“It drives really well, comfortable seating, good gas mileage, don't hear outside noise, feels safe”
Buick Regal: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Buick Regal is a midsize near-luxury car sold as a traditional sedan and, in its final generation, as a liftback-style Sportback and TourX wagon. It is known for quiet comfort, premium touches, strong turbo power, and more everyday usefulness than its sleek shape suggests.
The Regal returned in 2011 as a sharper, more driver-focused Buick with European roots. It consistently blended a quiet, premium-feeling cabin with stronger performance than a typical family sedan. The final 2018-2020 generation pushed practicality further with the large-liftgate Sportback and roomy TourX wagon, while the GS remained the performance-focused version.
Strengths
- The cabin emphasizes quiet comfort and premium touches without feeling showy.
- Turbocharged power gives most later Regals stronger performance than their understated appearance suggests.
- The final-generation Sportback combines sleek sedan-like styling with a large liftgate and useful cargo room.
- The TourX wagon adds extra carrying space and standard all-wheel drive for everyday versatility.
- The 2018-2020 GS brings a 310-horsepower V6 and standard all-wheel drive while keeping the Sportback’s practical layout.
Who it's for
The Regal suits someone who wants a comfortable midsize car with a more polished feel than a basic family sedan, but without the flash of a traditional luxury badge. The Sportback works especially well for drivers who like sedan styling but regularly carry bulky items, while the TourX fits buyers who need wagon space and all-wheel-drive confidence. The GS is for someone who wants stronger performance without giving up everyday practicality.
Buick Regal lineup
Base, Preferred, and Essence make up the mainstream side of later Regal lineups, moving from the straightforward entry model toward a more premium experience without changing the car’s basic mission. Pick one of those for the Regal’s core mix of comfort, turbo power, and everyday usefulness. The Avenir, added in 2019, is the luxury-focused Sportback for shoppers who value a more upscale presentation. The GS is the clear performance choice, pairing stronger V6 power with all-wheel drive and the Sportback’s useful cargo access.
Buick Regal generations
From 2011 to 2020, the Regal spans two generations. The current 6th Generation arrived for 2018, following the 5th Generation (2011–2017).
6th Generation (2018–2020)
This redesign replaced the traditional Regal sedan with the Sportback hatchback and added the TourX wagon. Most versions used a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the GS paired a V6 with standard AWD.
7 In Stock
2020Trim changes
The Preferred II Sportback left the lineup. Dual-zone automatic climate control became standard on base and Preferred Sportback and TourX models; this was the Regal’s final North American model year.
2019Trim changes
The more upscale Avenir trim joined the Sportback lineup.
2018New generation
A full redesign replaced the sedan with the Sportback hatchback and introduced the TourX wagon. The GS gained a 310-hp V6 and standard AWD.
5th Generation (2011–2017)
The Regal returned as a European-based midsize sedan with sleeker styling and sharper handling than earlier Buicks. A major 2014 refresh brought updated styling, a revised cabin, a stronger turbo engine, and AWD.
17 In Stock
2017Trim changes
The sedan carried over with no significant lineup-wide changes in its final year.
2016Trim changes
The Sport Touring trim joined the lineup, and the non-turbo 1SV returned as the entry model. An 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay also arrived.
2015Trim changes
The new non-turbo 1SV trim joined during the model year. The touchscreen system gained text-message alerts and Siri Eyes Free.
2014Mid-cycle update
Front and rear styling, the dashboard, and touchscreen controls were refreshed. Most versions gained a stronger 259-hp turbo engine, and AWD arrived.
2013
The mild-hybrid powertrain became standard on non-turbo models, and a 7-inch touchscreen became standard across the lineup.
2012Trim changes
The GS performance model joined with a turbo engine, stronger brakes, firmer suspension, and unique styling. The mild-hybrid system also arrived.
2011New generation
The Regal returned to the U.S. as an all-new midsize sedan with European roots, sharper handling, and a more driver-focused feel.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Buick Regal.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Buick Regal a sedan, hatchback, or wagon?
It depends on the era. The 2011-2017 Regal is a conventional midsize sedan. For 2018-2020, the sedan gave way to the Sportback, which has sedan-like styling and a large liftgate, while the TourX is a roomier wagon.
What is the Buick Regal known for?
The Regal is known for a quiet cabin, comfortable road manners, premium touches, and a more engaging feel than many traditional Buicks. The 2018-2020 Sportback and TourX also stand out for their useful cargo space, while the GS puts more emphasis on performance.
Does the Buick Regal come as a hybrid?
Yes, some fifth-generation Regals use Buick’s eAssist mild-hybrid system. It was optional on 2.4-liter cars in 2012, became standard on non-turbo Regals in 2013, and largely faded from the retail lineup by 2016. The 2018-2020 Regal family is gasoline-only.
Does the Buick Regal have all-wheel drive?
Yes, but it depends on the version. AWD joined the sedan range in 2014 on certain upper trims. In the 2018-2020 family, the TourX wagon and GS have standard AWD, while regular Sportbacks may have front-wheel drive or AWD.
Is the Buick Regal a good family car or commuter?
Yes, it can suit either role if five seats are enough. Every Regal emphasizes a quiet, comfortable cabin. The 2018-2020 Sportback adds an easy-loading liftgate, and the TourX wagon provides even more cargo flexibility for strollers, luggage, or outdoor gear.
How different are the newer Regals from the earlier ones?
They are substantially different. The 2011-2017 Regal is a midsize sedan with comfort, turbo, eAssist, and GS variants depending on year. The 2018 redesign replaced it with the liftback-style Sportback and the TourX wagon, bringing much greater cargo flexibility.
Is the Buick Regal discontinued?
Yes. The Regal’s final North American model year was 2020. Buick ended the Sportback, TourX, and GS as the brand shifted to an all-SUV lineup in the United States and Canada.
Buick Regal Reviews
What owners are saying about the Buick Regal.
4.2
Buick Regal
(1,515 reviews)
“It is very difficult to get things out of the arm rest compartment while you are in the driver's seat. I wish it was easier to adjust the temperature by more than a single degree at a time.”
“The front console is not designed well for storage considering how large the vehicle is”
“not roomy, touch screen hard to read with finger print smudges, can't get some radio stations that always got before, can't open trunk from interior as did with other last Buick, no bench seats, mileage displayed without 1/10.”
“Unique styling, looks of a sedan with functionality of a hatchback. Great overall luxury, solid performance and value”
“CAR IS TERRIBLE GOING FROM A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT IT HAS FIVE HUNDRED MILES ON IT AND IT BANGS INTO GEAR FROM A DEAD STOP”
Sources
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBR20CT000 020 Regal Catalog
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBR20CT100 020 TourX Catalog digital
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2019 Buick Regal Sportback Gs Brochure
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2019 Buick Regal Tourx Brochure
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2018 Buick Regal Sportback Brochure
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2018 Buick Regal Tourx Brochure
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2017 Buick Regal Brochure
- buick.com — Buick / Regal / 2016 Buick Regal Get to Know Guide
- buick.com — Buick / Regal / 2015RegalBrochure (1)
- media.gm.com — 2014 / Regal / Index