Due to launch later this summer, the 2013 Buick Verano will add a Rear Vision Camera system as a standard feature across all trim levels (pictured). Not only that, but Buick will also offer an optional safety package that includes Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert — two technologies that depend on a set of radar sensors placed in the corners of the rear bumper in hopes of assisting drivers in avoiding accidents when changing lanes or backing.
The GM Authority Take
We already knew that the Rear Vision Camera (along with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert) would be added to the Verano for 2013, but we weren’t sure that the feature would be standard — until today. The addition of the camera and the launch of the turbo-charged model should make the Verano line rather that much more attractive to new car buyers.
But while Buick’s at it, how about adding some more standard luxury features to the Verano (leather, anyone?) and bringing the Rear Vision Camera to the Regal, as well?
Comments
I think that if buick wants to be seriously considered as luxury they need more comfort options like heated & cooled cup holders, and heated rear seats, and heated windscreen wipers, and LED tail lights. Maybe even seats that massage you like the ones you can find even in a ford Taurus.
That would be nice… but I’d rather see them start by getting the basics right. The rear view camera is a start. But other than that, the Verano is like the Cruze: want leather? Better step it up to the top of the line package.
Why not cut out those base trim levels, add more luxury amenities, and be a real luxury offering? Why are basic luxury items an option on all Buicks?
Isn’t Regal standard with Leather?
Vic….Regal is leather…standard….Verano and Lacrosse are fabric standard….I persoanlly like the choice….I’ve had leather and really prefer a nice fabric or a mix of fabric and leather…lots will disagree with me but that is fine
Danny, you are way in the minority here and most likely are not really in the market for a luxury vehicle. Luxury car buyers do not tolerate cloth. Leather, leatherette, Vtex, etc. is fine, but cloth belongs on a value car (Chevy) not a luxury offering.
Silent….to each his own…..leather alone does not make a car luxurious……I’vd had leather twice and did not like it….
RX used to offer cloth along with the ES. But I remember that the Buick Terraza ( remember that car guys?) is offered part leather part cloth on the seats. But then again I always wonder why not on all premium or mainstream crossovers offer leather on all of their seats? Like the ones in Lambdas are leathers on first and second row seats and then third Vinyl.
Yupp, Lexus offered it in the early 90s. But luxury has changed since then… and leather/pleather is now the de-facto standard of a luxury vehicle.
the other day i saw a last gen rx and they still have the cloth seat
yes, Vic…pleather or nice cloth….I would agree that some cars have very cheap and unattractive cloth…..Verano’s seats are nice with the pleather…as I say, leather is an option for those who like it…..
Alex is it quieter than a Buick?
Yes, as far as I’m able to tell, all Lexus cars and crossovers are quieter than their respective Buick counterparts… but that’s not in any way an objective measure, just subjective… coming from a Lexus driver for 3 years (and 3 different models).
Hey, Alex…..doesn’t ATS offer a fabric insert on one of the choices? I also rode in my sisiter’s Lexus RX a week ago and it is nowhere near as quiet as the new Buicks…..I was quite surprised really….for the $40k cost, the ride/quiet were not impressive
The RX is the quietest crossover in the world. That’s always been Lexus’ objective when designing and engineering it. You sister didn’t DUB it out on 25s and millimeter-thin rubber, did she? 🙂
I’m with you on this one. My brother-in-law has expensive tastes and drives a Buick, but he absolutely hates leather seats and prefers cloth. Probably most luxury car buyers want leather, but not all of them.
As for me, the extra features on a car make the vehicle stand out as more luxurious, and not necessarily leather seats (leather would be nice, but not a must-have for me).
Stan…yes, leather is preferred but a nice cloth is still luxurious…..look at high-end inteior design…leather is not used everywhere either…it is a choice and I think offering it is smart on Buick’s part…I am still surprised ATS doesn’t offer a nice cloth type on base really.
Silent…..the sales figures are good for the car…..I think it will bring in a lot of buyers to Buick and GM……I have had a number of GMs….Buick and Cadillac as well as Chevy…..I had a lot of problems with them unfortunately,…..I think those days are over as the build quality is so nice today. my cousin sold his Honda and got a Cobalt for commuting and loves it as an example…no problems and has over 90l miles
Danny — the sales figures are nearly always good for a launch vehicle. The real test will be how the Verano sells after having been on the market for 2-3 years. “Real” luxury vehicles continue to sell at 70-80% of their launch volume throughout the model year lifecycle, as the brand usually has a devoted audience. We’ll have to wait and see!
Alex, I think Verano would be too exepensive if the base level were gone….what about the Regal…would the prices go up on everything?
Yes, move everything up 3-5 grand — as well as features, accordingly.
In a sense, this would result in the discontinuation of the lower trim levels which very few buy anyway — we’ve recently learned that most buyers opt for anything except for the base trim levels. A luxury company needs to offer luxury standard — not as an option.
Here’s an example: the Lexus IS starts at just over $30,000. 75 percent (or more) of Lexus IS buyers get the IS250 (depending on the year) and it’s my assumption that most don’t even know what an engine is, how many cylinders their car has, or how much power it makes. In other words, they buy it for the 1) prestige and 2) comfort — not for its RWD layout or sporting aspirations.
If Buick can conquer at least half of those IS250 buyers with the Verano — with a price tag that’s around that of the IS250 and with a few more luxury features — then the Verano will have accomplished its goal.
Alex, you are probably correct that over time Buick will upgrade everything….at this point in time, I suppose the Verano is so new that the 2012 model is a tease into the marketplace to see how it will fly. Seems that the sales figures are good. All I know is that the dealers have sold a lot of them. I will wait for 2013 model at least with the new engine….
Buick has done a great job really in the last few years and I hope many more people test drive and buy after comparisons are made 🙂
Alex, in the long run, it is all about the quality of the car, its reliability, comfort, quiet, and pride of ownership more than the seat covers or lack of this or that, isn’t it? I think it is a wonderful car and is on my list
It is; but the pride of ownership aspect stems from the vehicle’s ability to satisfy its customers. To me, cloth is not satisfactory. Hence, I wouldn’t be proud to own a car with cloth seating, especially one that aspires to be a luxury offering.
Hunter….does Cadillac even have all these things you want? How about a Rolls
Danny — with the exception of the heated windshield wipers, that technology is readily available across most brands, even those that aren’t considered “luxurious” or “premium”.
Alex, you are 100 % correct about the standard features for GM cars….for some reason we are not seeing what so many people want…that auto-dimming mirror of course….I suppose profit comes into factor after the bankrupcy….I still think for the $, GM offers some good deals….the equipment packages are still very odd…no fogs for ATS for instance….very irritating if anything!
Alex, yes GM does tend to make the luxuries people want an option…especially that the technology has been around for awhile as you said!! Honda has always done that….ATS with no fogs or folding rear seat? That just irritates people
Yes , this is a really good start, all buicks should have rear view camera, but do you know what else needs to be standard even more than a rear view camera? LEATHER. I dont want to start the whole Leather/Cloth debate and which is better, I personally prefer the Faux Leather/ Vinyl, I think its the best, but all that doesnt matter. The fact of the matter is that leather is synonymous with wealth and prestige and every real luxury automaker that matters has leather standard in all their cars.
Leather is availble and for not much more…..or get the Regal, it has leather standard…Verano is what it is….options are avaiable….no one says this is the only car to buy after all…..
Way to one up all the suburbans solvers does etc
Cars like Verano will live or die on gadgets. Ford learnt that with the last gen focus.
Beef it’s what’s for dinner. And if there are any leftover parts sit on it or wear it.
Auto dimming rear view mirror an option……was the last time I checked. But I get a camera I don’t want.
Exactly RJ! This is a luxury car… supposedly. Why are basic luxury features optional?
Verano is an entry-level luxury car…I personally think it is fine as is for the $$$…I agree a few more standards would be fine but it has a lot for the price…compare it to Honda or Toyota….you won;t get what Verano has for the $$$$….neither the quiet nor the ride. My last Cadillac had everything and most of it I didn’t care that much about…autodimming is nice but not big deal…it would not keep me form buying this car…..I would prefer power seats and a lumbar would be super ….ATS has vinyl seats as entry-level price….I think luxury suede-type fabric with leather trim would have been nice personally…to each his own 🙂
I think you just demonstrated the problem with Buick and possibly the Verano. Why are we comparing a Buick to a Honda or Toyota? Neither one of those is a luxury vehicle brand. Buick wants to be one; but it will never achieve that goal by skimping on the basics.
Standard useful amenities are part and parcel of the experience: a buyer doesn’t want to sit down with 12 different spec sheets from 3 different manufacturers. He wants a well-equipped comfortable car that’s not driven by every shmo with a pay check (Honda, Toyota). There is a factor of exclusivity, comfort, and status.
As @Alex has been preaching to seemingly no avail, Buick needs to target Lexus. What Lexus do you see selling for $24,000, without leather or an auto dimming rear view mirror?
And what is luxury suede? This is 2012, not 1980! 😉
Silent….mabye Lexus is overpriced…it is a very nice Toyota after all. Acura is a Honda..and I must admit, a very poor design. I wonder how well the new models are selling? I had considred Lexus but I think Buick is just as nice for the $…sure are quiet and smooth from my test drives in them 🙂
Whoa hold up right there Dan 🙂 Lexus WAS a Toyota. Back in the 90s.
At this point, Lexus has its own design, engineering, and marketing teams — among other administrative functions (sourcing, etc.). These teams don’t even share office space with those at Toyota and Lexus architectures are now significantly different than they were in the past. Lexus and Toyota executives have taken great care to differentiate the two in a considerable way — to a point where your statement is downright false. Even the product development and engineering processes are disparately different, even if a Lexus vehicle shares a similar platform.
In the meantime, this is not the case for Acura or Infiniti. Lexus is the only one of the Japanese three that’s a true luxury brand, not a badged-up mainstream car.
I though Toyota owned Lexus? Yes, I know they have their own teams of people….thanks for info
Ah yes, they are both owned by Toyota but are treated as separate firms for all intents and purposes.
I bet a lot of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry people will look at this car…about same price….and lots nicer with more standard equipment….
Silent…maybe a Lexus is your speed?
Curious, I seen some reviews saying the front seast on a verano are not comfortable, did they improve them for 2013?
Rear camera would be super….my last three cars have had scratches because I did not have that…..good choice, Buick!
@ Silent electrician. Chevys need to have leather too.
@Main Wayne Won’t argue with that. But leather (or a leather like material/Vtec/etc.) should be standard in all Buicks. Especially seeing that the majority of Buicks are sold in the upper-end trim. Just eliminate the bottom of the barrel crap that is not worthy of being called a luxury car.
Keep the leather and fake leather. Keep the camera I have no marks on the rear of my car. I have no use whats so ever for bluetooth. Map lights, foglights, auto dimming rear view mirror, digital compass and thermometer are a MUST to me and should be standard on the Verano. But then again 205hp should be the power plant as far as I’m concerned, and I don’t care if it’s called a luxury car or not. GM can’t seem to get compacts put together in a way that I’d buy one, Verano or Cruze.
Rj…Verano is probably using the entry-level model to pull in a new crowd of younger buyers at this lower price…leather is an option that the buyer can buy into for not a lot more….so there is the choice….maps lights, temp guage, compass, fog lights are standard on all models..as is the info screen and the digital info center…dual climate control; autodimming, power seats, heated outside mirrors are on convenience group…so, it is nicely equiped….2013 will have the 2.5 or turbo also…nice wheels and tires, etc….it is a good buy for a lot of people and has been selling well.
Danny thanks for telling me …………. I didn’t notice that I had to spend over 1k to get an auto dimming rear view mirror. Like I said…keep the back up camera or bluetooth and give me the mirror.
Luddite minority consumer.
Rj…Veranom is well-equipped….it is great for $$$$$….I agree it is not as luxurious as some here would like….but for $26k or so, it has it all…that is very good compared to Acura ( Honda really), or BMW….lots more $$$$$…it is a nice choice…..no one has to buy this car …get the ATS or something else for lots more $$$$$
Rj…the autodimming mirror, power seats, heated rearview mirrors, and back-up alert are on the Convenience group…no leather…that is the top level for about $26k…..I would get sunroof over leather myself…ATS charges $1k for sunroof..same as Verano…for the ride and quiet, this is a great car…..
The mirror can be updated if you really want one….
Has anyone even heard of the new dodge dart?! It has even more features than the Verano and is only $27,000 maxed out! Love the full length LEDs on it, too!
Is the Dart a luxury car? Or is it a compact with sporty aspirations? I think it’s safe to say it’s the latter — and is something that a hi-po Cruze should “take care of” right quick.
I have heard of the Dodge Dart… It’s a nice car but it is a DODGE…. you will make up for the lower price when the quality falls apart 🙁
Luddite minority consumers are those that will not accept what others tell us what we want, and say something about it. Unlike those that stand in line wiating to be told what they get.
Incorrect.
Luddite minority consumers are those that foolish and thoughtlessly demand spealized attention; attention that demands de-contenting cars, using cars from nearly 20 years ago as a benchmark for cars of today, and to substitue present automotive features with inferior technology.
GM has well-appointed trim levels for all of their cars. Pick the one that best statisfies your needs, even if you’re getting things your don’t need or want. It wouldn’t be profitable for GM to let your pick and choose your features on a whim, undoing all their efforts in putting content at approate trims and price-points.
I’m sure we’ve been though this before when you demanded that the Verano have a specific power to weight ratio just for your to even look at the car. I’m sure we’ll hear more from you about how unloveable the Verano is the future should the GTC make it here.
Guys guys guys we already know RJ is in the minority. He wants a more powerful Cruze and so do I. So I guess we’re both in the minority.
But neither the current Cruze nor the Verano are the answers. The point is that the Cruze needs to have some more high power engine choices and the Verano is a luxury car not a sport compact. Why can VW offer the GTI, GLI and the Golf R and GM is sittin pretty without a competitor to either one? Does GM not want my money? I have 3 friends who are this close to buying 3 GLIs. I keep telling them to hold off for a high performance Cruze but theyre already tired of playing the waiting game. And GM wonders why its stock is going down.
@Silent To be clear, the GLI, GTI, and Golf R are all very niche products that sell by the handful, rather than by the boatload. And GM’s stock isn’t going down because it’s not offering a few niche products here and there; there is a whole slew of issue related to the stock that we won’t even get into… but the lack of GLI/GTI/Golf R competitors is definitely not it. If anything, it’s GM’s weakness in Europe along with the weakness of Chevy outside the United States and Canada that’s deflating the stock.
That said, I do think that GM should have at least one high-performance Cruze variant. It won’t hurt profitability and will only work to attract new blood to Chevy, the Cruze, and GM performance outside the Camaro, Corvette, and V line.
Alex, I am done with foreign cars….GM is my preference…always has been…unfortunalely quality always a problem in many ways..seems to have been corrected…JD Powers says so; good deal!!!! Buick or Cadillac is my next car, I have decided….would love another Cadillac…but probably Buick at this pioint…will drive the new ATS soon and compare the ride/quiet…that is what I am looking for most of all……so glad GM is doing well and I have told lots of friends and faimily to check it out again.
Yes the Buick should come standard with the auto dimming rearview mirror standard. More so thats it’s been around for 20 years. It should be standard in any car GM sells. Yep give me a 3300lb Verano with 205 hp or a 3100lb Cruze with 190hp. GM has the engines and are bolt in ready to go. Make me pay for my want and you can buy what GM wants you to buy for less. But don’t take a common 20 year old auto dimming reaview mirror out and think I’ll put out a grand extra to get it.
Rj…yes auto dimming is a simple thing to add…it is on Convenince group that most people get anyways with the power seats, etc……most Veranos in town here are base or convenience…and most are all sold out. 2013 should be a nice improvement with 2.5 and back-up camera….I think in a year or two there will be more updates to interior…..I personally like it as is a lot…but to each his own as I said….it’s all about the quiet and smooth ride for me…and I feel the standard features are fine…this car is as nice as my sister’s RX in most ways….sure is quieter
Danny — what year is your sister’s RX?
Her RX is 2009…30k original miles and new Michelin tires…it is a lovely car she bought new….it is quiet but not as much as I thought it would be for what they cost….
You should compare it to some of the other segment contenders such as the X5, ML, MKX, and MDX. Night and day as far as that goes. And it’s not just in the quiet nature that all Lexus vehicles shine — it’s the utter disconnection from other “harsh” elements such as vibrations and vehicle noises.
Every single Lexus I’ve ever driven was not only quiet, but butter-smooth in every single other aspect. It’s the small things — when you turn the wheel to the edge, in most cars the power steering unit touches the edge of the vehicle and makes a slight orchestra of noise/vibration goodness. Doesn’t happen on a Lexus. On other vehicles, the moon roof visors/covers are pure crap and feel as such; Lexus puts time into making sure the manual sliding motion of the visors is smooth and continuous; again, it’s the small things like this that differentiate a luxury car from the rest.
No doubt that Lexus is quality…fit and finish is nice…seating is luxurious….but they ar expensive….Buick is sure on a quest to match it….lots of people are buying Buick and eating into Lexus sales I hear….would you buy another Lexus over Buick today?
Well, Today I wouldn’t buy either, since I’m into a totally different driving experience (which will most likely change again in the future). But outside the LaCrosse, which is a deadringer for the ES, Buick is still several rungs “under” Lexus. The fact that Lexus vehicles are expensive speak to their luxurious nature, more than anything else. They are serious about luxury and aren’t afraid to charge for a leading product. Unfortunately, Buick isn’t there yet.
Alex, you are correct that Buick is not the same as a Lexus…but I think they are on the way……I just looked at Cadilla.com and the build-your-own ATS is working complete with price….I do not see the auto-dimming mirror on the base model….so maybe Verano is using about the same for base equipment? Oh well, it looks so nice and I will drive one when dealer gets one in…..I expect most everyone will want to go upscale with the luxury edition to get the leather, autodimmers, heated rear views, etc….
The LaCrosse is very nice…even though you don’t like the cloth seats….I do. I would buy it but I think the Verano is a better size for me….would prefer the new 2.5 and rear camera…also a sunroof would be very enjoyale……will chekc out ATS soon and compare them all. Too bad we can’t mix and match all these packages into what we want!!!! But, GM for me
Alex, sister just loves her Lexus….it is her second one. It has the cream leather and maple wood so it is lovely and she keeps it in perfect shape.
At any rate the mirror can be bought for less then $80 bucks so it would not stop me from buying the Verano.
Just keep in mind that the aftermarket mirror will negate most OnStar functionality.
Yes, you can add the autodimming. I never cared that much about it when I had the Deville….it is nice but not any dealbreaker for me anyway 🙂
PS: I’d buy a miror with Homelink and auto dimming seeing GM thinks it’s a bother to add to the Verano as standard equipment. Wait, they don’t evan offer homelink on the Verano. The car is sounding less and less premium and we know it’s not a luxury car.
RJ…Verano has as much if not more standard features than the ATS……check the two and compare…I was surprised…so which one is more luxurious?
Dan, keep in mind that the ATS is in its first year of the nameplate — which usually results in the desire to decrease the price of entry for the sake of promotions (starting at only $30,000, etc.). Once the car is received and solidifies its position, automakers usually cut a lower trim level or two. This is what I’m hoping will happen with the Verano, as well.
Alex, you are right on as always….probably same a Verano…testing the marketplace? I would buy a base ATS maybe….the upgraded one may be just too $$$$ for me; I will drive and compare soon! Will be fun….I am anxious to check out the headlamps as we discussed to see how they look…..
I drove ATS last week, Alex. Nice but not quite what I thought…..did not drive it very far….need to take it on a nice little trip:) I wonder if theyn are selling?
OnStar …….. I need Onstar. Don’t use it or pay for it now. Once the freebie was over that was the end of something I didn’t use when it was free.
I know the dart isn’t a luxury car but I’m just saying the Dart still has more luxury options than the Verano. Besides the Verano’s quietness, I really don’t think the Verano is a luxury, or even an entry-luxury vehicle.
How can anyone compare a Dodge Dart to a Verano?? Verano is very, very nice for the money.
I have a 2009 Honda EX Accord 4 cylinder. It has the worst ride of any car I ever owned and drove. The road noise is terrible and I really don’t understand the Honda engineers. Its like they sat around and said we can save $25 per car by putting in less sound deadning material. No wonder they are losing market share to the competition.
My parents have a 2010 it’ drives pretty good, but I have to say as in styling 2007 has been my favorite years, I hope they improve the accord for next year.
Drew, you are correct..Accord styling is just awful….as is Acura…..I bet a lot of people will shop for Buick as I said before because of that….as well as the quiet. Those new Hondas are so loud on the highway–terrrible road noise.
Drew. 2007 was last decent Accord for sure ….new ones are ugly!
PHIL…..my brother has an Accord and complains about the screaming tire noise on the road…it has low miles and tires are good…so it is the poor engineering of course…..ride is also a little rough for Accord….I hope Buick gets those unhappy customers.
Checking my navigation system i took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up at Honda authority
That’s why I don’t look at Hondas afterall because they never understand the word “quiet”
Saw photos of new 2013 Accord today…..sad but not as bad as Acura
I thought it look overly boring!!
Honda designs are really forgettable latey….and Acura worse