2011 Buick Regal: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Buick Regal was an all-new midsize sedan and marked the nameplate’s return to Buick’s U.S. lineup. Its biggest change was a shift toward a European-rooted premium sport sedan with sharper handling and a more driver-focused feel.
About the 2011 Buick Regal
Opel Insignia-based Regal generation (2011-2017), first U.S. model year and return of Regal to Buick’s lineup.
Buick pitched the Regal as a premium midsize sedan for drivers who wanted comfort and upscale materials without giving up steering feel and road control. Compared with the larger LaCrosse, the Regal was the more athletic Buick sedan, with European development, a tighter feel through corners, and a sleek four-door shape. Its main appeal was blending everyday comfort, a quiet cabin, and a more engaging driving character than most mainstream family sedans.
The CXL served as the balanced, comfort-focused Regal, pairing a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with heated leather-appointed front seats, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and USB audio. The CXL Turbo added a stronger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, along with variable-effort steering, a 12-way power front passenger seat, and rear parking assist.
What changed, by category
2011 Buick Regal specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, FFV, 2.0L |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.3 in | 37.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2011 Buick Regal a new generation?
Yes. The 2011 Regal was an all-new U.S.-market sedan and the first model year of the Opel Insignia-based generation that ran through 2017.
What is the difference between the 2011 Regal CXL and CXL Turbo?
The main difference is performance. The CXL has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while the CXL Turbo has a stronger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, variable-effort steering, a 12-way power front passenger seat, and rear parking assist.
Did every 2011 Buick Regal have an automatic transmission?
Yes. Every 2011 Regal trim used a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Did every 2011 Buick Regal have heated leather seats?
Yes. Both the CXL and CXL Turbo included leather-appointed heated front seats, along with dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB audio input, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Was there a 2010 Buick Regal in the U.S. lineup?
No. The Regal returned to Buick’s U.S. lineup for 2011 as an all-new sedan, so there was no directly preceding 2010 U.S. Regal model to compare with it.