2018 Buick Regal Sportback | CarGurus Test Drive Review

Buick dares to be different by offering its long-lived Regal in two new shapes for 2018, a Sportback and a TourX wagon. Both are interesting, but our reviewer spent a week with the flagship Sportback, the GS AWD (all-wheel drive), which offers a wealth of cargo room in addition to a great V6 that’s also used in the Camaro and a number of Cadillacs. He prefers the power delivery of the 9-speed transmission that’s used in front-wheel-drive versions and with the V6, but the new 8-speed in other all-wheel-drive trims is expected to drive significantly improved mileage estimates from the EPA.

The Sportback’s 31.5 cubic feet of trunk space – 60.7 with the back seats down - puts it into competition with some hatchbacks and small crossovers. The materials and look and feel of the interior are strong, but not exceptionally so, and the new Regal is one of a number of new cars with visibility issues, particularly in the driver’s rear-quarter views.

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Sedans & Hatchbacks

[williamegler]

I drove the Opel version of this car in Germany for approximately 6000 miles.
I ordered a loaded one as soon as my dealer was able to accept the order.
I have also ordered a Tour X in Essence trim for my wife.

[liuby]

As a new owner and a Chinese in Canada I have no trouble with the Buick OR Opel/Vauxhall badge and when you go past that rather childish trouble, this is an all round reasonably good vehicle. This versus a similarly priced Audi A4 is just the matter of brand preference, interior quality, space and reliability expectancy differences. On top of that, it is always fun to drive a car that literally does not have a twin on the streets.


On the side note, yes I know the Stinger GT is better in almost every way but 1: It costs more so it evens some of the advantages out and 2: I am also childish and just cannot see myself driving a Kia.

[timyank]

It cracks me up how people bash it for being a "rebadged Opel". Yes, just like the MKZ is a rebadged Fushion, the Lacrosse is a rebadged Impala, the Escalade is a rebadged Tahoe. The Camry is a rebadged ES. The Charger is a rebadged 300. Thats what auto makers do. They rebadge the same corporate platforms across their brands to offer different levels of refinement. This isn't anything new.

[anthonytbarnes]

I have every intention to buy the Regal GS because I think it's the great car for me. I have priced out what I want to 45K. That is pricey, but I'm willing to spend my money for that. Some say I could get the Kia, but to option that like the Regal will push it's price to near 53K. That amount for a Kia I refused to do! No car is perfect, but the GS works awesome for me.

[tcnance]

The world is covered with SUV's ...been waiting for a Sporty Car To Come Out!!Want to take this one for a Test Drive!!!!
Wish this car was at the dealer already!!

[marcomaccoronado]

Hey it's my coke dealer haven't seen you in a while glad to see you

[eromusofwom]

Good review. The Regal Sportback doesn't really directly compete with the Stinger (top spec GT). There can be almost a 10k difference in price between the 2 models when you take into account Buick dealer's willingness to discount and offer incentives vs. little of both with the Stinger. I really love everything about the new GS. The engine, transmission, suspension, exhaust, styling, and even the cylinder deactivation is good...but the inability to turn off stop/start? Sadly...that is a dealbreaker for me. As a consumer I don't want choices taken away from me, I want the option to choose...even if I have to do it every time I start the car up. No word whether they will add a button for this function on the 2019 model. Let's hope they do. Otherwise I think this car has a lot going for it!

[neilcarter]

Never considered a Buick until I saw one of these on the rd.

[A_guan]

Would this or vw arteon be the better driving car?

[jeffreysegal]

So the turbo is the base motor. Who'd have thunk? I've driven earlier versions of this platform with v6s and the excess power is very satisfying.

[gocart]

I was going to buy one of these but I opted for a 2016 Lincoln MKZ fully loaded with the V6 awd

[shopwithaaron]

We added our third Optima to our current stable....2017 SXL and we didn't spend nearly that much...love that turbo power!

[tcnance]

I have driven this Car. It Rides Nice....a few things missing. Parking Lights, Remote For Trunk, Brembo Brakes Should Be on The Rear Tires, and a Panoramic Sunroof, which is missing powered shade. Paddle Shifters Not So Important to Me.
Still on The Fence🤔
Want to Test Drive the Kia Stinger Just To See How It Handles, and Compare.

[malcolmscott]

Opel Insignia rebranded - also Holden Commodore in OZ. May need turbo to match Stinger however agreed look past badge and a great package although in base form not as good looking as Ford Mondeo/Fusion. Great review Mike as your insights are really valuable.

[ChrisJones-cnew]

This car could have been so much more.

[-Zulu]

Kind of wished a detuned 3.0tt Cadillac v6 was in this car. With 350 hp and 350 tq. Heck the new 2.7t from the Silverado would be a good engine for this car. Same hp but more tq.

[PaulHo]

From a 30-year old's POV, this is awesome. From a Toyota driver's POV, the ergonomics and materials leave me wanting. From a broke millenial's POV, it's too spendy.

[lawdog]

No start stop disable is deal breaker for me Sorry I HATE IT !!!!

[MikeDPerkins]

Follow me on IG for behind-the-scenes and upcoming cars: mikedperkins

[grumjpy]

Paddle shifters absence, Seats, Undefeatable start stop and price are big bummers. I would take Kia over it anyday. Under 50K its hard to justify not buying Kia over this car.