2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year Contender: Buick Verano

Meet the all new luxury sedan, The 2012 Buick Verano

The 2012 Buick Verano’s biggest shortcoming is its 2.4-liter engine, which should be cured when Buick adds a 2.0-liter turbo late in the model year, and GM’s new 190-horsepower, 2.5-liter four by ’13. The Verano’s EPA highway rating is no better than the V-6 Chrysler 300’s, though we achieved 25.2 mpg for the Buick and just 21.9 mpg for the Chrysler.
Aside from the engine, the car is a surprise—the good kind. Inside the 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan you’ll find everything has a
purpose. From the premium materials to the right amount of trunk space, our designers went out of their way to make Verano comfortable and purposeful.

The Verano is premium craftmanship and design

You’ll find premium craftsmanship and design everywhere you look along with exceptional seat comfort. When it comes to the driver, Verano makes you the center of attention, keeping you in control while putting you at ease. The aqua stitching on beige leather seats had detractors, though it’s only an option, and no judge confused its sense of style with the old Buick Blandmobiles that targeted the geriatric set. Probably quietest among the contenders, the Verano also has a plush ride without any annoying Roadmaster wallow.

The signature black chrome grill makes the Verano fall in line with Buick's impeccable sense of design

The 2012 Verano luxury sedan is as elegant as it is beautiful. Our signature black chrome waterfall grille, jewel-like projector beam headlamps and calligraphy-like chrome accents make Verano fall in line with Buick’s impeccable sense of design. Complement that with stunning 18” forged alloy wheels and the added sophistication of sculpted design, and you are driving in style.
What’s the large-compact Verano’s role vis-a-vis the small-midsize Regal? The Verano is priced as a premium step up for mainstream midsize sedan owners willing to give up some rear seat space, and as a competitor to the Ford Focus Platinum and Acura TSX, if not the Audi A3.

Do you think the 2012 Buick Verano has what it takes to win the Car of the Year title? Stay tuned as we preview every car that Motor Trend tested for its 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year competition in alphabetical order in advance of the official announcement on Nov. 16.

Find out more about this award winning model at The Only Place to Shop for your New Buick…Coulter Tempe.