2018 Buick Regal

The 2018 Regal with standard front-wheel-drive comes in four trims with the same standard 2L turbocharged engine and 9-speed automatic powertrain while the AWD version is available with an 8-speed automatic drivetrain configuration. However, every trim has different sets of additional features which can be further customized.

The base 1SV variant is packed with a 2-liter inline-4 cylinder turbocharged engine to produce a maximum power of 250 hp. The preferred-I is a level up on the stairs with few additional standard features like a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Trims	Sportback 1SV	Preferred	Preferred II	Essence
MSRP(FWD)	$24,990	$28,595	$30,695	$32,695
Key Features	Halogen Headlamps with LED Signature Daytime Running Lamps, Buick QuietTuning with Active Noise Cancellation	Includes or replaces features on Regal (1SV), plus:	Includes or replaces features on Preferred, plus:	Includes or replaces features on Preferred II, plus:Leather-Appointed Seats, Heated Front Seats
	Available OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (limited trial), Rear Vision Camera	Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel,	40/20/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat,
	Buick Infotainment System† with 7″ diagonal color touch screen, Teen Driver Technology	8-Way Power Driver Seat with 2-Way Lumbar,	18″ Machined-Faced Painted Aluminum Wheels,Fog Lamps, Heated Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, Buick Infotainment System† with 8″ diagonal color touch screen
		Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror

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Although, the Preferred-1 provides enough power and comfort to satisfy you while the Preferred-II opens the door to more options and packages that aren’t available for the base package. While the choosing the trim, it totally depends on your preference but the Sights and sound package and driver confidence package is a must-have for experiencing an easier drivability and immersive sound quality.

“The redesigned 2018 Buick Regal offers capable engine choices, responsive transmissions, and a comfortable ride. The base engine provides respectable performance, but its fuel economy – like that of the entire Regal lineup – is unimpressive. The top-level GS trim has a muscular V6 for quicker launches and better passing power.”- Cars.usnews

Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Buick Regal is powered by a 2-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine which produces a maximum power of 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission for the standard version and 8-speed automatic transmission for the AWD.

Despite using a bigger 2.5-liter engine, the older brother Lacrosse is miles behind the 2018 Regal. The Sportback provides best in class power and torque married with the 9-speed automatic transmission which gives it an edge over the 6-speed automatic gearbox in the segment.

Models	Buick Regal Sportback	Lincoln MKZ	Buick Lacrosse 1SV	Honda Accord
MSRP	$24,990	$35,605	$30,490	$23,570
Engine	2.0-L 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Engine	2.0L Turbocharged I-4	2.5L 4-cylinder	·         1.5-Liter VTEC® Turbo 4-Cyl. Engine
Transmission	9-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	·         CVT with Sport Mode
Power	250 hp	245 hp	194 hp	192 hp
Torque	260 lb ft	275 lb-ft	187 lb-ft	192 lb ft

Acceleration

Like power and torque, the 2018 Buick Regal tops the segment in acceleration too. The beast pulls up from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 sec which is way faster than the second fastest Lincoln MKZ. The reason behind this snappy acceleration is its high-strength aluminum chassis which is 200 pounds lighter than the previous Regal model. Honda Accord barely makes it to the competition with a laggy figure of 7.6 sec.

Models	Buick Regal Sportback	Lincoln MKZ	Buick Lacrosse 1SV	Honda Accord
0-60 MPH	6.2 sec	7 sec	7.4 sec	7.6 sec
Quarter mile	N/A	15.2 sec	15.7 sec	15.9
Engine	2.0 L	2.0L	2.5L	1.5 L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.8	7.3	6.1	N/A

Ride and Handling

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is as good behind the wheels as it is in performance. The Sportback’s handling cannot be called sporty but is surely fun. The car is quick around the corners and gives confidence but steering isn’t responsive and lacks the feel one desires.

The Regal 1SV is pretty good when it comes to the ride quality. The cabin hushes out most of the engine whir and also manages to keep the outside noise outside, all thanks to the active noise cancellation system. The suspensions work just fine and aren’t anything fancy but enough to give you a cushy ride on long hauls.

Braking

Not much is known about the 2018 Buick Regal’s braking capabilities as it’s new to the market and hasn’t been driven much.

Model	Buick Regal Sportback	Lincoln MKZ	Buick Lacrosse 1SV	Honda Accord
Brake Front(in)	TBD	12.4	11.8	11.5
Brake Rear(in)	TBD	12.4	11.3	11.1
Curb Weight(lbs)	3417	3739	3490	3131
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	119	123	116

The 2018 Buick Regal proves to be inefficient in the long run with a combined mileage of 26 mpg as a result of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Model	Buick Regal Sportback	Lincoln MKZ	Buick Lacrosse 1SV	Honda Accord
MPG (City)	22	21	25	30
MPG (Highway)	32	31	35	38
MPG (Combined)	26	24	29	33

The thirsty hatchback ranks second lowest in the competition set following the Lincoln MKZ. The higher torqued AWD variant would be at the bottom of the table with the fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

“The 2018 Buick Regal boasts attractive styling, but interior quality is a mixed bag, with fake stitching, hard plastic surfaces, and available leather seating upholstery that feels too hard. Also, the lower trims use old-school gauge components, making the redesigned Regal look a little tired already. ” Cars.usnews

Seating and comfort

The interior of 2018 Buick Regal is just good, yes that’s it. The leather upholstery and dual-colored theme gives it a fresh feel but only until you notice the plastic at some places which just rains over the parade for this car. The seats are very comfortable and undoubtedly best in class and promise cozy long rides. As stated earlier, the cabin is very quiet and is well-tuned to keep the engine sound at its least.

The 2018 Regal leads the segment in headroom and the credit goes to its coupe-like styling. The Sportback has a larger wheelbase than its primitive but is smaller as compared to its competitors which drags it down in the points table when it comes to legroom. However, it’s still ample and comfortable enough for an average tall person.

Model	Buick Regal Sportback	Lincoln MKZ	Buick Lacrosse 1SV	Honda Accord
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	N/A	96.6	102	105.6
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	38.8/56.9/42.1	37.9/57.7/44.3	38.4/57.7/42.0	39.5/58.3/42.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(in.)	37.4/55.4/36.9	36.6/55.3/37	37.2/56.6/38.0	37.3/56.5/40.4

Cargo Volume

We can’t stop emphasizing on how amazing is the cargo space of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback. Even with the seats at their place, it offers a segment-topping trunk space of 31.5 ft cube. But when seats are folded, magic happens and this Sportback gives you a humongous space of 60.7 ft cube which is just short of what an SUV offers.

Model	Buick Regal Sportback	Lincoln MKZ	Buick Lacrosse 1SV	Honda Accord
Behind Second Row(cube ft.)	31.5	15.4	14.3	16.7
Second Row Folded (cube ft.)	60.7	N/A	N/A	N/A

The Regal’s cargo volume is quite segmented topping with both seats open and folded. However, the 40/20/40 rear split folding seats are only available in Preferred-I trim or higher. But, with the cavernous opening of the 2018 Regal which is the result of the roof-reaching rear hinges, loading, and unloading of heavy luggage won’t be much of a problem even in the base 1SV variant.

Infotainment System

The 2018 Buick Regal comes loaded with a 7-inch infotainment screen integrated with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a wireless Qi charging station and stock sound system. With the base package, the system isn’t anything special and far behind from its competitors but it can be upgraded with the Sights and Sounds package, which includes a more high-tech 8-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, navigation and Bose audio system for $1945.

“The Regal Sportback deserves praise for its flexible and practical interior. That it doesn’t come at the expense of a stylish exterior is just as impressive. In fact, if you didn’t know about the upward-lifting rear hatch door, you probably wouldn’t even know the Sportback had one.”- Kelley Blue Book

Dimensions and Weight

The 2018 Buick Regal drops almost everything that was established by the predecessors and returns with a bang flaunting that European hatchback avatar. The hatchback is called the Sportback for its rear that hinges the roof to open the cavernous boot. The front face poses a low-stance with Halogen headlamps and chrome grills which give it an aggressive look. The windows are bordered with chrome strips that run till the rear end and offers a premium look on a whole.

Model	Buick Regal Sportback	Lincoln MKZ	Buick Lacrosse 1SV	Honda Accord
Curb weight(lbs)	3417	3739	3490	3131
Length(in)	192.9	193.9	197.5	192.2
Width(in)	73.3	75.1	73.5	73.3
Height(in)	57.3	58.1	57.5	57.1
Ground clearance(in)	N/A	5.0	6.5	5.8
Wheelbase(in)	111.4	112.2	114.0	111.4
Track width(in) F/R	62.8/63	62.3/62	62.9/63.1	63/63.4

The 2018 Buick Regal is pretty high at 57.3 m which gives it a coupe look and also provide ample headroom in the cabin. The sedan is around 200 pounds lighter than its older sibling due to its aluminum chassis which makes it stiffer, stronger and also provides top-notch acceleration and handling. The three inches larger wheelbase pulls the car up and offers much more legroom than its older sibling.

Exterior Features

• LED daytime running headlights
• Parking sensors
• 17 inches wheelbase
• Keyless entry

The 2018 Buick Regal offers all the essential safety features as per standards. The features include:

StabiliTrak, stability control system with Traction Control

Daytime Running Lamps, LED

Airbags, frontal, driver and right-front passenger, head curtain side-impact and thorax for front and rear outboard seating positions and knee for driver and front passenger

Passenger Sensing System, sensor indicator inflatable restraint, front passenger/child presence detector

OnStar Basic plan for 5 years includes select vehicle mobile app features, Advanced Diagnostics and Dealer Maintenance Notification

OnStar Guidance Plan Limited Trial Service including Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Roadside Assistance, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Advanced Diagnostics

Rear view camera

Safety belts, 3-point, driver and front passenger, height-adjustable includes pretensioners and load limiters

Safety belts, 3-point, rear, all seating positions

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren), for child safety seats in all rear seating positions

Trunk emergency release handle

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback hasn’t been crash tested yet and hence, IIHS and NHTSA ratings aren’t available. However, it may be noted that the 2018 Regal sees the essential safety features only with add-on packages or on higher trims which could have been included in all the trims with little adjustment in the cost.

Lincoln MKZ vs Buick Regal 
The Lincoln MKZ comes with a similar 2-liter engine as that of Buick but lags behind in power and torque ratings. The Lincoln offers a hybrid variant and has an extremely plus interior which is better than Buick but the latter one-ups the MKZ in performance, cargo space and acceleration and thus acquiring a better rating even after being 10 grand cheaper than the Lincoln.

Buick Lacrosse vs Buick Regal
The older crossover sibling of the Sportback packs a bigger and better engine than its younger brother but still lacks the punch in performance and acceleration due to its heavier body and crossover characteristics. The 9-speed drivetrain of Regal offers better drivability than the Lacrosse and hence proves to be a better alternative at a lesser cost.

Honda Accord vs Buick Regal 
The Honda Accord struggles to compete with the Buick Regal with it's tiny 1.5-litre engine and CTV powertrain. The car undoubtedly fails to pose a threat to the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback as a result of its low performance, average drivability and mediocre cargo space. However, the Honda manages to muster some lost ground with its great Build Quality, Seating Space and its reliability.

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback seems to be a balanced car with less fancy and more essentials. The car offers unmatched performance and handling in the midrange hatchback segment at a relatively lower cost. However, the Sportback has a lot to be upgraded with add-ons which also include the safety features which a point where you might think about going with this one.
You might go with the 1SV if you want a powerful car which is all work and no play but if you want an all-rounder, the Preferred-II and the more exclusive Essence variants are custom-stitched just for you.