2018 Buick Regal Sportback: Honest Review & Road Test

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know. If you're in the market for a stylish, practical, and somewhat sporty hatchback, the Regal Sportback might just be on your radar. So, let’s get right to it and break down what makes this car tick, from its design and performance to its interior and overall driving experience. Buckle up; it’s going to be a fun ride!

Overview of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is not your typical sedan. It's a hatchback, which means it combines the sleek lines of a sedan with the added practicality of a hatchback. This design choice immediately sets it apart from many of its competitors. Buick aimed to create a vehicle that offers both style and substance, targeting buyers who want something different from the usual suspects in the mid-size car segment.

The Regal Sportback comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as its standard powerplant, producing a respectable 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission in the front-wheel-drive models, providing smooth and responsive shifts. For those who crave more grip, an all-wheel-drive version is available, which comes with a slightly different engine tuning and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive setup not only enhances traction but also adds a layer of confidence in various driving conditions.

Inside, the Regal Sportback offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin. The materials are generally of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The seats are supportive, making long drives a pleasure rather than a chore. Technology-wise, the Regal Sportback includes an infotainment system with a user-friendly interface, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring you stay connected on the go. Safety features such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking are also available, adding an extra layer of security.

From a practical standpoint, the hatchback design provides a generous cargo area. With the rear seats up, you get a substantial amount of space for groceries, luggage, or whatever else you need to haul. Folding the rear seats down expands the cargo area even further, making it comparable to some small SUVs. This versatility is a major selling point for those who need a vehicle that can adapt to different needs.

Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a compelling option for buyers looking for a stylish, practical, and well-equipped car. It offers a unique blend of features that set it apart from the competition, making it worth considering if you're in the market for a mid-size vehicle.

Exterior Design and Styling

The exterior design of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is one of its most appealing features. Buick has managed to create a car that looks both elegant and sporty, a combination that isn't always easy to achieve. The Sportback's sleek silhouette is defined by its sloping roofline, which gives it a coupe-like appearance while retaining the practicality of a hatchback. This design is not just for show; it also contributes to the car's aerodynamic efficiency.

At the front, the Regal Sportback features Buick's signature grille, flanked by stylish headlights that incorporate LED daytime running lights. The sculpted hood adds to the car's dynamic look, while the lower front fascia includes subtle chrome accents that enhance its premium feel. The overall impression is one of understated elegance, a design that doesn't shout for attention but rather exudes a quiet confidence.

Moving along the sides, the Regal Sportback's long wheelbase and flowing lines create a sense of motion, even when the car is standing still. The chrome trim around the windows adds a touch of sophistication, while the available alloy wheels come in various designs that allow buyers to personalize their car's appearance. The hatchback design is particularly noticeable from the side, with the roofline seamlessly blending into the rear of the car.

At the rear, the Regal Sportback features a subtle spoiler integrated into the liftgate, which adds to its sporty character. The LED taillights are sleek and modern, while the chrome strip that connects them visually widens the car. The rear bumper is clean and uncluttered, with dual exhaust outlets adding a final touch of sportiness. The power liftgate is also a nice touch, making it easy to access the cargo area even when your hands are full.

Overall, the exterior design of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a success. It's a car that looks good from every angle, with a design that is both stylish and functional. Whether you're driving it around town or parked in your driveway, the Regal Sportback is sure to turn heads. Buick has done an excellent job of creating a car that stands out from the crowd, while still maintaining a sense of timeless elegance.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, you'll find a cabin that prioritizes comfort and convenience. The interior design is clean and modern, with a focus on creating a pleasant and user-friendly environment. The materials used are generally of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels. While it may not be the most luxurious interior in its class, it certainly holds its own in terms of overall comfort and refinement.

The seats in the Regal Sportback are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The front seats offer ample legroom and headroom, even for taller occupants. The rear seats are also reasonably spacious, although taller passengers may find the headroom a bit limited due to the sloping roofline. However, the rear seats are still comfortable enough for most adults, especially on shorter trips.

Technology is another area where the Regal Sportback shines. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display that is easy to use and responsive. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. This makes it easy to access your favorite apps, music, and navigation features while on the go.

Other available tech features include a premium Bose audio system, which delivers crisp and clear sound quality. The Regal Sportback also offers a variety of safety features, such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind while driving.

The Regal Sportback also offers a range of convenience features, such as keyless entry, push-button start, and a rearview camera. These features make it easier to get in and out of the car, start the engine, and park in tight spaces. The available panoramic sunroof is also a nice touch, allowing you to let in more natural light and enjoy the scenery.

Overall, the interior of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a comfortable and well-equipped space. It's a car that is designed to make your driving experience as pleasant and convenient as possible. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the Regal Sportback's interior is sure to impress.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback offers a balanced driving experience that caters to both everyday commuting and spirited driving. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides ample power for most situations, delivering 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission in the front-wheel-drive models, providing smooth and responsive shifts. For those who opt for the all-wheel-drive version, the engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which offers even more refined performance.

The Regal Sportback's engine delivers strong acceleration, allowing you to easily merge onto the highway or pass other cars. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost of power, making the car feel lively and responsive. While it may not be the fastest car in its class, it certainly holds its own in terms of overall performance.

Handling is another area where the Regal Sportback excels. The car's suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride while still offering good control in corners. The steering is precise and responsive, giving you a good feel for the road. The Regal Sportback is also relatively light for its size, which contributes to its nimble handling.

For those who want even more performance, Buick offers the GS model, which features a more powerful V6 engine and a sport-tuned suspension. The GS model delivers even quicker acceleration and more aggressive handling, making it a blast to drive on winding roads.

In terms of fuel economy, the Regal Sportback is reasonably efficient. The front-wheel-drive models achieve an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive models are slightly less efficient, with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These numbers are competitive for the mid-size car segment.

Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback offers a satisfying driving experience. It's a car that is both comfortable and capable, making it a good choice for a wide range of drivers. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a weekend road trip, the Regal Sportback is sure to impress with its blend of performance and comfort.

Cargo Space and Practicality

One of the standout features of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is its impressive cargo space and overall practicality. Thanks to its hatchback design, the Regal Sportback offers significantly more cargo room than traditional sedans. With the rear seats up, you get a generous 31.5 cubic feet of space, which is enough for groceries, luggage, or other everyday items.

But the real magic happens when you fold down the rear seats. With the seats folded, the Regal Sportback offers a cavernous 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space. This is comparable to some small SUVs, making the Regal Sportback a great choice for those who need to haul larger items. Whether you're moving furniture, transporting sports equipment, or going on a camping trip, the Regal Sportback has you covered.

The hatchback design also makes it easier to load and unload cargo. The wide opening and low lift-over height make it simple to slide items in and out of the car. The available power liftgate is also a nice touch, allowing you to open and close the liftgate with the touch of a button.

In addition to its cargo space, the Regal Sportback also offers plenty of interior storage. The center console is spacious and includes cupholders and a storage bin. The door pockets are also a good size, providing additional storage for smaller items. The glovebox is also reasonably large, providing a convenient place to store important documents.

The Regal Sportback also offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, making it a great choice for families. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The available rear-seat entertainment system is also a nice touch, keeping passengers entertained on long trips.

Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a highly practical car that offers plenty of cargo space and interior storage. Whether you're using it for everyday commuting or weekend adventures, the Regal Sportback is sure to meet your needs. Its hatchback design sets it apart from traditional sedans, making it a unique and versatile choice in the mid-size car segment.

Final Verdict: Is the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback Worth It?

So, after taking a comprehensive look at the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, the big question remains: is it worth your hard-earned money? The answer, as with most things in life, is a nuanced one. The Regal Sportback offers a compelling blend of style, practicality, and performance, making it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers. However, it's not without its drawbacks.

On the plus side, the Regal Sportback's hatchback design gives it a significant advantage in terms of cargo space. Its sleek and sporty exterior design is also a major selling point, setting it apart from more mundane mid-size sedans. The available technology features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are also a welcome addition. And, the Regal Sportback's balanced driving dynamics make it a comfortable and capable daily driver.

However, the Regal Sportback's interior, while comfortable, may not be as luxurious as some of its competitors. The rear-seat headroom can also be a bit tight for taller passengers. And, while the Regal Sportback's fuel economy is decent, it's not class-leading.

Ultimately, whether or not the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize style, practicality, and a comfortable driving experience, the Regal Sportback is definitely worth considering. However, if you're looking for the most luxurious interior or the best fuel economy, you may want to explore other options.

In conclusion, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a unique and versatile car that offers a lot to like. It's a stylish hatchback that's both practical and fun to drive. If you're in the market for a mid-size car, be sure to give the Regal Sportback a look. You might just be surprised at how much it has to offer. Thanks for reading, and happy driving!