Compact Dimensions

The Verano measures a smidge larger than the Cruze, with which it shares the same wheelbase. The Buick's footprint falls between the shrink-wrapped Lexus IS 250 and larger Acura TSX, but its styling feels more anonymous than either. I found the nose too stubby, the tail forgettable and the whole of it laced with too much chrome. It's not bad, but neither is it as compelling as the larger Buick LaCrosse.

You can see the Cruze in its profile, but the Verano isn't a rebadge job. Buick cues abound: a waterfall grille, blue headlight tint and fake hood louvers. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, and the whole of it looks sufficiently different. Casual onlookers won't invoke its Chevrolet sibling, but you can compare the two here.

    See also:

    Driving on Grades
    Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so much that they would get h ...

    Where Are the Airbags?
    The driver frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger side. Driver Side shown, Passenger Si ...

    SBZA Error Messages
    The following messages may appear in the DIC: SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF: This message indicates that the driver has turned the system off. SIDE BLIND ZONE SYS. UNAVAILABLE: This message ...