Buick Lucerne
19.5 MPG The 2011 Buick Lucerne is EPA-rated at 19.5 MPG combined (16 city / 24.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 769 gallons, $2462 a year in fuel, or $0.164 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2006–2011 run it averages 19.1 MPG, essentially flat across 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.128 | $1282 | $1923 | $2564 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.164 | $1641 | $2462 | $3282 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.179 | $1795 | $2692 | $3590 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.205 | $2051 | $3077 | $4103 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.231 | $2308 | $3462 | $4615 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.256 | $2564 | $3846 | $5128 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 19.5 MPG | 16 | 24.5 | $3200 | 458 | 2 |
| 2010 | 19.3 MPG | 16.3 | 24.7 | $3217 | 461 | 3 |
| 2009 | 19.7 MPG | 16.3 | 24.7 | $3167 | 454 | 3 |
| 2008 | 18.3 MPG | 15.3 | 23.3 | $3400 | 485 | 3 |
| 2007 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24.5 | $3275 | 469 | 2 |
| 2006 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24.5 | $3275 | 469 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 149 large cars models tracked here, the Buick Lucerne ranks 64 on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chrysler 300 (20), Chrysler Concorde (20), Dodge Charger (20), Jaguar XJ AWD (20), Jaguar XJL AWD (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 458 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Buick Lucerne get?
The 2011 Buick Lucerne is rated at 19.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 24.5 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 19.1 MPG, ranging from 18 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Buick Lucerne cost in fuel per year?
At 19.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 769 gallons — roughly $2462 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.164 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2011 model is $3200.
Has the Buick Lucerne become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 19.5 MPG today against 19 in 2006 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Buick Lucerne efficient for its class?
It ranks 64 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG. That is 2.1 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.