2014 Buick Regal Turbo AWD: The Euro Saloon for the states. Real Test Drive and Review

After a brief lapse for the holidays, I'm back with the update 2014 Buick Regal Turbo. I drove the FWD 4 cylinder Regal years ago and really appreciated its Euro flair. Now with a punchy turbo DI 4 with some serious torque, the Regal takes on a decidedly fun to drive persona. Offering something just a little different than the rest, the Regal is worth a look.
In this review I'll discuss the interior, driving personality, price, space, fuel economy and overall driving impression. As always, expect an unscripted, real world point of view without any gimmicks.
Thanks for watching. Please like, subscribe, share and comment!
-Greg
www.gallupjourney.com
www.ricoautocomplex.com

[@misterjgl]

I test drove this thing a couple of months ago and liked it. I am not a hater of the Acura TL, 3 series, C-Class but man every stop light I am at whether it is old school or new everyone has one of those things. I don't even see a lot of Audi and Volvo that much. I even miss the Saab's it would be something different to look at. The Regal although it's not like the Grand National trim level I grew up around when I was a kid in the 80's. It is still a nice car. And have heard good things about the Regal. Unlike the C-Class and 3 series I have heard horror stories about. especially the maintenance. Acura I know are very good.

[@gcavy1]

misterjgl Cool, thanks for sharing. (and watching!) -Greg

[@joshbrailsford]

Euro Saloon for the States...well at $33,805 the Regal Turbo AWD tested here costs the equivalent of £20,336. However in the UK a similar £20,534 gets you a Vauxhall Insignia (basically a Regal) with the base trim level and base 130 horsepower 2.0 litre turbo diesel plus a 6 speed manual and a few options like 18" wheels, paint, IntelliLink and heated leather. So the US actually gets a Euro Saloon with twice the horsepower, twice the number of drive wheels and, I think, a nicer interior for the same price. Additionally the Irish market has the choice of a 2.0 litre turbo petrol in the Opel Insignia but only when paired with the top trim level. That car, with a 6 speed auto and before options, costs a staggering 43,595 euros, equivalent to £36,346 or $60,392! America certainly gets the best of the bunch.

[@gcavy1]

good thoughts! -Greg

[@romanseano]

Great review. We own one - bought it new and it is a fantastic, athletic, premium sedan. We know Buick's upmarket, euro-inspired ascension started turning downhill a few years after you made this video / we bought our Regal. (Its next gen was so budget-stripped, that it read as a clear message of GM's diminishing interest in it as a Premium brand.) Thankfully the 2014-2016 version still stands on its own as a remarkable set of wheels.

[@hawaiianflavor69]

Fantastic review!! very professional.

[@gcavy1]

thanks! (and thanks for watching) -Greg

[@stephenhendricks6790]

Good for Buick. Though age-wise (aging boomer) I'm in the sweet spot for the Buick demographic, the Regal is the only model that appeals even a little to me. And though I've never owned a GM product in 50 years of driving, I'm happy to see the General moving into the 21st century with more than rental fleet wannabe's and vehicles purchased as "my last car." The Regal's in a tough segment. Unlikely, I suspect to appeal to a Camry buyer and as noted in earlier comments, facing tough competition from the likes of the Fusion. But for those looking for an American badge in a close to Euro package (at considerably less money), the Regal looks like an interesting candidate. I do wonder, though, whether Buick's overall brand image won't discourage the mid-30's account executive types from darkening the door of Buick dealers. Perhaps the GS version will at least get them in the door.

[@the-wo8uc]

I just bought this car. It is a blast to drive and I highly advise you to grab one.

[@gcavy1]

thanks for sharing! -Greg

[@TopFlightGNXTURBO]

Nice vid i still own a 84 buick regal minis all the chrome hate chrome but i like that GM came out with the GS and that seems to be the only car i like so fare im still waiting for them to bring back the GN OR GNX V6 3.8l turbo, once that happens well thats what us young guys want and will buy..thx for the vid

[@scarbourgeoisie]

My wife has had a Regal for 3 years now. The only issue we've had is a failed driver's seat heater element that was replaced under warranty. I've read that other Regal owners have experienced the same issue. It's also little under powered with the base 4 cylinder, which is no longer in production. This car deserves a base turbo 4 for it's price and I'm glad that GM addressed that. We have a German built one and the clear coat is very soft. Bird poop will stain it permanently if not cleaned right away. It blemishes pretty easily. The clear coat on the Canadian built ones should be much better. The new IP and cluster is much better then the original. If you can pony up for the GS, I'd highly recommend it. Spent a weekend driving one and didn't want to give it back. The only things holding this car back is the name - should have exported the Insignia moniker for N.A., as the Regal name has a negative connotation as an old fogy car. The car is also a little over priced. Should be priced just a bit over a Malibu.

[@cecewilkes]

Great review! Especially discussing preference from Verano and LaCrosse. Any idea on how the Regal's size compares to a 2013 Nissan Sentra? Storage and leg room in front and back?

[@gcavy1]

Caroleen Wilkes I wouldn't be surprised if they're pretty close. The Regal is not particularly big. Thanks fowatching. -Greg

[@romanseano]

It's bigger than a Sentra, for sure.

[@SONAR016]

A lot helpful information is comming out of these Gallup Journey Test videos. Thaks for filming them. I also think Journey is a good choice, and the 3.6L V6 has proven it'self as an engine. But I hope there will be a option for let's say.. 2.0 4cyl direct fuel injection with turbo, that would easly do 230-250hp. but more light light, fuel efficient, and also quick with it's turbo torque engine. I hope Fiat-Chrysler will give a go to use and develop this red hot technologie now days.

[@gcavy1]

SONAR016 I appreciate all your comments and support. Cheers! -Greg

[@EGGINFOOLS]

I always like your reviews. This one left me wanting more though. With the NEW addition of AWD and being in the slippery weather it posed a grand opportunity to talk more about the stabilitrack and AWD system and maybe lend a demonstration to us viewers. Is it a haldex AWD setup similar to what SAAB used? Is it front drive biased or split more evenly?

[@gcavy1]

Very good thoughts, and I'm going to have to say in retrospect I agree and should have taken the angle. I think I was already making observations on the car in a broader sense when the snow storm hit and it just didn't dawn on me to narrow the focus given the conditions. Good point for sure! And the Regal was quite good in the snow. It'd be quite the little snowmobile with some proper snow tires. thanks for stopping by anyhow. I'll see what I can do next time around! -Greg

[@JM76Miller]

My issue with touch screens . . . They are really neat. My girl is blind and needs the tactual of a button or switch for things like the seat warmers. Why I will never have a Tesla :(

[@FoodyTunes]

Which trim level did you have?

[@gcavy1]

I can't seem to remember. Was is on the shot of the window sticker? thanks for stopping by. -Greg

[@stus1171]

Great video Greg! As far as the car goes, I don't see a convincing case to buy the Regal over something like the Ford Fusion. The Fusion has more room, better styling, and better fuel economy. Arguably you could say the same for many in the same class. Also, as much as GM has done to make the styling sporty, it still looks like a Buick to me, which isn't a good thing. I do like the power numbers from that engine though!

[@gcavy1]

a valid point! I actually had a take in the video where I did just that, I compared an optioned up Fusion to this Regal! (great minds think alike!) I ended up taking it out because it was too long. Anyhow, in some respects I agree with you. On paper and price wise an optioned up Fusion would give similar luxury with better space/MPGs. I'll argue though (having driven both of them recently) that the Buick is a different experience, it just has a vibe to it that feels a little more unique (is there such a thing?) that's really a combination of all of the Regal's characteristics and not just attributable to its objective marks. thanks for the comment and watching! (again!) -Greg

[@stus1171]

Gallup Journey Test Drives I believe I understand what you are saying about the Buick being a different experience. Maybe a more luxury as far as noise, etc? I have a 2013 Fusion with the 1.8 Ecoboost and the sound from the engine bay can sometimes be a little loud, especially when compared to a luxury car.

[@gcavy1]

don't get me wrong I like the Fusion quite a bit, the Buick just feels a bit different. Worth the price increase? good question! -Greg

[@yiyangcheng]

Gallup Journey Test Drives I think the difference is just in the brand. Not dissing on the Fusion though, but I just want to say that the Fusion is more of a mainstream midsize car. Whereas Regal is more of a TSX competitor (premium near luxury sedan status). Sound insulation would probably be the difference for most people though since people would want a bit porkier car which that relates to sturdier ride quality and also being quiet. Which also brought me to this situation, would people want to spend a fully loaded Fusion at north of 35k (being a mainstream brand that's comparing to Toyota or Honda) or would you want something premium and priced right as a premium brand? The same thing can be said for Ford and Lincoln.

[@gcavy1]

thanks for chiming in. -Greg