LOOKS
The Regal Sportback i tested featured an elegant dark moon blue metallic exterior color, which made for a classy look.

Also classy was the design of this Regal Sportback, which features a longer look for a typically smaller car like the Regal, almost reminiscent of older vehicles from yesteryear.

This almost coupe style directly aims itself at similarly styled foreign luxury sedan models.

Inside is roomy and comfortable up in the front seats, and you sink into the leather seating. Back seat is a bit tight with a tall driver and passenger up front, but you get a boatload of storage space in trunk and especially with rear seats folded (near SUV levels of storage space with seats down in fact).

The strong design and comfortable, high-end materials help cement Buick as a true luxury competitor in terms of design, and you also get a strong interior design in terms of placement of controls on dash and wheel. My test vehicle also featured: Power seats and windows, keyless start, interior ambient lighting, dual-zone AC/climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

The Regal I tested featured a 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine; paired with an automatic transmission with manual option on the shifter. It offers 250 horsepower, plus 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
Another engine offered is the 3.6 liter V6, with 310 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. Front-wheel drive is standard, but AWD is offered.

The ride in the Regal is composed, quiet, smooth and also very fast when you want it to be, even with the four-cylinder option. It’s also excellent in the turns, very responsive, and features a stop/start system (which some people like due to fuel savings and others just find annoying).
In the luxury segment, you going to find a lot better overall rides in terms of power and smoothness, but considering the price range of the Regal vs. those names, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with the Regal.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The 2018 Buick Regal is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for phone, and features a helpful 7-inch Buick infotainment system which responded well to voice and touch commands and was easy to use.

It features AM/FM and satellite radio, plus Bluetooth for audio and phone calls.

There are lots of advanced safety features offered (Lane change alert with side blind zone alert, Rear cross traffic alert, Rear park assist), but most are options.

One unique feature I liked was the rear seat reminder, which makes sure you check for your child in the back seat, which is critical in summer heat to prevent tragedy.

You also get airbags galore, LED daytime running lights, Teen Driver controls to monitor behavior of younger drivers, tire pressure monitor, a standard rearview camera, and a 7-speaker audio system, plus the OnStar system and all the safety and help features it offers. Navigation is offered, and the vehicle can become a 4G WiFi hotspot.

MPG
The official fuel mileage numbers on the Regal I tested are 22 city/32 highway/26 combined, and I averaged 26 mpg. This is just slightly less efficient than competitors from Acura and Audi in terms of fuel mileage, but the Regal is also more affordable than both, so that mile or two per gallon doesn’t really factor too much into final decision-making once all the math is done.

PRICE
The Regal Sportback I tested was priced at more than $35,000; but the base price starts about $25K (a very good price). As you go up the line in trim levels, you can top $40K.

BOTTOM LINE

Luxury shoppers seeking an affordable vehicle have a strong domestic alternative in the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback.

==================

Matt Myftiu can be reached via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page.

Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.