Buick Verano Turbo vs. Acura ILX 2.4 - Which Skims The Cream Off The Top Or Scrapes The Bottom Of The Barrel?

Twenty years ago, a comparison between an entry-level Buick and its Acura equivalent would have matched a Skylark against an Integra. The unfair battle would have resulted in the compact American's defeat in nearly every measurable category, as the Japanese competitor was arguably at the height of its powers.

Yet the automotive industry has flipped, twisted and merged itself through more than just a recession over the past two decades – it's morphed into a whole different ballgame. Pitting a Buick against an Acura makes perfect sense today, as both automakers are peddling new entry-level models designed to scoop up buyers seeking premium features, luxury appointments and fuel efficiency in a reasonably priced compact sedan package.

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vdiv - 3/12/2013 3:25:37 PM

0 Boost

Yeah, I do not get it. Honda can do so much better and the Buick may sell well... in China. For this price I'd get a new CC or a "gently used" A4 and call it a day.

cidflekken - 3/12/2013 4:56:17 PM

+2 Boost

Give me the driver's car, please. Thanks.

trmckin - 3/12/2013 5:19:23 PM

-2 Boost

calling either of these a driver's car is pretty laughable. Especially at that price point... $30k doesn't get you what it used to.

trmckin - 3/12/2013 10:53:54 PM

0 Boost

ohhh, the dreaded down vote with no supporting argument. Please, do tell why someone would pay 30k for this and call it a drivers car? It's entry level "luxury". Reviews said it themselves with the buick row box. I guess they weren't completely hard on the ILX in the turns but other than that, they didn't have many positives. Just don't see the point. If you are looking for a drivers car for 30k, why not go for a VW GTI or CC? There are lots of options that outperform both of these at that price point.

mini22 - 3/14/2013 1:16:38 PM

+1 Boost

Both of these cars are competing in the near luxury and sport sedan market. It is a balancing act of offering hot hatchback driving characteristics to a certain degree yet offering luxury accutraments not available in a hot hatchback. In my view the interior quality of materials should be a higher level than your average hot hatchback. The noise level should also be lower. The transmission should be smooth and efficient whether it be an automatic or a manuel.The question is which of these vehicles comes the closest to this goal.The Buick seems to come closer to the near luxury aspect. It's interior materials seem a step up from the Acura. It is also quieter in both acceleration and highway cruising. It's 2 demerits seem to be it's manual tranny and lack of steering feel. The Acura clearly is the more driver based choice. No it's not up to the level of a GTI or even Honda's Civic Si but it is a step up from the Buick for sure. The question is does it need to be up to GI or Civic driving dynamics. Probably not if it is competing in the near luxury market. However 3 strong demerets are it's lack of sat nav, it's cheap looking leather and general interior, and it's road noise. These 3 things are not acceptable for a near luxury vehicle. Honda's revamped Civic SI has a nicer quality interior for over 5 grand less.These cars must sell not only to half baked driving enthusiasts but also to the average general public buyer.For me for a grand or 2 more the VW CC offers a better deal. It is roomier, has better driving dynamics than either, and has those luxury accoutraments
that is required. All buick has to do is improve on the manual tranny and steering feel to make it to the top of the class. Acura simply has a bit more to go, especially if this car is to replace the TSX in their lineup.