The Five Things We Dislike About The Buick Verano
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Last month, we told you about the five things we absolutely and positively love about the Buick Verano. But as is usually the case with any product, there are five things we would like to see improved — and the Verano is no exception. So, here are the five things we dislike, and therefore would change, about the Buick Verano.
2.4 Liter Ecotec Engine
The 2.4L Ecotec found in the non-turbo Verano isn’t a bad engine. It’s just not that good, either. The 2.4 LEA is rather coarse and unrefined, even though it makes adequate — but not stellar — power. The same can be said for the compact car’s fuel economy. Either way, the 2.4 has no place in a luxury car the Verano is trying to be. The new 2.5 liter LCV is quieter, more powerful, and more efficient — and it can’t come soon enough.
Front Vanity Window Trim
To say that the trim surrounding the small vanity windows immediately behind the A-pillar is unattractive would be an understatement. The black covers are somewhat uneven and downright awful-looking, not befitting any modern vehicle, let alone a luxury one. The pieces need to be improved in fit, finish, and overall quality… yesterday.
Fake Wood & Metal Trim
The Verano’s door handles, along with the center console, are adorned in a combination of silver and wood. The silver is supposed to resemble an aluminum finish, while the wood, is supposed to look like wood. The problem is that both look and feel fake, plastic, and cheap — and both are aspects of the car that the driver will come into contact with every day, since closing the door is accomplished by grabbing the door handle with the materials in question. Here’s an idea: make the metal-looking part metal, and make the wood, real wood.
The Monochromatic Driver Information Center (DIC)
This is 2012: why do any GM vehicles continue with a monochromatic driver information center? Heck, VW, Ford, and even Honda, among others, offer color DIC displays in their compact vehicle offerings, including the Jetta, Focus, and Civic. How is it that a vehicle that’s an entire level above all those mainstream (read: non-luxury) compacts is still offering a non-color unit? The doctor prescribed a color display long ago; it’s time to fill the prescription. But the blue backlighting is cool, though.
Front Plate Indentation
We’re sure you’ve noticed the Verano’s front bumper cover, which contains a very conspicuous cutout for a European-sized front license plate. Simply put, the cutout clutters the design aesthetic of what is an otherwise great-looking front-end; and it looks even worse with a U.S.-sized plate attached to the much wider-than-necessary space. The cutout, which harkens from the Verano’s European cousin — the Opel Astra, is simply not called for, as the front plate space could be integrated into the front bumper cover in a myriad of other ways that don’t require a cutout — just look at Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, or — heck — even Buick’s other vehicles such as the LaCrosse, Regal and Opel Insignia. Neither of those feature a plate cutout, why does the Verano?
And There It Is
That’s our list of things we would like to see changed in the Buick Verano, and — by association — the Chinese-market Excelle XT/GT. Addressing each of these items would result in a better vehicle that offers more value to the ever-discerning buyer. Some of our other gripes that didn’t make the top five list include the inability to equip the Verano with HID/Xenon headlights, the fact that push-button start is optional, and that the outside mirrors are not auto-dimming, even though the center mirror is. Our hope is that, with time, Buick will move each of its vehicles further up-market — as it’s doing with all of its 2013 units.
Is there anything you’d like to see improved on the Verano that we missed? Sound off in the comments, below.
Did they not update the DIC for 2013?
and THANK YOU for agreeing with me that that ugly euro plate cut out needed to be treated as the other Buicks treated it – without one.
If i end up buying one, i’m taking it to have it filled in.
Ricardo, to our knowledge, the DIC wasn’t updated for 2013.
DIC is Ok…there are always somethings we would like to be upgraded……Verano still has a great list of standards…….compare to ATS….you will see the huge difference
I don’t know man. When you look at the DICs of some lower-grade and lower-class cars (Jetta, Civic), the one in the Verano looks old and dated… like from last century old and dated. Shouldn’t be the case on a car in this class.
Agree with the points, especially that the 2.4L needs to die. Hoping the 2.5L is only a temporary fix though. 15-20 more hp and about the same mileage. It needed more to be competitive. Competitors still have same power/much better fuel economy or much better power/similar fuel economy. I’m hoping the new 1.6L turbo replaces it. Same power and surely better fuel economy. Plus, Buick had a 2.5L normally aspirated 4-cylinder in its compacts 30+ years ago. How does this engine say Buick is getting in tune with the 21st Century?? Offering nothing but turbos would (yes, I remember the Grand National, the only Buick we want to remember from that era though!). And please don’t say people should just move up to the new 2.0L turbo because that means more content and much higher price, and people will just go elsewhere instead. Great car if they fix a few things though.
I don’t think the 2.5 deserves the criticism, nor does it deserve to be a “temporary fix”. It’s better than any other engine in its class — and then some.
Compare it to the Acura/Honda 2.4 found in the TSX. Then compare it to the 2.5 V6 (204 hp, 185 lb.-ft. of torque) found in the Lexus IS. It outdoes the Japanese at their own game, what else is there to compare it to?
Turbocharging the entire fleet doesn’t make sense either. Buick, as far as I can tell, is less concerned with performance and more with comfortable luxury. Performance luxury is Cadillac’s game… and Buick doesn’t necessarily need to play in the same sandbox.
Ales, 2.5 should be just perfect for this car….ATS has it and I am yet to drive one…..I do not think a turbo wo9uld be necessary but, the option is there for our pals who really need that rush
The rear eyebrows didn’t make it? Dude come on….
I’m fine with the assbrows, mate.
Well, Alex….not sure what to say….but ass brows are OK with me too
Just in case anybody was wondering, I’m not.
Excellent article, Alex….2.5 now…the rest will be fine-tuned soon for sure……wonderful car…..great article!!!!
How ’bout “to hell with the front vanity windows”? Of course that mean substantial structural re-engineering, but those windows on ANY car look like afterthoughts.
The front fascia plate indent is genuinely stupid. Unless I’m mistaken, virtually all North American plates are 12 x 6. It can’t be too hard to stamp a new one with a smaller indent.
Or you can just live in a part of North American were front plates are manditory
Or just stampt a new one that’s doesn’t have a cut-out to begin with… would accomplish the cost-effective side of molding/stamping a single cover, while not making it look out of place as it does now.
I don’t mind the little opera front windows…the interior trim around it is iffy of course…those little fine-tuning things will happen over time
Rear seat air vents.
I have to agree with Alex, GM’s shares way too many components in their vehicle families and it’s shows up here. Why buy the Verano when the Cruze is equally nice and cost less to buy. The Buick name evokes class and refinement. They (Buick) should have a more refined interior/exterior and with the Opel/Peugeot more refined/smoother/quieter engines. Bottom line if you’re gonna charge more … deliver more.
Brad,,,,,Honda and Toyota use the same parts in their cars….so does Ford, etc….hard to get away from that I guess?
Sorry Brad, but if you put a Chevrolet Cruze and a Buick Verano side-by-side, you will see that the Chevy Cruze is NOT equally nice. Then when you drive them back-to-back, you will really notice the differences… The Chevy Cruze is a “nice” car, the Verano is a great car (although I can’t wait until they put the 2.5L in it).
Agree with most of the comments here, but would add that there should be a hatch version of the Verano. GM’s lineup is so heavily weighted towards sedans that they are losing a lot of customers for years to come as those buyers depart to become loyal to other brands.
Verano coupe would be very nice also….as would ATS coupe, IMHO
Agree with most of the comments here, but would add that there should be a hatch version of the Verano. GM’s lineup is so heavily weighted towards sedans that they are losing a lot of customers for years to come as those buyers depart to become loyal to other brands. Its really odd that one needs to go either very low (Sonic) or very high (Cadillac) to get a hatch/wagon. A middle ground car for this body style would have made a lot more sense.
Nice car, but compared to the competition is comes up just a little short in terms of refinement and sophisitication.
Hopefully a mild refresh is in the works for 2014, just like the Cruze will be updated.
The assbrows do not look nice for a car in this class: make the back end look more like a Regal or LaCrosse.
The lack of HID/Xenon headlights is a deal-breaker for me, since I haven’t had a car without them in years. They should be adaptive too (as on the Enclave). The biggest issue for me, though, is the lack of adequate power seat adjustments. Both front seats should be fully power-adjustible … including the seatback recliners. And the driver seat should have a memory function.
The seat adjustments are hard to make up for, but the xenon lights can easily be added to any car at an affordable price via aftermarket, probably cheaper than what you’d have to pay at the dealership to upgrade.
Babersher. I agree the seat adjustments aren’t that good.
We have to stop whining about the hatch/wagon thing! let’s be honest, no one buys them… they sold what… like 4 cts wagon?
5 things I do not like about the Verano
GIANT grille
Auto dimming rear view mirror is not standard
2.5L is not standard
Damn dumb looking little windows
The wheels
DIC
Eyebrows/rear
Oh crap I said five things …….. I’ll stop now.
Rijon…..what do you like…anything?
ERIC without a K ……….. I like the ATS with the turbo. Hope you find that to your liking.
Does CTS have genuine metal on console and door trim? Looked like plastic to me….
It doesn’t, Dan, but it looks decent. The trim in the Verano isn’t either, but it looks like its fake, and stands out. At least the CTS trim looks like it could pass for alu.
That said, I see no reason not to use real metals in the cabins of Cadillacs and Buicks. It might cost more, but would sure look and feel great, while being an excellent selling point.
Alex, CTS trim still isn’t that great…Verano looks twice as good…ATS is genuine so I do like that a lot….it could be put in CTS and Buick easily
No way the trim in the Verano looks twice as good as it does in the CTS, Dan. Keep in mind that you’re talking about a car that was brought to market nearly 5 years ago (CTS); materials and their respective design and cost have progressed substantially since late 2000s.
Nevertheless, all Buicks and Cadillacs would benefit from using real wood and real metal for their trim pieces. Both are luxury marques and should be doing so already.
Alex
I have to agree with Dan…I just traded a 2011 CTS coupe for a 2012 Verano….both cars very nice, but I have to say, other than the power, the Verano is a much nicer car, on a par with interior trim, much better electronics, easier to drive, nicer ride, much better visibility, etc, not to mention price tag 47K compared to 25K.
My first Buick & I am very impressed!
Al
Al,,,,congrats on Verano. I reluctantly agree…always have loved Cadillacs…just don’t see the upscale feel from newer Cads compared to Buick…Just my opinion. I looked at Cadillac garage again today….ATS is very nice but I am not feeling it for some reason yet
Alex,just my opinion….Cadillac just does not seem as posh as it should be for the $$$$$.
Dan – if I’m understanding correctly, a big part of why you feel that way is due to the lack of a long standard feature list on the ATS.
If so, then that’s what you get with pretty much any tier 1 luxury automaker, including BMW, MBZ, Audi, Jaguar, etc. They make you pay for the features.
Alex, yes, I would like to see more standard features on the Cadillac…I know BMW is the same way. It seems Cadillac used to be more luxurious than Buick but things do change over time…I will still buy GM now matter
Alex, yes, for $40k, CTS should have real metal! Verano should also but for the money, I let it pass…..I think for the money, Buick and Cadillac can easilly add genuine materials…wood, metal, leather…..still like luxurious fabrics to be offfered….nevertheless, Buick and Cadillac have stepped it up big time.
Seriously, do any of you own a Verano. Probably not. For the price you get more than you are paying for. Go ahead and buy your Cadillac or whatever. I hope you enjoy over paying for what you get.
Paul, the goal isn’t to bash the Verano — as I’m afraid some have done here. Rather, it’s to point out the top things that could be improved to make for an even better luxury car.
Paul,,,,I do not own Verano….have looked and driven twice…a very impressive car without doubt…..I looked at ATS…and I really think Verano is nicer inside with lots more standards that Cadillac should offer. Lots of people hate the fabric but I thought it very fine quality and cozy. I will look again later and compare again.
If listing things I don’t like about the Verano is seen as bashing ……….. thats ok with me. Think what you like, hell you can bash me for it.
Wasn’t referring to you, rjion with the l33t lower case spelling…
Alex………………Well thats refreshing.
Glad you feel that way!