All the Best Buick Compact Cars
While Buick no longer produces cars, the Verano and the Cascada are both options that can be purchased used.
Written by Alita Dark
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Buick compact and subcompact car models
- Does Buick currently produce any compact vehicles?
- What is Buick’s smallest car?
- What is Buick’s cheapest car?
- How to save on Buick car insurance
Load full table of contents
As of 2019, Buick switched to the sole production of SUVs. Don’t worry, though—the Verano and the Cascada are both recent compact car models that you can purchase used.
Compact and subcompact SUVs are currently dominating America’s vehicle landscape, but not everyone is jumping on board. If you’re one of the drivers who crave Buick’s style and sophistication in the form of a smaller car, you should be able to find one used.
Join
Jerry
, the trusted car insurance
comparison app, as we dive into the details of Buick’s past compact car offerings. We’ll also include a list of their current smaller SUVs in production—plus a rundown of how to find the best Buick car insurance costs
! Buick compact and subcompact car models
While neither model is on the production floor, the Verano and the Cascada account for Buick’s small-car lineup. We’ll discuss their most recent models here.
2017 Buick Verano (MSRP $21,990)
Though it might not have been as flashy as some of Buick’s
more recent SUV models
, the Buick Verano
rode just as well and maintained the classic look of the front grille. This model was available in three trims: 4D 1SV, Sport Touring, and Leather. It’s far fewer than the six models on offer the previous year—and the previously available turbocharged engine was no longer an option, which some drivers found disappointing. That disappointment was reflected in the rating the Verano received from Car and Driver’s rating: 4/10.
Let’s take a look at some of the Verano’s highlights and weaknesses.
Highlights:
- Luxury interior
- A smooth, quiet ride even at high speeds
- Top safety ratings
- Convenient and varied optional features such as OnStar and heated seats
Weaknesses:
- Cramped rear seats
- Lack of options—especially the removal of the turbo-engine
Strangely enough, the phasing out of this vehicle may be its strongest selling point. A lower MSRP makes the Verano more competitively priced!
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
2019 Buick Cascada (MSRP $33,995)
The Cascada wasn’t your run-of-the-mill sedan—it was a convertible. Like the Verano, it had three trim options: 1SV, Premium, and Sport Touring. This model promised sporty as well as sophisticated looks, and that’s exactly what it delivered.
Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver on ratings. The Cascada received a slightly better-than-average 6/10 from Car and Driver. Edmunds puts it even lower at 5.6/10, and it doesn’t rank anywhere on J.D. Power’s Best Compact Car of 2019 list. Both Car and Driver and Edmunds cite lack of speed as one of their biggest gripes, claiming it is made more for cruising than joyriding.
Here are some other highlights and weaknesses.
Highlights:
- Large trunk storage—though you’ll have to leave the top up
- Comfortable interior
- Top drops quickly, in less than 20 seconds
Weaknesses:
- Slow to accelerate
- Lack of features for the price
- Cramped rear seats
- Poor driving performance
Does Buick currently produce any compact vehicles?
Maybe a compact SUV seems like a bit of a contradiction, but the answer is yes. Small enough to fit in cramped big-city streets but large enough to hold a family of five and their luggage, it’s not hard to see why compact SUVs are a popular pick. Buick offers two models officially classed as compact SUVs and two considered small SUVs.
Compact SUVs:
- Envision Avenir (MSRP $39,850) - J.D. Power rating: 86/100
Small SUVs:
- Buick Encore GX (MSRP $24,400) - J.D. Power rating: 87/100
Of these, the Buick Encore GX is the best-rated overall. Car and Driver gives it a 6.5/10, while the Edmunds rating comes in at 7.9/10.
What is Buick’s smallest car?
The smallest car Buick has ever produced (in modern times) is the Verano. Its wheelbase measures 105.7 inches, though the Cascada is close behind with a wheelbase of 106.1 inches.
For cars currently in production, the honor of smallest vehicle goes to the Encore, which has a wheelbase of 168.41 inches.
Fun Fact Buick was founded in 1899 and has manufactured cars with a wheelbase as short as 92”!
What is Buick’s cheapest car?
The Buick Verano wins this category, too. The base model has the lowest MSRP of $21,990. Of course, like any model, the top-tier trim is going to cost more—closer to $30,000. It’s worth taking a look around used car sites, though, as you might come across some great deals.
How to save on Buick car insurance
Whether you’re set on a sedan, a convertible, or an SUV, you’ll want to make sure your car is protected. Finding the right insurance at the right price can be a lengthy process—but not with
Jerry
. Jerry is a
car insurance comparison app
that helps you compare quotes from top insurance providers in less than a minute. You won’t have to deal with any phone calls or paperwork, and you can switch policies right in the app.“I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get since I have a luxury SUV. AfterJerryfound me quotes, I ended up paying only $80 a month for the same coverage. I’ll be shopping for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Petra S.
RECOMMENDED
Jerry automatically checks if you are paying the lowest price for your insurance, for free.
Instantly compare top insurance companies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What insurance do you want to compare?
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience 👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Reduce your monthly car payments in minutes?
Find out if Jerry can reduce your payments by an average of $150/month
4.7You might also be interested
.webp&w=384&q=75)
