Safety, Features & Styling

With top crash-test scores across the board, the Verano is a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard features include 10 airbags, plus the antilock brakes and electronic stability system required on all new vehicles starting with the 2012 model year. Click here for a full feature list. Being a new car, the Verano doesn't have a reliability trail, but the year-old Cruze does and it stinks. Overall reliability is well below average. GM has work to do.

The Verano starts around $22,500, overlapping the well-equipped Cruze LTZ but undercutting the TSX, C30 and A3 by $2,300 or more. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, faux leather upholstery and a touch-screen, iPod/USB-compatible stereo with Buick's IntelliLink system. Climb the trims and you can get keyless access with push-button start, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, genuine leather, a navigation system and a moonroof. A power passenger seat, however, is unavailable.

Loaded to the gunwales, the Verano tops out around $29,000. That's still short of the base TSX.

    See also:

    Windshield Wipers
    (Mist): Turn the band to mist, for a single wiping cycle. Hold it there until the wipers start. Then let go. The wipers will stop after one wipe. If more wipes are needed, hold the band on mist ...

    Luggage Carrier
    CAUTION: If you try to carry something on top of your vehicle that is longer or wider than the luggage carrier — like paneling, plywood, a mattress and so forth — the wind can catch it as y ...

    Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
    To access the spare tire and tools: 1. Open the trunk. 2. Remove the spare tire cover. 3. Turn the retainer nut counterclockwise and remove the spare tire. Place the spare tire next to the tire ...