Be different... - 2014 Buick Verano
  By Vince - April 12 - 1:50 pm

  With roads filled with Camrys, Accords, and Fusions, why not take a look at the Buick Verano, a nice entry level luxury sedan. Built on the same platform as the Chevy Cruze, and thats where the comparison stops. Buick designed a completely different body and shares few interior parts. It is conservatively styled and elegant. When compared in looks to its siblings the Verano fits right in but as a compact. It has a classy quite interior with comfortable seating. The rear will be a little cramped for some. The 2.4 180 HP engine with 6 speed automatic transmission is refined and smooth. This is the same engine used for the larger base Regal. I average around 23 MPG, not great but considering the ride and smooth shifting transmission its no sacrifice. The cabin environment is very inviting and features 10 airbags. I have the convenience group in mine, it adds auto night adjusting rear view mirror, partial power drivers seat, lane change warning, frontal collision warning, heated seats, side warning system added to the standard back up camera, all this added to a long list of standard equipment. There is a pretty user friendly infotainment system with voice command blue tooth, standard. The dash has some clutter but glows light blue at night. 18" alloy wheels are standard. The Verano feels like a larger car and offers excellent value. You wont look like everyone else driving one.

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  LUXURY, FUNCTIONALITY, QUALITY and STYLE - 2013 Buick Verano
  By tazbo - January 9 - 11:37 am

  My Buick Verano has proven to be an exceptional vehicle, both while running daily errands and taking long road trips. The ride is solid and smooth and acceleration is always there when needed. The interior design is stylish and all instrumentation and controls are laid out with functionality as a guideline. Seats are very comfortable, but rear seat leg room is easily decreased, if there are tall front seat passengers. The trunk can handle a good amount of luggage or cargo, and even more if the rear seats are folded down. In summing this Buick Verano up... this vehicle has luxury, functionality, quality and style for a reasonable price and it looks so sporty, even when just sitting on the driveway. After 8 months of loving this Buick Verano, needed to trade it in for a larger SUV to accommodate transporting grandchildren and young nieces and nephews when moved to Florida. I would still highly recommend the Buick Verano to couples who do not need space for other people. It was perfect for just my wife and me... but it really cant handle others, with us both being in the 6 height range.

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  White Diamond Cruiser - 2014 Buick Verano
  By Ramey - November 13 - 9:25 pm

  One of the best build cars I have owned out of about 20 new cars, quiet, smooth ride. Triple door gaskets and glass with a laminate sandwiched in the middle. The build quality for a car in this price range is amazing.My sister and Mother each bought one also and love them. If Buick keeps building cars like this they will keep customers happy!

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  Affordable luxury - 2013 Buick Verano
  By Dan W. - February 18 - 7:08 pm

  Great car for the price. Affordable luxury for the average guy.