Hey guys! Let's dive into the fuel efficiency of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse. If you're considering buying one or already own this sleek sedan, understanding its gas mileage is super important. We'll cover everything from the EPA estimates to real-world performance, so you know exactly what to expect at the pump. Let's get started!

Official EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

First off, let’s talk about what the EPA says. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides fuel economy ratings that give you a baseline for how a vehicle should perform in different driving conditions. For the 2017 Buick LaCrosse, the EPA estimates vary slightly depending on the engine configuration. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, which is what you'll find in most models, typically achieves around 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. These numbers are pretty solid for a car of this size and class. Keep in mind, though, that these are just estimates. Your actual mileage can vary based on a number of factors, which we'll get into later.

For those interested in the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version, the EPA ratings usually stand at 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, culminating in a combined estimate of 25 mpg. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model, expect those numbers to dip slightly. The AWD LaCrosse is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of around 23 mpg. The difference isn't huge, but it's something to consider if you do a lot of city driving or frequently need the extra traction of all-wheel drive.

One of the reasons the 2017 LaCrosse achieves these respectable numbers is its engine technology. The 3.6-liter V6 is equipped with features like direct injection and cylinder deactivation, which help to optimize fuel consumption. Direct injection ensures that fuel is delivered precisely into the combustion chamber, improving efficiency, while cylinder deactivation allows the engine to run on fewer cylinders when full power isn't needed. This is particularly useful during steady highway cruising, where the engine can switch to running on just four cylinders, saving you gas without sacrificing performance.

Another factor influencing the LaCrosse's fuel economy is its transmission. The 2017 model comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is designed to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range. More gears mean the engine can stay closer to its optimal RPM, whether you're accelerating from a stop or maintaining speed on the highway. This not only improves fuel economy but also provides smoother and more responsive performance.

Real-World Gas Mileage Experience

Now, let's get to the real-world stuff. While the EPA estimates are a good starting point, they don't always reflect how a car performs in everyday driving conditions. Several factors can affect your actual gas mileage, including your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and even the weather. Many drivers report that they see figures close to the EPA estimates, but it's not uncommon to experience some variation.

Driving Habits: How you drive can have a significant impact on your fuel economy. Aggressive driving, such as frequent hard acceleration and braking, can decrease your MPG. Smooth, steady driving, on the other hand, can help you achieve better fuel efficiency. Try to anticipate traffic conditions and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway can also make a big difference.

Road Conditions: The type of roads you drive on also plays a role. City driving, with its stop-and-go traffic and lower speeds, tends to be less fuel-efficient than highway driving. Hills and other inclines can also reduce your MPG, as the engine has to work harder to maintain speed. If you live in an area with a lot of hills, you might find that your fuel economy is lower than the EPA estimates.

Weather Conditions: Believe it or not, even the weather can affect your gas mileage. Cold weather, in particular, can decrease fuel efficiency. When temperatures drop, the engine takes longer to warm up, and it runs less efficiently during the warm-up period. Additionally, cold air is denser, which increases aerodynamic drag and makes the engine work harder. Using the air conditioning in hot weather can also reduce your MPG, as the engine has to power the AC compressor.

Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial for maintaining good fuel economy. Keeping your tires properly inflated, changing your oil regularly, and replacing air filters when needed can all help to improve your MPG. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder to move the car. Dirty air filters restrict airflow to the engine, reducing its efficiency. Regular tune-ups can also ensure that your engine is running optimally.

Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency

Alright, let's break down the nitty-gritty of what influences the 2017 Buick LaCrosse's fuel efficiency. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about how you drive and maintain your car to maximize your MPG.

Engine and Transmission

The heart of any car's fuel efficiency is its engine and transmission. The 2017 LaCrosse primarily features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which balances power and efficiency. As mentioned earlier, this engine incorporates direct injection and cylinder deactivation. Direct injection sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber, allowing for more precise fuel metering and combustion. Cylinder deactivation can shut off two of the engine's six cylinders when they're not needed, such as during steady highway cruising. This reduces fuel consumption without sacrificing performance when you need it.

The eight-speed automatic transmission also plays a significant role. With more gears, the transmission can keep the engine operating in its most efficient RPM range. This means the engine doesn't have to work as hard to maintain speed, whether you're accelerating or cruising. The result is better fuel economy and a smoother driving experience.

Weight and Aerodynamics

The weight of the vehicle and its aerodynamic design also affect fuel efficiency. The 2017 LaCrosse is a fairly large sedan, which means it's heavier than smaller cars. More weight requires more energy to move, so heavier cars tend to have lower MPG. However, Buick has made efforts to improve the LaCrosse's aerodynamics, which helps to reduce drag and improve fuel economy at higher speeds. The sleek design and optimized airflow contribute to better efficiency on the highway.

Driving Conditions and Habits

As we've touched on, your driving habits and the conditions you drive in can have a major impact on your gas mileage. If you frequently accelerate hard, brake suddenly, or drive at high speeds, you'll likely see a decrease in fuel efficiency. Stop-and-go traffic is also a killer for MPG, as the engine has to work harder to accelerate from a standstill. On the other hand, smooth, consistent driving at moderate speeds can help you maximize your fuel economy.

The type of roads you drive on also matters. Highway driving is generally more fuel-efficient than city driving, as you can maintain a steady speed and avoid frequent stops and starts. Hills and inclines can reduce MPG, as the engine has to work harder to climb them. If you live in a hilly area, you might consider using cruise control to maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel economy.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your 2017 Buick LaCrosse running efficiently. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and air filter replacements can all help to improve your MPG. Dirty oil can increase friction in the engine, reducing its efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder to move the car. A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing its performance and fuel economy.

Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage

Okay, so you know all about the factors that affect fuel efficiency. Now, let's talk about what you can do to improve your gas mileage in your 2017 Buick LaCrosse. These tips are simple and easy to implement, and they can make a noticeable difference at the pump.

• Drive Smoothly: Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Try to anticipate traffic conditions and maintain a steady speed.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Keep your tires properly inflated, change your oil regularly, and replace air filters when needed.
• Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary items from your car to reduce weight and improve fuel economy.
• Use Cruise Control: On the highway, use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed and improve MPG.
• Avoid Idling: If you're stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save fuel.
• Plan Your Trips: Combine errands into a single trip to reduce the number of cold starts, which are less fuel-efficient.
• Check Your Tire Pressure: Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy.
• Use the Recommended Fuel: Using the correct grade of fuel can optimize your engine's performance and efficiency.
• Keep Your Engine Tuned: Regular tune-ups can ensure that your engine is running efficiently.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The 2017 Buick LaCrosse offers respectable fuel economy for its class, thanks to its efficient engine, transmission, and aerodynamic design. While the EPA estimates provide a good baseline, your actual gas mileage can vary depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance practices. By following the tips outlined above, you can maximize your MPG and save money at the pump. Drive smart, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!