The 2013 Buick Verano is now offered with three different powertrain possibilities--as opposed to a single one for 2012. Base Verano models include a 180-horsepower, 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with direct injection. It powers the front-wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission and provides acceleration that's on par with most mid-size sedans--and especially quiet and refined--while returning EPA ratings of 21 mpg city, 32 highway. For 2013, a new turbocharged 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, making 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, joins the lineup and it can be paired with either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Verano has one of the quietest, most refined interiors in any sedan this size, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning philosophy, plus soft-touch materials throughout and tight detailing throughout the interior. There's space for five in the Verano, but the rear bench seat is better contoured for two adults than for three across. Thanks to an acoustic windshield, triple-sealed doors, laminated side glass, and other measures, the Verano's interior is luxury-quiet, with ride quality that's firm enough for good handling but compliant enough to soak up irregularities.
The Buick Verano is offered as a single model, but with option groups building equipment and appeal--with relatively modest price hikes. At the base level, the Verano includes a rich feature set that could fit into any true luxury-brand vehicle, with keyless entry, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, rear heater ducts, ambient interior lighting and a 6-speaker audio system with USB port, iPod connectivity, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth, all standard. Above the base Buick Verano is the Convenience Group, which adds heated power mirrors, a power driver's seat, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The Leather Group adds premium-grade leather upholstery plus heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, push-button start, passive entry and upgraded 18-inch machined-faced alloy wheels. At the top of the lineup, the Premium Group adds the turbocharged engine, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, sport pedals, remote start and a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system with subwoofers.
Buick's IntelliLink connectivity and infotainment system now comes standard on all Verano models--even those with the available GPS navigation system. With Bluetooth and USB connectivity, IntelliLink includes a 7-inch touch-screen for audio display, and it allows voice activation as well as steering-wheel-mounted controls of audio and hands-free calling functions. Users can also listen to Pandora and Stitcher Internet ratio services using the smartphone's data connection. The available Bose audio system fully complements IntelliLink and XM Travel Link services (by subscription) can provide access to gas stations, fuel prices, movie times and weather forecasts.
All Verano models include OnStar safety, security and concierge services. Through a smartphone app, owners can have remote access to some OnStar functions. Otherwise the Verano includes a robust set of safety features, including ten standard airbags plus StabiliTrak stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with Panic Brake Assist and a collapsible pedal system. All Verano models above the base level now also gains a trio of active-safety features: Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert--both of which might help avoid an accident--and Rear Parking Assist, which will make parallel parking a lot easier.
A la carte options on the Verano are limited to just a few factory possibilities, including a sunroof and navigation system.
Quiet, Refined Interior
Responsive Powertrains
Crisp Handling Yet Smooth Ride
Well-orchestrated Connectivity And Navigation Features
Very Strong Value For The Money
For 2013, the Buick Verano Turbo joins the Verano lineup. Featuring a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, the Verano Turbo offers improved performance and has a dual exhaust and various other upgrades.
On all 2013 Verano models--even those with the navigation system--the Buick Intellilink connectivity and infotainment system is now included, as is a rearview camera system. Also, models with the Convenience, Leather and Premium option groups now include Side Blind Zone Alert and Cross-Traffic Alert. Also, the buttons for OnStar have been given a new look, and Luxo Blue Metallic and Carbon Black Metallic
The 2013 Buick Verano is at the leading edge of a new kind of sedan--one that's compact, yet refined, comfort-oriented and luxurious, yet at a price that's a bit lower than traditional luxury brands. At the same time, the new Verano Turbo can accelerate to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds and the available manual gearbox gives it credibility as a sport sedan.
The Verano also stands out from other upscale compact sedans--through Buick's Quiet Tuning approach, which emphasizes isolation, smoothness and quiet for the cabin--and for its feature set, which is remarkably complete for a sedan in this price range and including some impressive connectivity and safety technology.
