The 2014 Buick Verano is offered with two different powertrain possibilities. Base Verano models include a 180-hp, 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with direct injection. It powers the front-wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission and provides acceleration on par with most mid-size sedans. It is also quiet and refined, all while returning EPA ratings of 21 mpg city, 32 highway. A turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine makes 250 hp and 260 ft-lb 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 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 is firm enough for good handling but compliant enough to soak up irregularities.
The Buick Verano is offered as a single model, but with several option groups to vary equipment. 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. The Convenience Group is above the base Verano, and adds heated power mirrors and heated front seats, a power driver's seat, Universal Home Remote and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Leather Group adds premium-grade leather upholstery, 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 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 radio services using the smartphone's data connection. The available Bose audio system fully complements IntelliLink and XM Travel Link services and 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 also gain 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. Available safety technology includes a Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning system.
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 2014, the Buick Verano adds a few new features and updates others. An available Forward Collision Alert and a Lane Departure Warning system are new. A 3-channel Universal Home Remote is also new and standard on Convenience, Leather and Turbo models, as are heated front seats. IntelliLink is updated with text message support, Siri Eyes-Free and voice recognition. Smoky Gray Metallic exterior paint joins the color palette, replacing Cyber Gray Metallic.
The 2014 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 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 -- including some impressive connectivity and safety technology.
