BUICK LACROSSE VS LEXUS ES - WHICH OF THESE TWO MID-SIZE LUXURY SEDANS IS MOST TRUSTWORTHY OF YOUR HARD-EARNED BUCK?

General Motors - John LeBlanc, auto journalist at Driving.ca and one of Canada's most vociferous critics of the auto industry, recently test-drove the 2014 Buick LaCrosse and the Lexus ES.  Which vehicle came out on top?  Read below to find out.

Although it may seem like it, not all new vehicle buyers these days are looking for the utility of an SUV or crossover.  Although they are becoming more rare by the hour, some customers still prefer the more gentile driving experience, conservative profile and better fuel economy offered by a good old-fashioned sedan.

In fact, in what is considered the most competitive car market ever, for the price of a mainstream mid-size crossover, you can easily get yourself into a luxury mid-size sedan - witness the 2014 Buick LaCrosse and the Lexus ES.  But as we are wont to do, we asked which one is the better buy.

SECOND-PLACE

As one of the original Lexus models, the mid-size front-wheel-drive ES sedan has been a stalwart in the Toyota luxury brand's lineup since 1989.  The sixth-generation Lexus ES debuted as a 2013 model, now sporting the brand's newly aggressive styling motif, more room inside, and for the first time ever a gasoline-electric hybrid model.  Beyond these details, however, Lexus has done more than ever to distinguish the luxury ES from the mainstream Toyota Camry it's traditionally been based upon.

Comparing gas-V6 models, the LaCrosse's 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine's 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque outgun the ES 350's 3.5L engine and its 268 hp and 248 lb-ft numbers.  However, the Lexus weighs 162 kilograms less than the Buick's chunkier 1,772 kg curb weight.  That results in the Lexus taking only 6.2 seconds to go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour (0.9 seconds swifter than the Buick) and score better fuel economy estimates of 9.9 litres per 100 km city and 6.4 highway, compared to the LaCrosse's respective 12.2 and 7.3 figures.  Car Comparison: 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid vs 2014 Lexus IS 350

In addition to its distinctive Lexus looks, the ES now rides on a longer wheelbase shared with the Toyota Avalon.  Not only has the extra length allowed Lexus designers to create a car that has a lot more visual presence compared to the more pedestrian Toyota four-door, it frees up much-needed rear leg- and knee-room that better matches up with the roomy Buick.  And if you're looking to replace your crossover, know that the gas-engine Lexus' trunk space is rated at 430 litres - 53 more than the Buick.

Pricing for the 2014 ES 350 starts at $41,745 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection fees).  To better match the Buick rival, you'll need to pop for the $43,745 Premium trim, which adds such goodies as Apple Siri hands-free technology and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel that's also heated.

But unless straight-line performance and fuel economy are your priorities, we think there's a better mid-size luxury sedan in this comparison.

FRIST-PLACE: 2014 Buick LaCrosse

Primarily designed to keep Chinese car buyers happy, the Buick LaCrosse mid-size luxury sedan scores easily over its Lexus rival by offering more features-per-dollar and the refined driving experience shoppers in this segment expect.

The second-generation LaCrosse arrived for 2010.  And the 2014 model year marks the front- or all-wheel-drive sedan's first major update, with new exterior styling, interior updates, state-of-the-art safety features and a new top-line trim level.

You can get into a front-wheel-drive 2014 LaCrosse for as little as $37,545.  But that comes with General Motors' eAssist four-cylinder mild-hybrid system.  While it scores reasonable 8.3 L/100 km city, 5.4 highway estimates, its 182 hp and 172 lb-ft ratings do not make for a "luxury" driving experience.  Best to opt for the $42,395 LaCrosse Premium.  It adds the more appropriate V6 and more standard kit like heated AND ventilated front seats and real leather, instead of the synthetic kind you'll find in the pricier Lexus.

While the ES 350 is quicker and sips less fuel, the latest version seems to have lost its renowned refinement from behind the wheel in an attempt by Lexus to chase BMW owners.  Comparatively, the LaCrosse is the better luxury sedan when the rubber hits the road.  The Buick four-door does an exceptional job at keeping any kind of exterior noise from entering its incredibly quiet cabin.  Buick calls it QuietTuning, a strategy that includes acoustical laminate glass, sound deadeners throughout the entire lower body structure and sound-absorbing material in the LaCrosse's engine, passenger and cargo compartments.  And it works.  Compared to the noisier ES 350, the LaCrosse is nearly silent at any speed.

What may surprise you is the Buick's relatively well-controlled cornering abilities.  The optional Hi-Per front suspension tames dreaded torque steer and gives some feeling in the LaCrosse's steering something the Lexus ES 350 is devoid of.

And the LaCrosse Premium comes with a Sport button that stiffens the electrically controlled shocks and makes the electrically assisted variable-effort power steering and throttle responses a bit quicker.  Better still:  all-wheel-drive is available on the Buick, an option the Lexus does not offer.

Overall, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse is a better value and treats its passengers to the kind of luxury driving experience they're paying for.  In other words, it's our winner.