2018 Buick Regal Sportback: Review, Specs & More

Hey guys! Are you looking for a stylish and practical car that won't break the bank? Then buckle up, because we're diving deep into the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback! This isn't your grandpa's Buick. The Regal Sportback offers a unique blend of sporty design, surprising versatility, and comfortable ride quality, making it a compelling option in the crowded mid-size segment. In this review, we'll cover everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its pros and cons, so you can decide if it's the right car for you. So, let's get started and explore what makes the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback a noteworthy contender.

Overview of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a distinctive vehicle that carves its own niche. Unlike traditional sedans, it boasts a sleek, coupe-like profile with a convenient liftback design. This gives it a sporty appearance while significantly enhancing cargo space. Think of it as a stylish alternative to a hatchback, offering more sophistication and a premium feel. Buick aimed to create a car that appeals to a younger audience, emphasizing design and technology while retaining the brand's reputation for comfort and refinement. This model year marked a significant redesign for the Regal, moving away from the more conventional sedan shape to embrace the Sportback's versatility. Compared to its predecessor, the 2018 Regal Sportback is longer, lower, and wider, contributing to its more athletic stance. It also incorporates updated technology, improved fuel efficiency, and a range of available features to enhance the driving experience. The Regal Sportback aimed to blend practicality and style, offering a compelling package for those who want something different from the usual sedan or SUV. It was designed to compete with other mid-size cars like the Acura TLX, the Mazda6, and the Volkswagen Arteon, offering a unique combination of features and value. The 2018 model year was a crucial one for the Regal, setting the stage for its continued evolution in the automotive market. It represented a bold step for Buick, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and design. Let's delve deeper into the specifics of what makes this car stand out.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback offers a balanced driving experience. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing a respectable 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving, making it easy to merge onto highways and pass other vehicles. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, which contributes to both performance and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more excitement, the Regal GS model features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque. The GS also comes with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, enhancing its performance capabilities. Handling is generally competent, with the Regal Sportback offering a comfortable and controlled ride. The steering is precise, and the car feels stable in corners. However, it's not a sports car, so don't expect razor-sharp handling. The ride quality is a strong point, as the Regal Sportback effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable experience for both the driver and passengers. The available all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in inclement weather conditions, making the Regal Sportback a practical choice for those who live in areas with snow or rain. Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback offers a well-rounded performance package, with a good balance of power, handling, and comfort. Whether you choose the standard turbocharged engine or the more powerful V6, you'll find that the Regal Sportback is a capable and enjoyable car to drive. The emphasis is on providing a refined and comfortable experience rather than outright sportiness, which aligns with Buick's overall brand identity.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, you'll find a well-appointed and comfortable cabin. The interior design is clean and modern, with high-quality materials used throughout. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives a pleasure. There's plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, and the Sportback's unique liftback design provides a generous amount of cargo space. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels offer even more features, such as an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a premium Bose audio system, and leather upholstery. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, with intuitive menus and easy-to-use controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The available Bose audio system delivers excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience. Safety features include lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision alert. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The Regal Sportback also offers a range of convenience features, such as keyless entry, remote start, and a power liftgate. These features make everyday life a little easier. Overall, the interior of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a pleasant place to be, with a comfortable and well-equipped cabin that offers a range of features to enhance the driving experience. From the supportive seats to the user-friendly infotainment system, the Regal Sportback provides a refined and enjoyable environment for both the driver and passengers. The focus on quality materials and thoughtful design details contributes to the car's overall premium feel. Let's take a closer look at the fuel efficiency of this model.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many car buyers, and the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback delivers respectable numbers in this area. The EPA estimates the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to achieve up to 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive with other mid-size cars in its class. Real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and habits, but overall, the Regal Sportback offers reasonable fuel efficiency. The available all-wheel-drive system does slightly reduce fuel economy, but the difference is not significant. The Regal GS model, with its more powerful V6 engine, has lower fuel economy ratings, but it still offers decent numbers for its performance level. To maximize fuel efficiency, it's important to maintain your car properly and drive conservatively. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, can help to keep your car running efficiently. Avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking can also improve fuel economy. The Regal Sportback also features an Eco mode, which optimizes the engine and transmission settings for maximum fuel efficiency. This mode can be activated with the touch of a button. Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It's not the most fuel-efficient car in its class, but it's not the least either. For most drivers, the fuel economy will be more than adequate for their needs. The combination of a turbocharged engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and available all-wheel drive contributes to the car's overall efficiency. Now, let's consider some of the potential drawbacks of this vehicle.

Potential Drawbacks

While the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback has many positive attributes, it's important to consider some potential drawbacks before making a purchase. One common complaint is the lack of physical buttons for certain functions, such as climate control. Many drivers prefer physical buttons over touchscreen controls, as they are easier to use while driving. Another potential drawback is the somewhat bland interior design. While the interior is well-appointed and comfortable, it lacks the visual flair of some competitors. Some reviewers have also criticized the Regal Sportback's handling, noting that it's not as sporty as some other cars in its class. However, this is subjective, and many drivers will find the handling to be perfectly adequate for their needs. The rear visibility can also be a challenge due to the sloping roofline of the Sportback design. However, the available blind-spot monitoring system helps to mitigate this issue. Another potential concern is the reliability of the Regal Sportback. Some owners have reported issues with the car's electrical system and infotainment system. However, these issues are not widespread, and many owners have had no problems at all. It's always a good idea to research reliability ratings and read owner reviews before buying any car. Finally, the price of the Regal Sportback can be a bit higher than some of its competitors, especially when equipped with higher trim levels and options. However, the Regal Sportback offers a good value for the money, considering its features, performance, and comfort. Despite these potential drawbacks, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback remains a compelling option in the mid-size segment. Its unique design, versatile cargo space, and comfortable ride make it a standout choice. And, of course, don't forget the price.

Pricing and Value

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback offers a competitive value proposition in the mid-size car market. The base model starts at a reasonable price, and even higher trim levels offer a good balance of features and price. Compared to some of its competitors, the Regal Sportback provides more standard features for the money. The Sportback's unique liftback design also adds to its value, providing more cargo space than traditional sedans. When considering the overall value, it's important to factor in the car's reliability, fuel efficiency, and resale value. The Regal Sportback has average reliability ratings, but its fuel efficiency is competitive with other cars in its class. Resale value is also average, but this can vary depending on the car's condition and mileage. To get the best value, it's important to shop around and compare prices from different dealers. You should also consider the cost of ownership, including insurance, maintenance, and fuel. The Regal Sportback offers a range of available options and packages, allowing you to customize the car to your specific needs and preferences. However, adding too many options can quickly increase the price. Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback offers a good value for the money, especially for those who appreciate its unique design and versatile cargo space. Its competitive pricing, standard features, and reasonable fuel efficiency make it a compelling option in the mid-size segment. Just be sure to do your research and compare prices to get the best deal. So, to recap, let's look at the pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback

To summarize, let's break down the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback into its key pros and cons:

Pros:

• Unique Design: The Sportback's coupe-like profile and liftback design set it apart from traditional sedans.
• Versatile Cargo Space: The liftback provides a generous amount of cargo space, making it practical for hauling gear.
• Comfortable Ride: The Regal Sportback offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
• Available All-Wheel Drive: The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in inclement weather.
• User-Friendly Infotainment System: The infotainment system is easy to use and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Cons:

• Lack of Physical Buttons: Some drivers may prefer physical buttons over touchscreen controls for certain functions.
• Bland Interior Design: The interior design lacks the visual flair of some competitors.
• Handling Not as Sporty: The handling is not as sporty as some other cars in its class.
• Rear Visibility: Rear visibility can be a challenge due to the sloping roofline.
• Reliability Concerns: Some owners have reported issues with the car's electrical system and infotainment system.

Conclusion: Is the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback Right for You?

So, is the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback a good car? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a stylish and practical car with a comfortable ride and a versatile cargo area, the Regal Sportback is definitely worth considering. Its unique design sets it apart from the crowd, and its available features and technology enhance the driving experience. However, if you prioritize sporty handling, a visually exciting interior, or bulletproof reliability, you may want to explore other options. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Regal Sportback is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see for yourself. Consider your daily driving needs, budget, and personal preferences. If the Regal Sportback checks most of your boxes, it could be a great choice. Just be sure to do your research and compare it to other cars in its class before making a final decision. Thanks for reading, and happy car shopping!