Last updated August 4, 2026
Across the used Buick Regal range, 1SV, CXL, and base models are the straightforward comfort choices, while Sport Touring adds a sharper appearance. CXL Turbo, Preferred and Preferred II, plus Premium 1 and Premium I, form the convenience-focused middle of the lineup. Essence, Premium 2 and Premium II, and the Turbo Premium trims lean further into leather, heated features, and richer cabin equipment. Avenir is the luxury branch with unique styling and upgraded tech, while GS is the performance branch with stronger power and sharper handling hardware.
The Base Model trim level—sold as 1SV, CXL, or simply base—is the straightforward Regal, centered on a quiet cabin, everyday comfort, and useful folding rear seats rather than extra dress-up details.
Best for: Shoppers who want the Regal’s comfortable, upscale feel in its simplest form.
Highlights
The Sport Styling trim level, sold as Sport Touring, is the appearance-focused Regal, combining turbo power and core comfort with a sharper exterior look rather than the GS model’s performance hardware.
Best for: Drivers who like the Regal’s comfort but want it to look more athletic.
Highlights
Adds distinctive wheels, a rear spoiler, and bright-tipped dual exhaust to the core Regal formula.
3 in stock
The Mid-Level trim level covers CXL Turbo, Preferred, Preferred II, Premium 1, and Premium I; it is the everyday convenience step-up without the consistently richer cabin treatment of Essence and the higher Premium trims.
Best for: Shoppers who value power-seat and convenience upgrades more than luxury styling or performance hardware.
Highlights
Moves the emphasis from Sport Touring’s appearance upgrades to broader daily-use convenience; remote start, a heated steering wheel, and rear parking help appear on certain members and years.
7 in stock
The Premium Comfort trim level includes Essence, Premium 2 and Premium II, plus Turbo Premium 1, 2, and 3; it is the luxury-leaning Regal with leather, heated touchpoints, and richer cabin technology.
Best for: Buyers who want the Regal’s quiet ride and practicality with a more polished, comfortable cabin.
Highlights
Adds a more consistently upscale cabin with leather seating, heated features, and richer infotainment or audio equipment.
6 in stock
The Top Tier trim level, sold as Avenir, is the most luxury-focused Regal Sportback, distinguished by quilt-stitched leather, exclusive exterior trim, and upgraded convenience and awareness features.
Best for: Shoppers who want the dressiest Regal cabin and the most distinctive luxury details.
Highlights
Adds quilted seating, Avenir-specific styling, navigation, Bose audio, wireless charging, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
0 in stock
The Performance trim level, sold as GS, is the driver-focused Regal, built around stronger power, sharper responses, upgraded brakes, and supportive sport seats without giving up everyday usefulness.
Best for: Drivers who want a quicker, more engaging Regal that remains comfortable and practical.
Highlights
Shifts the focus from Avenir luxury to performance, adding a later-model 310-hp V6, all-wheel drive, driver-selectable modes, Brembo front brakes, and deeply bolstered sport seats.
3 in stock| Feature | Top Tier | Mid-Level | Base Model | Performance | Sport Styling | Premium Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | Avenir0 in stock | CXL Turbo, Preferred, Preferred ll, Premium 1, Premium I7 in stock | 1SV, CXL, base5 in stock | Sport Touring3 in stock | Essence, Premium 2, Premium II, Turbo Premium 1, Turbo Premium 2, Turbo Premium 36 in stock | |
| Powertrain character | 250-hp 2.0L turbo four-cylinder | Turbo focus; Premium 1 used an eAssist mild-hybrid | Early 1SV/CXL: 2.4L four-cylinder; later cars: 2.0L turbo | Later GS: 310-hp 3.6L V6 | 2.0L turbo four-cylinder | Turbo focus; Premium 2 used an eAssist mild-hybrid |
| Cabin and seat identity | Quilt-stitched leather | Power driver seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel | Quiet cabin; dual-zone climate control | Later models: heated, ventilated, massaging sport seats | Leather; heated front seats | Leather; heated seats and steering wheel |
| Styling or handling focus | Exclusive Avenir mesh grille | Convenience-focused | Understated and comfort-focused | Drive modes; Brembo front brakes | Rear spoiler; black-pocket 18-inch wheels | Richer cabin over visual sport upgrades |
| Technology and convenience theme | Navigation, Bose audio, wireless charging | Remote start, parking help, and heated-wheel features vary by member | Core keyless, climate, and folding-seat features | Performance display; front and rear parking help | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Larger touchscreen or premium audio on many members |
| Drivetrain emphasis | FWD | Later Sportback: FWD; TourX: AWD | Later Sportback: FWD; TourX: AWD | AWD | Not the trim’s defining change | Later Sportback: FWD; TourX: AWD |
On 2018-2020 models, Preferred keeps the base car’s 2.0-liter turbo engine and practical layout but adds an 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It is mainly a daily-comfort upgrade rather than a performance step.
In the early Sportback lineup, Preferred II added more convenience and cabin tech. Highlights included an 8-inch touchscreen, remote start, a heated steering wheel, fog lamps, and a more flexible 40/20/40 rear seat. Preferred II was dropped before the final model year.
On early sixth-generation Sportbacks, Essence is the comfort-focused step above Preferred II. It adds leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat while retaining the larger touchscreen and heated steering wheel.
On 2019-2020 Sportbacks, Avenir is dressier and more richly equipped than Essence. It adds quilt-stitched leather, built-in navigation, Bose audio, wireless phone charging, an exclusive mesh grille, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The GS is the performance choice, while Avenir is the luxury-focused choice. On 2019-2020 Sportbacks, GS uses a 3.6-liter V6, standard AWD, stronger brakes, adjustable drive modes, and sport seats. Avenir keeps the regular turbo four-cylinder and focuses on richer trim and cabin technology.
Not exactly. In the 2018-2020 generation, both body styles were sold in base, Preferred, and Essence forms. Avenir and GS belonged to the Sportback side of the family. The TourX also stands apart because every version has AWD.
Essence is the natural fit on 2018-2020 cars. It adds leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat while keeping the regular turbo four-cylinder.
For 2018-2020 models, a TourX is the straightforward choice because AWD is standard on every trim. The GS also has standard AWD if stronger performance matters more than wagon space. Certain earlier upper-trim sedans also used AWD, so check the individual car.
No. On 2016-2017 sedans, Sport Touring is mainly a sporty appearance package with a turbo four-cylinder, black-accented 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and bright exhaust tips. GS is the more serious performance model with chassis and braking upgrades.
In the Regal’s 2011-era lineup, CXL Turbo swaps the standard CXL’s 2.4-liter engine for a stronger 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. It also has more driver-focused steering while keeping the heated leather seats and everyday comfort that define the CXL.
In later fifth-generation sedans, Premium I is the convenience-focused turbo trim with features such as remote start, a heated steering wheel, a power passenger seat, and rear parking help. Premium II builds on that formula with richer technology, including navigation and Bose audio.
In the earlier fifth-generation trim ladder, Turbo Premium 1 replaces Premium 1’s 2.4-liter eAssist mild-hybrid powertrain with a 220-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. Both focus on convenience features such as keyless entry, a power passenger seat, and rear parking help.
The 1SV is the simpler entry version found in some later fifth-generation years. It uses a non-turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder with front-wheel drive but still provides leather-appointed heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power driver seat, and smartphone-friendly infotainment.
No. The 2018-2020 GS has a 3.6-liter V6 and standard AWD, but the 2012-2017 GS belongs to an earlier sedan generation and uses a turbocharged four-cylinder. Its drivetrain and transmission also vary by year, so the GS badge does not describe one identical setup.
Turbo Premium 3 was the highest non-GS choice in the earlier fifth-generation lineup. It combined a 220-hp turbo engine with adjustable suspension, drive modes, 19-inch wheels, and premium cabin features. GS went further with more performance-focused brakes, suspension tuning, and styling.