2018 Buick Regal Sportback: Review, Specs & More

by Alex Braham 49 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into a comprehensive review of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback. This car isn't your grandpa's Buick; it's a stylish and practical hatchback that aims to blend European-inspired design with American comfort. So, buckle up as we explore everything this car has to offer, from its performance and features to its pros and cons.

Overview of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback marks a significant departure from the traditional Buick sedan. Instead of a conventional trunk, it boasts a sleek, coupe-like profile with a liftback design, providing ample cargo space and a distinctive look. This design choice immediately sets it apart from its competitors. The Sportback is designed to appeal to those who want something different, a car that combines the practicality of a hatchback with the sophistication of a premium sedan. The Regal Sportback offers a compelling alternative for buyers looking beyond the usual suspects in the mid-size segment, such as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

Buick aimed to create a vehicle that not only looks good but also offers a refined driving experience. The car's suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. At the same time, it provides enough firmness to keep the car planted in corners. The Regal Sportback is available with different engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6 for the GS model, catering to a range of performance preferences. Inside, the cabin is well-appointed with quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The design is modern and uncluttered, creating a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers. Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a blend of style, practicality, and comfort, making it an attractive option for those seeking something a bit different in the mid-size car market.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about how the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback performs on the road. 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 plenty of pep for daily driving, offering quick acceleration and smooth power delivery. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, contributing to a refined driving experience. For those seeking more thrills, the GS model features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, cranking out 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the Regal Sportback into a genuinely sporty machine, delivering exhilarating acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. The GS also comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is tuned for quicker shifts and better performance.

Handling is another area where the Regal Sportback shines. The car's suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride while still offering decent cornering capabilities. The steering is precise and responsive, giving the driver confidence and control. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, making the Regal Sportback a capable performer in all weather conditions. Whether you're cruising on the highway or tackling winding roads, the Regal Sportback delivers a composed and enjoyable driving experience. The brakes are also noteworthy, providing strong and consistent stopping power. Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback offers a balanced combination of performance and handling, making it a fun and practical car to drive.

Interior and Comfort

Moving inside the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable cabin. The interior is crafted with quality materials, giving it a premium feel. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives a pleasure. There's ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, ensuring everyone can ride in comfort. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls. The infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring a touchscreen display with smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to easily access your favorite apps, music, and navigation while on the go. Buick has also paid attention to sound insulation, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, creating a quiet and relaxing environment inside the car.

The Regal Sportback also offers a range of convenience features, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, which allows the driver and passenger to set their preferred temperatures independently. Heated seats are available, providing extra warmth during cold weather. The car also offers a variety of storage compartments, including a center console, door pockets, and a glovebox, providing plenty of space to store your belongings. One of the standout features of the Regal Sportback is its spacious cargo area. Thanks to its hatchback design, it offers significantly more cargo space than a traditional sedan. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area expands even further, making it easy to haul large items. Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback provides a comfortable and practical interior that is well-suited for both daily commutes and long road trips.

Technology and Features

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback comes packed with a host of technology and features designed to enhance your driving experience. The infotainment system is centered around an eight-inch touchscreen display, which is responsive and easy to navigate. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. This enables you to access your contacts, messages, music, and navigation apps directly from the touchscreen. The car also features a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to stay connected on the go. The available Bose premium sound system delivers crisp and clear audio, enhancing your listening experience.

In terms of safety technology, the Regal Sportback offers a range of advanced features. These include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and alert the driver to potential hazards. The car also features adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the car's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The Regal Sportback also includes a rearview camera, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is well-equipped with technology and features that enhance both convenience and safety, making it a modern and connected car.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback to give you a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

  • Stylish Design: The Sportback's sleek, coupe-like profile and hatchback design set it apart from traditional sedans, giving it a modern and eye-catching look.
  • Spacious Cargo Area: The hatchback design provides significantly more cargo space than a traditional sedan, making it practical for hauling groceries, luggage, or other items.
  • Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use, with a responsive touchscreen and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Available All-Wheel Drive: The all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, making it a capable performer in all weather conditions.

Cons:

  • Base Engine Can Feel Underpowered: While the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine is adequate for daily driving, it can feel a bit underpowered when accelerating or climbing hills.
  • Some Interior Materials Could Be Better: While the interior is generally well-designed, some of the materials could be of higher quality to match the car's premium aspirations.
  • Rear Visibility Can Be Limited: The sloping roofline and small rear window can make rear visibility a bit challenging, especially when parking or reversing.
  • Fuel Economy Could Be Better: While not terrible, the Regal Sportback's fuel economy is not class-leading, especially with the V6 engine.
  • Depreciation: Like many cars, the Regal Sportback can depreciate quickly, which could be a concern if you plan to sell it after a few years.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback? Overall, it's a stylish and practical car that offers a blend of European-inspired design and American comfort. Its sleek hatchback design, spacious cargo area, and comfortable ride make it a compelling alternative to traditional sedans. While it has a few drawbacks, such as the base engine feeling a bit underpowered and some interior materials could be better, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. If you're looking for a car that stands out from the crowd and offers a good balance of style, practicality, and comfort, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to weigh its pros and cons against your specific needs and preferences before making a decision. Happy driving, guys!