The 2019 Buick Regal has left its sedan past. The existing Regal is available as a sedan and estate, and offers a safe and satisfying drive.
A new Avenir trim joined the lineup for the 2019 style year, supplied with special lining, exclusive 19-inch wheels, and other popular equipment.
The Regal Sportback hatchbacks will be available in six trim levels: Base, Preferred, Preferred II, Gas, Avenir and GS Sporty. Regal TourX trucks are available in three trims: Basic, Preferred and Gas. Each is almost the same as the equivalent Sportback.
The Regal’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. With all-wheel drive, the torque output drops to 260 lb-ft.
Front-wheel-drive models get GM’s 9-speed automatic transmission, but all-wheel-drive Regals use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Occupying a sportier position, the Regal GS upgrades to a 3. 6-liter V6 that develops 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft. Equipped only with all-wheel drive, adjustable surprise shocks, sports seats and sporty details in the frame.
The TourX pickups, which rise about an inch above the Sportback Regals, are about a foot taller than their main rivals.
The 2019 Regal offers a significant set of complex protection technologies, but only at the top trim levels. The Gas and GS models can load a Driver Confidence package that includes blind-spot monitors and rear parking sensors. Another Driver Confidence package loads Advance Collision Warnings with Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise and Lane Keeping Assist.
Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA have the 2019 Regal.
Prices come with the destination fee of $925.
The base Sportback ($25,070) has a 2. 0-liter turbocharged engine with front-wheel drive and comes with cloth upholstery, forced windows/locks, keyless ignition and 17-inch wheels. The 7. 0-inch infotainment touchscreen works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Only two colors are offered: white and silver.
The Sportback Preferred ($27,670) comes with a forced driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and auto-dimming mirror. Options come with blind-spot monitors.
Sportback Preferred II ($29,770 front-wheel drive, $31,770 rear-wheel drive) adds foglights, leather-bolstered gaming seats, a 40/20/40 folding rear seat, a heated steering wheel and an 8. 0-inch touchscreen.
The Sportback Petrol ($31,770 with all-wheel drive, $33,870 with all-wheel drive) offers heated leather seats in the front and rear, as a forced passenger seat.
The Sportback Avenir ($35,270) comes with front-wheel drive and includes quilted leather upholstery, LED cornering lights, blind-spot monitors, lane departure warnings and 19-inch wheels.
The Sportback GS V-6 ($39,070) is supplied with the 3. 6-liter V6 and all-wheel drive. Standard features include Brembo front brakes, adjustable surprise shocks, drive mode selection, 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler, adjustable seat bolsters, and active protection features.
The TourX pickup ($29,070) is a 3. 6-liter, all-wheel-drive V6 with cloth upholstery, a 7. 0-inch touchscreen and 18-inch wheels.
The TourX Preferred ($32,670) adds a forced driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a height-adjustable passenger seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The TourX Gas ($35,070) features heated leather-trimmed front seats, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free forced liftgate and an 8. 0-inch touchscreen.
Both frame profiles are pleasing to the eye, although the truck has a more familiar shape. The Sportback has a more sublime look and hides its tailgate well in a sloping roofline.
Chrome stripes accentuate the grille and emphasize the look of the window. The chiseled nose responds to the sporty aspirations of this car.
LED taillights and a spoiler complete its sleek look. The Avenir trim adds 19-inch wheels and a unique grille. The Regal GS has more competitive lines up front, combined with a sharper frame and 19-inch wheels, while the TourX sports a tough plastic coating.
In either of the two frame styles, passengers and dispatch can count on enough space. Although the cabin looks tidy, it never feels sparse. The interior lines are made larger from the dashboard to the rear, giving the cabin a more elongated appearance.
The front seats are spacious, but force changes are included in the lower trim levels. The rear seats are also spacious and comfortable, even for taller occupants. However, the Regal’s interior is a bit underwhelming, with average fabrics available.
The shipping volume stands out. Sportback models have 60. 7 cubic feet of shipping area with the rear seatbacks folded down, which is close to cross-sectional territory. TourX cars are even more spacious, totaling 73. 5 cubic feet. However, larger elements are not supported under the sloping roof. Formation
The Regals combine a ride with decent performance. Although they are responsive and even fun to drive and adapt well to corners, Sportbacks are more application cars than sports machines.
The Buick 2. 0L turbo-4 delivers crisp acceleration without sacrificing refinement. Reaching 60 mph takes about 6. 2 seconds. Best of all, the transmission always manages to position the gear for the occasion.
Performance is even more intense with the GS model’s V6, going from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds. There are no paddle shifters, but programmed Sport or GS modes can hold gears longer.
The GS also offers more precise handling and preventative power. The relatively heavy guide helps provide safe handling and handling, aided by frequently adjustable shock absorbers. Although firm, the suspension complies. Sport mode offers a clever balance between crisp functionality and a sleek ride.
Available dual-clutch all-wheel drive balances the force between the front and rear to generate traction. It’s one of GM’s most productive all-wheel-drive systems.
Buick’s Regal features extensive soundproofing, adding active noise cancellation. The foam in the tires absorbs even road noise.
Fuel economy is competitive. The turbo-4 engine is rated by the EPA at 22/32 mpg city/highway, or 26 mpg combined. The all-wheel-drive or TourX pickup brings those estimates down to 21/29/24 mpg. With its V-6 engine, the GS is rated by the EPA at 19/27 mpg city/highway, or 22 mpg combined.
The 2019 Buick Regal has a sleek look and plenty of utilities under its belt. It limits protective devices to high-end models, but handles as a high-end car should. The most cost-effective price is also found in the less expensive models.
Driving impressions via Aaron Cole, TheCarConnection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.