A Hatch By Any Other Name: 2018 Buick Regal Sportback Review

[@TFLcar]

How Does The New Buick Regal Compare to the Kia Stinger? Check out Roman's Stinger Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l33Pc3qMi7uUeq8

[@robertwilliams6218]

Can't wait for Regal/Stinger/Arteon comparison sometime next year on loveland pass hehe

[@matthewlongtin4148]

Seems like an odd comparison. But it's bound to happen. I'd like to check out the Tour X.

[@MrNemo721]

I am really interested to see how the GS compares to the TLX SH_AWD as they are so closely matched. Also, when will you guys get to test the Regal wagon?

[@76carmel]

I think this goes head-to-head with the Kia Stinger. I also agree with it going with the Audi A5 albeit costing about $7500 less.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

GS comes out late January 2018.

[@2010challengerRT]

Hopefully people buy these instead of compromised ugly crossovers.

[@Ryukachoo]

Oh shit that wagon actually looks rather nice

[@Michael0697]

That wagon is the best looking one IMHO I kinda want it... bad. :P

[@ne2i]

@@Michael0697 Looks even better in person.... WAGON!

[@mb0127]

Whyyyy do I want a Buck so badly? That GS is mighty tempting.

[@1fnfigi]

Ok Buick welcome. Welcome back to the party. The interior looks good and modern without being over busy. The exterior especially the front looks tailored and sexy

[@agusorellana5551]

1fnfigi Because it’s an Opel with a Buick badge, look up the Opel insignia and it’s the exact same German car

[@TheJoeT81]

I've put over 9,000 miles on my Insignia, and I have to say it's a great car!

[@TheJoeT81]

I'm afraid I dont. It's a FWD diesel manual. I'd like to try the AWD!

[@mjg6377]

The wagon is pretty sweet. I was quite happy with my 99 Regal, as was the dude that stole it I imagine. I’m rooting for you Buick.

[@Nestle245]

They made Buick look good for doing something that an Audi couldn't.

[@waldo1967]

This review covered more than Buick marketing did. For example @ 4:55 the stock Continental tires have foam inside. Never knew that. It will influence my decision when it's time to replace the rubber. Good review! 👍

[@7171-Ws6]

GS wagon please

[@palebeachbum]

Really liking what I see and hear about this new Regal. I'd prefer the wagon, but I don't want or need AWD. I'm hoping they offer the wagon without the exterior cladding and AWD in the near future. It'd be a very sleek and sexy wagon (yes, a sexy wagon) without the Subaru Outback gimmicks.

[@brunothepug8807]

Love my LaCrosse but if the sportback had been available in 2017, I'd have bought it.

[@red58fury]

Hats off to Buick for making a comeback!

[@utubeballbag]

In europe where this car is from its sold as a budget vehicle.

[@joecannon1029]

In Australia it is called the Commodore. In testing by the media on its release recently the gears disengaged while doing a time trial and handling test. The engineers had the audacity to say " it,s not designed for that sort of driving!" WTH?

[@LeshVAuto]

Even though I was hoping for a CTS-V wagon, but at least GM is still making wagons under the Buick name.

[@TomazHilton]

The whole CTS Brand isnt selling as well as they thought.

[@LeshVAuto]

Yeah, the president of Cadillac jacked the prices up just to compete with the Germans. Huge mistake on their part. Every Cadillac owner I know doesn't want to pay so much for a new Cadillac. It's not what it used to be.

[@subazealand9158]

Under the OPEL name.

[@megacharzard10gameing79]

Should Buick bring back the grand national package or make the original agian just safer?

[@sudmuck]

I've said it before & I'll say it again, they should bring back the GN but only as long as its based on the camaro.

[@AhenGs]

This just got released in Australia as the Holden Commodore!

[@_chan.burn.21_]

AhenGs Yeah, but it’s quite a shame though. This car really doesn’t deserve to carry the Commodore namesake. The Commodore will always be a RWD, V8 powered beast of a sedan in my heart...

[@cowboydelnorte3078]

Buick should’ve kept the 2016 Regal Turbos booming head to head with Acura ILX and the Infiniti Q50s

[@MrPunch09]

Why is there so much concern over hard plastic? If I don't rest on it, do I need to be soft?

[@wtfdididolastnight]

Cool insignia!

[@russellmusictv4403]

@James Brennan Opel Insignia actually.

[@TheYellowSchoolBusDude]

Anyone seeing some Volvo Design? Looks smart

[@ianglenday]

It is actually a stretched SAAB 9-3X.

[@agusorellana5551]

Ian Glenday it isn’t, look for Opel/ Vauxhall Insignia, this is a German car with an American Badge, nothing else

[@jairusrobinson39455]

The back of the car is so underwhelming compared to the front but it’s very beautiful lol

[@agusorellana5551]

Jairus R because it’s an Opel insignia with a Buick badge that’s why it’s nice

[@davebrooke6595]

Have owned my Sportback Preferred for 2 years. Just a great car with an awesome hatch (cargo space), The price was spectacular. Pretty sure I will never score a great deal like this again. My 20 something son would always pass on driving this. ( it is a Buick) Finally had to last week. His response... I see why you are getting so many speed camera tickets,,,this is a sports car. Depending on dependibility this will be a long term great used car value.

[@yellowlabs11]

Is the only one way to open the lift back or is the truck release on the remote as well?

[@thraxman]

I’m honestly impressed more by this Buick than I don’t know how many cars from Asia,…

[@mss627]

Is it me or were the back seats up in the Acura and down in the Buick?

[@skfball39]

These were great cars. My wife has the wagon and it’s fun to drive, super practical and really unique. It’s a shame these regals didn’t sell.

[@ejf0255]

Thanks. Closer to what I want to see. That Xcross wagon is like #2 on my list of have to see before I buy a new car. Great video. As always !!

[@cubanamerican22]

I'm probably getting a used one for 1/2 the price by the end of this year, if I can find the wagon for under 20k it would be awesome 👏🏼 my wife drives a 2019 Encore and we love it.

[@carlycruise]

Wagons with 20-35k mileage are still 30k usd in 2022

[@wigletron2846]

The only wagon I found in my area in late 23 had 88k miles and was still 19k.

[@directorjustin]

9:00 Jeeps have a similar system, and it works amazingly well off-road, turning an otherwise pedestrian Liberty into an off-road beast. It makes limited slip differentials obsolete, and allows for better maneuverability than locking axles. Torque vectoring is one of the best and coolest automotive features in recent years.

[@ΔοσόπουλοςΒασίλειος]

An other rebadged OPEL/ vauxhall insignia Grand Sport GSi for the U.S market ! I can't spot any differences between the OPEL/Vauxhall insignia Grand Sport GSi and the Buick Regal GS ! And i think this is good, because the OPEL Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport GSi is a really good sedan !

[@Arkosis]

Wait.. Vauxhall/Opel is called Buick in America?!

[@LeshVAuto]

Owned by the same company, GM, until GM sold Opel to Peugeot this past year. The Designers for Opel remained.

[@Arkosis]

Wow...

[@Arkosis]

Norm T I hate the Mokka I hate its design... I still have the 2011 Opel Insignia with 65k Miles I bought brand new... it hasn’t let me down too bad just the battery mainly..

[@chillout1109]

Arkosis It's also known as the Holden in Australia.

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

Buick dealers sold Opel's from about 1960 to 1975. After that, they sold Japanese-made Isuzu's labeled as "Opel By Isuzu".

[@robinsonmac]

Reminds me of the dead Chrysler 200 on the exterior. Which was a great looking vehicle.

[@bryane2857]

I love Honda, but Acuras aren't in the relm anymore of a Lexus or Iinfinity... IMO.. I would take this Buick anyday over a Acura

[@alexpeguero38]

This vehicle looks a lot different to the vehicle I saw at the NY Auto Show which impressed me. This one doesn’t, would still check it out in person though.

[@tyboogie1982]

I saw this in person, and it's very nice.

[@mikeharris7261]

Love the GS and the Sportback but 36k no sunroof?

[@1fnfigi]

Mike Harris right!! American cars are stingy with that sunroof

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

If this was a Chevrolet or Toyota sure you get the sunroof for that price - but this is competing against Acura, BMW, and Audi. For its price, it is cheaper than all three of those. It is a "tweener" between the standard run of the mill sedan but just a little below the premium Japanese and European products. You are welcome to buy a Camry and enjoy its sportiness.

[@mikeharris7261]

Sam S for around the same price you get base Acura tlx and premium Audi a4 with sunroof.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

That Acura TLX you mention at the base has a four cylinder engine, has a zero to 60 time of 7 seconds with a stick shift, handles worse than the Honda Accord 2.0T, and the interior by Car & Driver is described as "a few stitches short of luxury, modest braking and skidpad performance, schizophrenic infotainment system." If you think that is an endorsement of better, be my guess. The Audi on the other hand is a true competitor and I would consider it along with this car. Still would cost me more if I equipped it the same.

[@mikeharris7261]

Jason Reyes no, but I think Buick is

[@mega-hck]

Its actually called the opel insignia

[@BrawlFreak786]

Мега Хацкир no in America it's a Buick cause we don't have opel here

[@mega-hck]

BrawlFreak786 it was a joke

[@jennydonne8946]

No rear wiper? Vauxhall insignia has one

[@justincui]

Did buick set the bike test up? This seemed rigges as while the buick's backseats were down, Acura's backseat seemed in the up position

[@brandonwright2067]

I hate Buick but I love this car this would compete and compare well against the Kia pincher I mean stinger if it was rwd gm get it together put the recipe together.

[@ronaldboykin9755]

This is the last year of production on this car. It’s a nice car but I think the Volkswagen Passat is a better deal!

[@grantwilson4696]

I've always liked a lot of Buick vehicles, pretty much for all of the reasons mentioned in this review. The quality is above average, they aren't afraid to enter niche markets & compete well against pretty much anything in their market segment. I believe their failing, like most North American manufacturers, is that they don't market their products to the appropriate target audiences. Buick's advertising seems to be almost non-existent. They offer a fine North American product but most North Americans don't know that they still exist. That's sad.... just sayin'. Proud owner North American produced ; 2001 Cadillac Eldorado ETC, 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt & 2017 Ford Fusion Sport... &... strongly considering a Buick Regal GS :)

[@ksorsomeplace]

Any interior color choices besides black, tan, and gray? Why such strong emphasis on AWD when it has such little use over FWD, especially for 8 or so months out of the year?

[@LeoErba]

Suprise move by GM. Bc this car is based on Opel/Vauxhall Insigna. And GM did recently sold Opel/Vauxhall to PSA. And now they luanch this model in North America. Will be intresting to see what will happen in the future. Will the future Buick european based cars be based on PSA cars?

[@junaki3430]

Leonardo Taccola The design is licensed under GM, and the car is also built in China as well...even if its a Opel based product, its a GM design Opel can sell that product anywhere under its own name. Buick can and has design there own products to (Enclave, Lacrosse, Envision).

[@ashes2ashes863]

+Tom Yeah, I mean the Americans only designed the engine, transmission, sound proofing, electronics, safety peripherals, etc. I mean we know great of a performer that car would be without the awesome proven Ecotec motor and generations of GM's pioneering suspension work!

[@ashes2ashes863]

+Tom yeah, I mean the Americans only designed the engine, transmission, safety peripherals, electronics, and the majority of the suspension. Hopefully they left a bushing or two for the Germans to have something to do. I mean let's be honest they need something to do when they're not creating all the Sprinter vans that rot out in 3 to 5 years. The smartest thing the Germans have done in the last few years was buy Detroit Diesel. I guess they got tired of their Mercedes-Benz Diesel's getting walked on.

[@portermcsorley]

My dealership still doesn't have any new Regals and I'm sad.

[@LxusGS]

Can’t wait to rent one!

[@jwagner1993]

if the car had a Honda symbol attached to it, the tests and opinions would be completely different ..

[@bigaltro]

Why no mention of the new V-6 that was announced being released in the GS?

[@hokalex5589]

Thanks for your great video first.. the frontside outlook of 2019 Buick Regal Essence(We calls Elite edition) seems fully same of this 2018 Buick Regal Sportback but not a backside hatchback. i am a 2019 New Buick Regal Essence owner, my car type is produced by GM China Shanghai production assembling plant which using 1.5L Turbo engine with 9AT transmission, 173kw output. it is a real nice car for me. but right now GM China company selling GM Buick series in terrible low price to enlarge their market shares since rapid moving electric vehicles..

[@echo405]

Looking forward to the wagon due to Volvo v60 was little bit too outdated and cost more. This one buick wagon looks great too. I love the ride of Buick.

[@FantomLightning]

Never though I'd end up with a car again after my Saab 9-3... But I think this or the Kia Stinger may win me over...

[@TomazHilton]

Dude.... 2 totally different cars. get the Kia for better resale and Driving Dynamics.

[@97I30T]

The front end looks like the Mazda 6.

[@97I30T]

MRT I actually own a 2015 6. It’s a great car.

[@StubbyCub]

KentB27 Me too, I love that damn car!!

[@97I30T]

StubbyCub Mine has been great. A lot of people think the 6 is slow because there was no engine upgrade until recently but that never really bothered me. I think the base engine is fine, especially for the gas mileage it delivers.

[@StubbyCub]

KentB27 Yeah I have no issues with the power. My Grand Touring is adequate for me!!

[@YusofTehrani94]

How does it compare to Accord 2.0 touring? They are comparable price-wise

[@timj41]

Built in US or Europe? Opel make this car also, it will be sold in Australia and New Zealand as a Holden

[@footieballer]

Good looking line of cars. Shame no longer will be co operating with Opel in future. Hoping Buick will still be progressing down the road

[@JC-rm6pm]

2:00 Alex on autos? Is that you?

[@slowed300]

Hello TFL guys! May you please do a comparison of the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser vs. the 2018 Toyota Sequoia? It would really be amazing if you could. Thanks!

[@jtothada06]

this car should have come out with the last redesign of the Malibu. I really don't see anyone buying this over the new accord or camry and this is a really nice car.

[@henrybiii8208]

I would've loved a CTS wagon over this Buick wagon.

[@Sandor68]

Honda tried that with the Accord and sales were bad. If Honda failed I don't think Buick will have a chance

[@Sandor68]

Norm T I respect you're opinion but I disagree. Honda has not been an economy brand for a few years now. You will find all the amenities plus more than rival competition. Check out the new Honda Accord and you will be surprised by the list of new tech options and premium materials. I know your probably thinking Buick is competing more with Acura but the difference now between Acura and Honda, is really only the badging. Yes you may get Carbon fibre in the upscale cars from Acura but I don't think even Buick offers that in any of its cars.

[@TomazHilton]

Honda never been the Economy brand, its the MAINSTREAM brand. why Acura is the premium brand.

[@billmalec]

I wish they'd have pushed the fact they were Opels. I'd have been in to look at them long ago. Keep the Opel badge with a performance package... Real handling suspension and maybe a bit extra hp. That way you could offer Buick to those that still hold on to the 'dad's car image' and offer more performance to those of us that still look at Buick as... Boring. Diesel option would really get me in!! Pedestrian collision thing is not needed in most of America. I might see someone walk in from of my car like... twice a week? Wagon looks great. What I'd really like. Diesel, 4wd, wagon, sport suspension, no electronic crap other than navigation and back up camera.

[@robvilletto3146]

Looks Great! great review!

[@BA-dr9pr]

It kinda looks like a BMW 430i from the rear.

[@mworld2611]

What's the Doug score?

[@ryanherrera6357]

Shares the same engine with the lacrosse. I like the lacrosse more but this is very nice too

[@FLAKKU03]

Opel Insignia :)

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

Hey, how about putting a glass roof on the Buick Regal wagon? (Remember the Sport Wagon from 1964-69?)

[@jbm0866]

I'd like to see that pillowy soft pedestrian friendly hood after a mild, light hail storm. I bet even pea sized hail would be enough to leave tiny dents. I've never seen a sheet of steel act like a waterbed before😂

[@La-yt1wr]

I really love the TourX and Gs but I know nobody will buy one.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Pretty strong statement. The first customer who buys one will prove you wrong.

[@jeffs6090]

Ordered my loaded GS. Will arrive in March! It replaces my 15 Regal awd.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

What do you think of the last generation Buick Regal AWD? From what I have test driven, it is pretty sporty but not quite as much as the German imports. I like the Halidex AWD which gives great traction in all road conditions that you have. Not a bad car that is pretty reliable. I stuck with my older 2006 Saab 9-3 which predates the Regal (same platform - Epsilon I to Epsilon II).

[@jeffs6090]

I love my 15 Regal awd! It's been a great car year round, very sporty and fast, very good in snow. I can't wait for my new GS! 60 more horse. And really, the last one and the new one are both rebadged Opels. So, it is a German import.

[@La-yt1wr]

Sam S My n-g Saab 9-5 has the halidex AWD but Saab calls it XWD

[@realtick]

The new Regal is actually really nice looking, but I can’t help but think I’m looking at a future rental fleet car.

[@louisbabycos106]

Wow I didn't know it had all that collision avoidance tech

[@savedbydave]

It looks like the Buick Regal Sportback's direct competition will be the VW Arteon... Hopefully the Regal Sportback's release will trigger VW to release some more news on when we can expect it in the US!

[@jtothada06]

VW Arteon will be priced much higher than this car.

[@larsulven1852]

Surprised that the IntelliLux LED matrix headlights wasn't mentioned. Opel Insignia has that. Maybe the Buick doesn't? "Class-defining headlights provide superior visibility and safety, with a 32-array LED beam that self-adjusts to avoid dazzling other drivers."

[@thedefinitive6296]

this is great but I'm so stoked about TourX. Saving my pennies now! lol

[@brianmay7827]

Roman you ever drive the Chevy SS rwd sedan its the rwd Holden Commodore in Australia it comes in a sedan a wagon & ute too but know they have done away with it now its this car the fwd Buick Regal is the Holden Commodore gone is the ute I wonder if Ford will bring over the Ford Mondeo 5 door as a Ford fusion 5 door to take on this Buick 5 door

[@cjdacka]

ZB Commodore?

[@morgan97475]

Just make the Avenir concept a production model.

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

The Acura the main competitor, hell no

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

Norm T ok and Honda sells more then buick but thats not what im say. This exact Acura doesnt compete with this buick car

[@bboy1hunnid329]

Buick is pretty trash though that Acura will shit on that car in every performance way but no one cares about performance any more I suppose

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

Bboy 1hunnid nahhh everyones about that performance as long as its efficent

[@bboy1hunnid329]

Thivakar saravanamuthu you want performance you got to throughout that gas cost. When I go to the pump I don’t even think about how much I have to pay o just put in at least $70 hot that 91 octane and get the change when it’s topped off

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

Bboy 1hunnid ok and what car do u drive

[@michaelpickering1009]

in Europe it's an Insignia and the 2018 model is a fabulous car enjoy

[@douglasvieira1990dv]

It looks like a Chrysler 200 with a hatch. Looks great

[@lunieto1]

will compete with acura? please. it will probably compete more with a gremlin or a pinto

[@dann3410]

It’s a darn nice car. These days it’s hard to make a bad choice, all makes are pretty good. Wish it was more of a true American car, though. I would be happy to own one of these. Traction control comparison with the Quattro was impressive. Narrator is a clown.

[@toddmediumwellingtoniii478]

you did not fold the rear seats of the acura

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

The "Ride and tuning" differences they talk about between Europe and the USA are about non-existent. Noise, sure, they add insulation. There is virtually no difference anymore between Opel and the USA but that will end because Opel is no longer part of GM. Development of the next generation will come probably from Detroit and with that, we will see if the car stays sporty in about 7 years when they do another redesign. Twin clutch rear wheel traction is an innovation that GM created to make up from losing access to the Halidex technology that the old Regal had from Saab (which BorgWagner bought out Halidex). Note GM did not compare the Regal to the BMW X-drive - because their technology is just as good as GM's new twin clutch technology.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Sounds like you got a good deal, good luck with the car. Honda and Toyota have very simple AWD so it is better than nothing, but they don't put much to the rear wheels. Subaru is equal to all four wheels so that is why it is better. Halidex and this new dual clutch are unique to the industry right now but I am sure the competition will catch up in a few years if they put their engineering to it.

[@_chan.burn.21_]

I recall at one time a while back that they did a review of the VW Scirocco at a press event, and a VW spokesperson said that “Americans don’t want hatchbacks.” Welp... why did an AMERICAN brand just make one of its flagship vehicles (formerly a sedan mind you) into a HATCHBACK. I just hate how hind-sighted most Americans are to how hatchbacks are better than sedans in pretty much every aspect and how they don’t realize some hatchbacks and wagons are just as practical as any stupid crossover. (I’m an American btw)

[@namechef7344]

Cool another buick no one will ever notice.

[@ShivamSharma-zd8lw]

I appreciate the Romeo and Juliet reference in the title :)

[@nischintr]

These are really good looking cars!

[@yousefnawaf3571]

you should compare this with the Kia Stinger

[@keepower]

The next Holden Commodore for Australians?

[@jackwood8307]

Great review but that background music needs work!😂

[@eggbirdtherooster]

Is Buick an premium brand in the states?? Here in Europe, Opel isnt.. not even close.

[@newwavetheo]

Yes.... Sort Of. Buick in the brand portfolio slots between Cadillac (luxury) and Chevrolet (mainstream). GMC is also a bit of a premium brand, or at least they try to position it slightly above Chevrolet.

[@michaelgrant5258]

Buick is a luxury brand in China.

[@DavidSmith-eg5le]

Didn't dodge try this when they did away with the neon and it failed and they had to go back to sedans and crossovers give it to about 20 21 20 22 will be back to sedans and crossovers technically this is a sedan with a hatch

[@cristobaltorres3625]

Was the unicorn a subliminal message

[@romanseano]

The previous generation Regal has a far better interior, in both its design and in the quality of materials used. It also had noticeably superior ride & handling. (The Buick engineer's non-answer to your question about how they tweak this platform to different regions, sort of makes sense when you consider that.) The exterior redo evolved in an interesting way, but everything else, it's as if GM deliberately made it more "basic" - like they stopped trying. Maybe to save money.

[@jbm0866]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this. I do like the exterior styling of this gen a bit better, but everything except the overkill racing seats on the GS seems like a slight step down to me. Of course the sportback of this gen (along with available V6) may tip the scales in favor of this gen. It's not like the previous gen has Audi/BMW style interior build quality and materials.

[@subazealand9158]

Ok, another name for the Opel Insignia... there you have Holden Commodore fans! LOL

[@seanstewart2838]

the info system was up in the audi during the roller test they turned the traction control or other aids off so this is a bs test

[@evilz33]

If these were rwd i would probably buy one.

[@divine0dude]

Vauxhall (Opel) Insignia called, said wants their design back

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

Anyone remember Chrysler LeBaron GTS and Dodge Lancer from 1985-89? They were five-door hatchback sedans just like this Buick. So this is nothing new.