The 2010 Buick LaCrosse offered two gasoline engine options: a 3.8-liter V6 and a 3.6-liter direct-injected V6. A hybrid variant was not available in 2010; Buick introduced the LaCrosse eAssist hybrid later, in 2011.
In more detail, the LaCrosse lineup primarily used GM’s V6 powerplants to balance comfort and performance. The base and mid-range models typically employed the 3.8-liter V6, while the sportier CXS trim was equipped with the more modern 3.6-liter direct-injected V6. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission as part of the drivetrain along with front-wheel drive capability; the hybrid option would come a year later under the eAssist badge.
Engine options for 2010 LaCrosse
Here are the engine options that were available in the 2010 LaCrosse lineup, depending on trim and market:
- 3.8-liter V6 (3800 Series II) — A traditional gasoline V6 used across the base and mid-range LaCrosse models, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 — A more modern, higher-output V6 used in the sport-oriented CXS trim, also mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Both engines reflected GM’s push to provide a smooth, quiet ride with satisfactory power for a full-size Buick sedan, while offering a choice between the more proven 3.8-liter and the more sophisticated 3.6-liter direct-injected option.
Notes on availability and context
Engine availability varied by trim level and market. The 3.8-liter V6 served as the standard engine on most non-sport configurations, while the 3.6-liter DI engine was reserved for the higher-performance CXS variant. A hybrid version, the LaCrosse eAssist, would not appear until the 2011 model year, representing GM’s early step into mild-hybrid technology for Buick’s flagship sedan.
What to consider when buying used
When shopping for a 2010 LaCrosse, verify the specific engine listed in the vehicle’s VIN and window sticker, as it determines performance characteristics and maintenance considerations. The 3.8-liter V6 is a robust, established powertrain, while the 3.6-liter DI version offers improved efficiency and newer tech but may require attention to direct injection maintenance in higher-mileage examples.
Summary
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse offered two gasoline engine options: a 3.8-liter V6 and a 3.6-liter direct-injected V6, with the former serving most of the lineup and the latter powering the sportier CXS. The hybrid LaCrosse eAssist was introduced later, in 2011, not in 2010.