2014 Buick Verano Pros vs Cons
The Top 10 Reasons Why You May want to Buy a 2014 Buick Verano:
Luxury vehicles in the compact, entry-level segment are few in number. However, the buying populace is now demanding a good combination of elegance and performance in a smaller sedan. The 2014 Buick Verano certainly fits the bill. Although somewhat plain in appearance, this sedan not only provides enough power to transport a full load of passengers and cargo along the freeway, it also comes with enough convenience features and innovative technology to make the price tag quite appealing. Combining these attractions with its state-of-the-art safety equipment, it's easy to see why buyers are getting a very good deal.
What's New For 2014
Few changes were made to this model that would truly separate it from last year's offering. The safety features have been upgraded, and heated front seats are now standard on all but the base trim. The color choices remain the same, as does the engine and transmission choices. The Verano can be purchased with either automatic or manual transmission.
2) Nice Handling And Cornering. The 2014 Buick Verano takes turns and sharp corners nimbly. The steering is not too stiff, and drivers can easily maintain a firm handle on the wheel when banking. The turn vibration is all but non-existent.
3) Quiet Interior. There is plenty of noise-reduction technology built into the 2014 Verano. At highway speeds, the engine can barely be heard. Outside noise is kept to a minimum, and passengers are efficiently cushioned by the comfortable seats.
4) Power-Efficient Engine Choices. The standard engine is a 2.4L, 4-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower. It is very reliable and requires very little maintenance for the first 50,000 miles. Acceleration is average-to-good, and many buyers will choose the Turbo trim because of its incredibly responsive 2.0L, 250-horsepower engine. This version has very good acceleration and goes from zero to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. All trims come with the choice of 6-speed automatic or manual transmission.
5) Turbo Power. The Turbo version is the same as the other uplevel trims except for the engine. Most who purchase this trim will opt for the manual transmission. The Turbo trim has very good emergency acceleration, something absolutely necessary when navigating congested traffic on the highway.
6) Affordable Price Tag. Buick has done its best to compete with foreign automakers when it comes to advertising luxury alongside affordability. The list of standard features on this model seems to be a bit out of line with the purchase price - about $23,800 for the base trim - but this simply means that buyers are getting a wonderful deal. Even the uplevel Turbo trim costs only about $28,500. The mid-level trims come with plenty of standard features and safety technology that justify their mid-range sticker price.
7) Base Trim Standard Features. Those considering an entry-level luxury sedan will want to take a close look at the standard amenities offered on the base trim Verano. These include cruise control, dual-zone climate control, foglights, 7-inch touchscreen, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The IntelliLink electronics interface is superior to what is offered on some competing models in this segment. It contains voice-activation features and smartphone app connectivity. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are also standard equipment on the base trim.
8) Available Upgrades. The Convenience trim offers all the standard features of the base version and adds heated front seats, six-way power driver's seat adjustment, heated side mirrors, and some extra safety technology. Forward collision, blind spot alert, and lane departure warning are included as standard equipment on the Convenience trim. The elegant Leather trim comes with a heated steering wheel, leather seats and upholstery, and keyless ignition. These features are also standard on the Premium Turbo trim.
9) Excellent Safety Ratings. The IIHS has given the 2014 Buick Verano excellent crash test scores for both frontal- and side-impact collisions. Roof strength is also tops in its class. The government has issued excellent ratings overall for the Verano because of its standard rear view camera and complete OnStar® package that includes crash notification and roadside assistance. All Verano trims come with the most advanced traction and stability control technology available today.
10) Good Resale Value The Buick Verano has very good value retention, something more and more consumers are concerned about. Because of its long list of technology features, the resale value is more than 90 percent after the first year. The automatic transmission versions will have a slightly higher used car value.
What's New For 2014
Few changes were made to this model that would truly separate it from last year's offering. The safety features have been upgraded, and heated front seats are now standard on all but the base trim. The color choices remain the same, as does the engine and transmission choices. The Verano can be purchased with either automatic or manual transmission.
10 Reasons To Buy A 2014 Buick Verano
1) Comfortable Ride. Buick is known for its comfortable riding experiences on all makes and models. The new Verano lightly cruises over rough road surfaces without much jarring or shock vibrations. The suspension is top-notch, and drivers will easily maintain control of the steering when an unexpected bump is encountered. The exterior styling, while nothing flashy, nonetheless provides more than adequate wind resistance and aerodynamic stability.2) Nice Handling And Cornering. The 2014 Buick Verano takes turns and sharp corners nimbly. The steering is not too stiff, and drivers can easily maintain a firm handle on the wheel when banking. The turn vibration is all but non-existent.
3) Quiet Interior. There is plenty of noise-reduction technology built into the 2014 Verano. At highway speeds, the engine can barely be heard. Outside noise is kept to a minimum, and passengers are efficiently cushioned by the comfortable seats.
4) Power-Efficient Engine Choices. The standard engine is a 2.4L, 4-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower. It is very reliable and requires very little maintenance for the first 50,000 miles. Acceleration is average-to-good, and many buyers will choose the Turbo trim because of its incredibly responsive 2.0L, 250-horsepower engine. This version has very good acceleration and goes from zero to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. All trims come with the choice of 6-speed automatic or manual transmission.
5) Turbo Power. The Turbo version is the same as the other uplevel trims except for the engine. Most who purchase this trim will opt for the manual transmission. The Turbo trim has very good emergency acceleration, something absolutely necessary when navigating congested traffic on the highway.
6) Affordable Price Tag. Buick has done its best to compete with foreign automakers when it comes to advertising luxury alongside affordability. The list of standard features on this model seems to be a bit out of line with the purchase price - about $23,800 for the base trim - but this simply means that buyers are getting a wonderful deal. Even the uplevel Turbo trim costs only about $28,500. The mid-level trims come with plenty of standard features and safety technology that justify their mid-range sticker price.
7) Base Trim Standard Features. Those considering an entry-level luxury sedan will want to take a close look at the standard amenities offered on the base trim Verano. These include cruise control, dual-zone climate control, foglights, 7-inch touchscreen, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The IntelliLink electronics interface is superior to what is offered on some competing models in this segment. It contains voice-activation features and smartphone app connectivity. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are also standard equipment on the base trim.
8) Available Upgrades. The Convenience trim offers all the standard features of the base version and adds heated front seats, six-way power driver's seat adjustment, heated side mirrors, and some extra safety technology. Forward collision, blind spot alert, and lane departure warning are included as standard equipment on the Convenience trim. The elegant Leather trim comes with a heated steering wheel, leather seats and upholstery, and keyless ignition. These features are also standard on the Premium Turbo trim.
9) Excellent Safety Ratings. The IIHS has given the 2014 Buick Verano excellent crash test scores for both frontal- and side-impact collisions. Roof strength is also tops in its class. The government has issued excellent ratings overall for the Verano because of its standard rear view camera and complete OnStar® package that includes crash notification and roadside assistance. All Verano trims come with the most advanced traction and stability control technology available today.
10) Good Resale Value The Buick Verano has very good value retention, something more and more consumers are concerned about. Because of its long list of technology features, the resale value is more than 90 percent after the first year. The automatic transmission versions will have a slightly higher used car value.
Reasons You May Not Want To Buy A 2014 Buick Verano
1) Smaller Engine Than Competitors. Even though it provides enough power, the base engine is smaller than what most other luxury car manufacturers are now placing inside their entry level models. Some models available in the same price range offer a 6-cylinder engine.
2) Cramped Rear Seating Area. The Verano is, after all, somewhat compact, and Buick has decided to shave the interior space toward the rear of the cabin. Even with this space saver, the trunk is not exactly huge.
3) Heavy And Less Fuel Efficient. The 2014 Buick Verano weighs a bit more than most compacts and small mid-size sedans. The fuel economy is not really economical at all. The average of 30 mpg highway is less than most other sedans, regardless of their size.
Conclusion
The big advertising push on this model is directed toward its affordable luxury and enjoyable ride, and the Verano certainly delivers. It is easy to drive and handle, and passengers ride in total comfort. The list of standard features - especially the techno-oriented ones - are superior to many competing models. However, shoppers are advised to compare all entry level models in this compact luxury segment before making a final decision. Ford, Honda, and Nissan all produce models with similar capabilities.
