Buick vs Cadillac: Which Is More Reliable?
March 24, 2023

Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!
Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.
Faced with the decision of picking a new car, you find yourself torn between Buick and Cadillac. The question looms: which brand offers more reliability?
Owned by General Motors, Buick and Cadillac might share a parent company, but they diverge significantly in what they offer.
Buick shines with its superior reliability scores, excelling in engine efficiency, comfort, and a touch more luxury. Interestingly, both brands boast comparable safety ratings and often utilize similar platforms.
Navigating the differences between Buick and Cadillac can seem daunting due to their similarities. However, despite their shared platforms and interchangeable parts, Buick edges out with a stronger reputation for dependability.
While warranty coverage mirrors each other across both brands, Buick instills a greater sense of trust over time.
This post will delve into a detailed comparison of Buick versus Cadillac models, highlighting critical aspects to guide your choice with clarity and insight.
Table of Contents
Buick vs. Cadillac Reliability: A Detailed Comparison
Features | Buick | Cadillac |
Gas Mileage | ||
Repair and Maintenance Cost | ||
Engine and Performance | ||
Safety | ||
Design | ||
Technology | ||
Durability |
Buick vs. Cadillac Reliability: Which Is Better?
Irrespective of the fact that Buick and Cadillac are products of the same brand, Buick offers better reliability.
According to RepairPal, Buick has a reliability rating of 3.5/5.0, ranking 13th out of 32 car brands. Cadillac ranks 26th out of 32, with a reliability rating of 3.0/5.0. The average repair cost for Buick is cheaper than what is obtainable on Cadillac.
The 2022 JD Power dependability survey ranks Buick miles ahead of Cadillac. Buick is ranked higher than Cadillac and the second most dependable car brand on JD Power's 2022 survey list.
Buick beats Cadillac with better fuel efficiency. The design philosophies differ, trying to meet the taste of each of the brand's audiences.
However, while Buick tilts towards a traditional and refined design, Cadillac adopts a bold and aggressive design. Even though Cadillac is costlier than Buick, considering the factors in play, Buick is a better option with its lower price.
Buick vs. Cadillac Reliability: Design
Design is an important factor to consider when comparing the reliability of car brands. Every driver deserves a car that looks good, is comfortable, and has durable designs.
To compare the reliability of Buick vs. Cadillac designs, we must compare both brands' exterior styling, interiors, materials, and aesthetics.
Buick is known for its stylish and sophisticated vehicles, which often feature sleek, flowing lines and a refined, upscale look. The brand's interiors are also known for their attention to detail and use of high-quality materials, which contribute to a sense of luxury.
Cadillac, on the other hand, Cadillac is known for its bold and distinctive design. The brand's vehicles often feature more angular, aggressive styling, which gives them a sportier, more assertive look. Cadillac's interiors are also typically more opulent than Buick's, with a greater emphasis on luxury features and materials.
So, which brand is better in terms of design? You might consider the Cadillac's interiors a better option, but the truth is, your choice boils down to personal preference.
Some drivers will prefer Buick's more refined, sophisticated look, while others will prefer the bold, assertive style of Cadillac.
What you value in a car will determine which of the brand's cars you will find appealing. You must understand that both brands make significant efforts to modernize their design language. This ensures that their designs appeal to users of different ages and demographics.
Winner: Both
Buick vs. Cadillac Reliability: Gas Mileage
Regarding gas mileage, both Buick and Cadillac have a wide range of more fuel-efficient models than others.
On an overall scale, Buick has better gas mileage than Cadillacs.
There are lots of factors that influence the better gas mileage on Buick. One of which is the smaller size of Buick cars compared to Cadillac.
It takes relatively less power to get a Buick car than you will need to push a Cadillac forward. This greatly influences fuel efficiency.
Buick tends to have an edge in terms of fuel efficiency, with several models offering excellent gas mileage. Cadillac's vehicles tend to be less fuel-efficient, particularly the brand's larger models and those with more powerful engines.
For instance: The Buick Encore has a gas mileage of 28/31 MPG city/highway. This is compared to the Cadillac XT5, which has a gas mileage of 22/29 MPG.
Winner: Buick
Buick vs. Cadillac Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Cost
It is cheaper to repair and maintain a Buick than a Cadillac. Buick has an average annual repair cost of $608, while Cadillac has an average annual repair cost of $783.
The probability of major repairs for Cadillac rises to 17%, with a 0.4 chance of visiting the repair shop, while Buick stays at 13% and a 0.3 chance of visiting the repair shop.
Winner: Buick
Buick vs. Cadillac Reliability: Safety and Technology
Both Buick and Cadillac offer a range of advanced safety features, including airbags, stability control, and traction control.
In addition, both brands offer available driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The systems and delivery on both brands greatly vary, but the safety ratings are similar on Buick and Cadillac.
Winner: Both
Buick vs. Cadillac Reliability: Engine And Performance
The Buick brand gradually grew to become the best car in the General Motors lineup. This is reflected in its engine offerings.
Both Buick and Cadillac offer a range of engine options; four, and six-cylinder engines, and V8 engine configurations for their larger models. Buick and Cadillac have different approaches to their engines.
Buick's engines offer more efficiency, with several models offering fuel-saving technology and better gas mileage.
On the other hand, Cadillac's engines are known for their power and performance, with several models offering high horsepower ratings.
The decision for the engines of both brands depends on what you need.
Winner: Both
Conclusion
Although Buick is more reliable than Cadillac, the decision between any of both brands depends on what you are looking for.
Buick may be the better choice if you are looking for a comfortable, refined driving experience with plenty of room for passengers and luggage.
On the other hand, if you are more interested in a performance-oriented vehicle with bold styling and sharp handling, then Cadillac may be the better option.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Buicks and Cadillacs the same?
No. Buicks and Cadillacs are not the same. Buicks and Cadillacs are owned by the same parent company, General Motors (GM). However, they operate independently. Both brands run their operations and marketing strategies separately.
Why do older people buy Buicks?
It is no rumor that Buicks are referred to as Grandma cars. There are lots of reasons why older people buy Buicks. These cars are comfortable and moderate without giving off an excessive impression of luxury.
Is Buick more luxurious than Cadillac?
Buick is amongst General Motors' lineup of premium cars. Although advertised as a premium car brand, Buick is less luxurious than Cadillac. Cadillacs offer a better sense of luxury than Buick.
Why are Buicks so quiet?
There are a few reasons why Buicks are so quiet, even during long rides. One of the reasons is the Buick QuietTuning Technology. The technology works like an overall noise-canceling system for the car.
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