2012 Buick Regal: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Buick Regal is the arrival of the GS performance model. This is not a redesign, but the lineup expands substantially with eAssist on 2.4-liter cars and a broader set of trims.
About the 2012 Buick Regal
5th generation U.S.-market Regal (Opel Insignia-based), second model year; major lineup expansion year before the 2014 refresh.
Buick positions the Regal as a premium midsize sport sedan with European roots. The marketing focus is on Autobahn-bred road manners, sleek coupe-like styling, and a cabin that feels more upscale than a typical family sedan. For most shoppers, the Regal is the Buick for someone who wants sharper handling and more visual drama than a LaCrosse, while still getting leather seating, heated front seats, quiet-road comfort, and everyday usability.
The 2012 Regal ranges from an upscale base sedan with leather, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control to the performance-focused GS. Premium trims emphasize features such as keyless access, premium audio, and HID headlights, while the GS stands out with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, stronger Brembo front brakes, an upgraded suspension, and unique bodywork.
What changed, by category
2012 Buick Regal specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, eAssist, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, eAssist, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, eAssist, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, FFV, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, FFV, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, FF, 2.0L |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19–25 mpg | 19–25 mpg | 19–25 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 31–36 mpg | 31–36 mpg | 31–36 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 220 hp | 220 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Buick Regal?
The biggest change is the addition of the Regal GS. It becomes the performance flagship with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, stronger Brembo front brakes, upgraded suspension hardware, and GS-specific styling.
Is the 2012 Buick Regal a redesign?
No. The 2012 Regal is the second model year of this generation, so it is a major lineup expansion rather than a full redesign.
Does the 2012 Buick Regal have eAssist?
Yes. The fuel-saving eAssist system joins the 2.4-liter Regal range for 2012.
How does the 2012 Regal trim lineup differ from 2011?
The 2011 CXL and CXL Turbo trims are dropped. The 2012 lineup uses Base, Premium 1, Premium 2, Turbo Premium 1, Turbo Premium 2, Turbo Premium 3, and GS trims instead.
What makes the 2012 Buick Regal GS different?
The GS is the most performance-focused 2012 Regal. It combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with Brembo front brakes, upgraded suspension hardware, an adjustable GS driving mode, sport-oriented cabin details, and unique exterior bodywork.