2018 BUICK REGAL SPORTBACK - First Drive and Full Review

[@generalzod7959]

I've heard that the start/stop feature tends to wear out starters faster. you save a small amount on gas but, will pay for that with replacing the starter more often.

[@FreddySherman]

First, big fan from the Krypton days. Yes, that makes sense. I just hated that you couldn't disable it. I found out that is due to fuel economy. Because the car gets better fuel economy with the on/off thing. By making it so you can't disable it, they are able to give the car a slightly higher mog rating than if you could disable it. Thanks for watching, General, and please subscribe to my channel!

[@wigletron2846]

It also effects the HVAC which makes stop and go driving miserable. Real shame there's no way to disable it like most other vehicles. It was a deal breaker for me.

[@WNYfellow]

Good review and wonderful car. I have no idea why US has rejected the Regal - oh well, it just means more inventory and better deals for the rest of us.

[@FreddySherman]

Thank you for watching, I agree, it's a great car. I don't think they advertise it enough.

[@WNYfellow]

@Shredder :-)

[@kr8zeivan]

Just picked up a 2019 Regal Sportback Preferred II trim and I love it. Got for $18 with 18k miles on it wonderful driving car really the Opel Insignia made in Rüsselsheim Germany. GM sold it to Groupe PSA.

[@FreddySherman]

What a great car, and very smart to buy it used with low mileage like that. Yes I know they're made in Germany, that's why they're so good. It's interesting some of the new Buick models are completely made in China!

[@kr8zeivan]

I’m so glad I found your review thanks! Thrilled I was able to get my hands on one for such a good price and low mileage still under the 4 year 60k Buick bumper to bumper warranty in addition to the power train extended coverage. Incredible value.

[@FreddySherman]

@@kr8zeivan May I ask where you got it, was it at a Buick dealership?

[@kr8zeivan]

Yes I purchased it at John Elway Chevrolet in Englewood, Co.

[@FreddySherman]

@@kr8zeivan and if you buy a car there do you get John elway's autograph?

[@cooltalker]

Can you make a list of quietest cars that you have driven with similar price point? The quiet aspect might one reason I would consider this car despite the annoying auto start/stop and no way to open the tailgate from inside.

[@FreddySherman]

That's a good idea, I usually don't do lists like that. I believe the new models have changed and now you can turn off start stop and they added a trunk release button. Buick has very quiet cars, they do something called QuietTuning to really make them quiet inside.

[@silentrefusal9911]

Tell me honestly, would you take it over Kia Stinger?? The trim which you reviewed here.

[@FreddySherman]

Thank you for watching. But this isn't the sporty Regal GS Buick, it's not a fair comparison. I would definitely take the Kia. This is nice if you don't want that bigger HP engine and more aggressive performance.

[@leonisaacs9452]

3 tests: 1 = straightline - Kia win by 1sec. /2 = Slalom test VXR by 1.2sec / 3 = "G-Forc" test VXR by a significant margin (don't actually understand it but basically which car breaks out of the drive line as speed increases around a wide circle). An then on touring -VXR is better set up and more comfortable - sorry didn't bother to check the trim as I'm only interested in a VXR / Stinger comparison

[@pixelking_871]

I wouldn't I just buy the Kia Stinger Premium garbage these Fucking so called premium manufacturer s are not producing the available trim levels with the right available things such as a fucking digital dashboard and some type of wood trim in the first 2 MF levels Garbage the Kia Stinger beats again very spacious and more sporterier than all these other brands even the new volkswagen Arteon , there's no way I spend that kind of money and the Kia Stinger seems more premium than them ......and once a FUCKING AGAIN......WHEEEERRRREEEE is the Fucking Sport trim the 2018 and or 2019 Buick regal Sportback GS they were reveiwing and showing the beginning of 2019 Fuck the so called premium manufacturers it seems like all the low end or high volume manufacturers are producing more premium vehicles nowadays

[@russellmusictv4403]

@@pixelking_871 Kia Stinger looks outdated inside, screen sucks too.

[@kristensorensen2219]

No disabling a auto eng on-off is a deal killer! Only way around that is a 10yr 100k warranty on associated parts!

[@FreddySherman]

It's the same on all new Buicks, you can't disable it. I think it's to preserve the highest possible fuel economy rating.

[@EazybakeEvan]

Would the AS/S system be considered part of the powertrain warranty? And if not, can someone really negotiate that type of deal when at the dealership? Would I look like a doofus trying to get that added to my deal?

[@greenhaaron]

You can get a sun roof as an added option.

[@FreddySherman]

Thank you!

[@williambrennan4577]

I have the 2017 Regal sport touring Turbocharged 2 lt. 259hp and 295 ft lb tork the car is fast 0 to 60 in5.6 sec. handling is very quick but you get lots of noise from the road its not quiet, the new 2018 has less hp and less tork but it is quiet looks like Buick is going for the old folks again

[@FreddySherman]

Thanks for watching. I'm surprised to hear it's not quiet, I thought the 2017s were very quiet like the new ones, same quiet tuning. I think they made your car into what they now call the GS.

[@pilotop6851]

I see comments here that the "new ones" have a button to disable auto start/stop, and also a button on the remote to open the rear hatch. Are they referring to the 2019, can anyone clarify if true? Also I have heard that using the Manual position of the shifter disables auto start stop has anyone tried it on their 2018 or 2019?

[@FreddySherman]

Thanks for watching and for your comment. I need to check a 2019 or 2020 model to see if they made those changes. I think yes, the manual position disables it, as I think using the air conditioner.

[@romanseano]

The newer model years did not add a disable button, and the HVAC has no effect on it. There is a plug-in device from Range Technologies called Stop-Start disable, that completely prevents the shut-off. For whatever reason, Range says their GM version only works on V6 or V8 vehicles. But it works just fine on the Regal.

[@Success2gether]

TERRIBLE oversight by GM on no way to open the lift back from the inside or the fob! I see a correction for that in the 2019 model.

[@FreddySherman]

I agree, I couldn't believe it didn't have it!

[@nobreyner60]

It's funny that they'd install start/stop on this car. The 2016 Malibu Premier that I have doesn't have it in the 2.0T but does in the 1.5T. The EPA mileage in my Malibu is identical to the Regal. I only have a problem with start/stop if the system jolts hard to restart. I like the '17 and newer LaCrosse as it's seamless. The Malibu doesn't have a trunk release in the car, just at the trunk and remote. I wouldn't mind getting the new Regal Essence with Adaptive Cruise Control, but It's so similar to the Malibu that I would be wasting so much money on a lateral move rather than buying a worthy upgrade.

[@FreddySherman]

Thanks for watching. I have driven the LaCross and it's big enough that you don't feel it. On the Regal, you do. This doesn't have the trunk release on the remote, it needs it. I don't agree with you about a lateral upgrade, these Buicks have some amazing insulation and quiet tuning, which really makes them quiet. A lot quieter than luxury cars I drive. Also, they are made in Germany (I'm not sure about the Malibu) and you can really feel that tight build quality and engineering. I felt it right away and kind of knew this was different than most American-made cars (sadly).

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Isn't the GS the top trim level for the Regal?

[@FreddySherman]

They seem to almost treat them as different cars. The top trip level for the non GS is the Essence level. The GS only comes in one trim level. The GS is like a different model, it's not a trim level. Thanks for watching, I hope that makes sense.

[@user-bo6md3lz1b]

I love this car

[@FreddySherman]

Great car, really gives you a lot for the price. Thanks for watching.

[@DWK33]

You can disable the auto stop/start feature by having you a/c on

[@FreddySherman]

The new ones have a switch. Not having a switch was part of some emissions push to keep the numbers as high as possible. Thanks for watching and for your comment.

[@DWK33]

Now....how can I get my wife to understand a Buick is cool....and a wagon at that!

[@FreddySherman]

@@DWK33 Put tape over the logo and names and let her test drive it!

[@jmcafee6564]

Thanks for the video, Fred. The 2018 Audi A5 Sportback compares to this Regal in several areas: German made, AWD, Sportback, Apple Car Play/Android Auto, available safety suite, buttons that do nothing. (GRRRR!) But is it really fair to compare these two cars?

[@FreddySherman]

I drove the S5 a few weeks ago but have never driven the A5 Sportback. The Audi is almost $15K more so no, I don't think it's a fair comparison. But I would test drive the Regal if I was considering the A5! Thanks for watching.

[@jmcafee6564]

Would you put the Regal in the luxury category? The faux leather seats and trim seems makes it fall a bit short in this area with, but the quiet interior is compelling. Thanks!

[@romanseano]

@@jmcafee6564 It's real leather. It's just not that soft.

[@harrisonthorburn9096]

Was the trunk release not down by your left leg as it is in most GM products? If not, check the owners manual!

[@FreddySherman]

No, that's only the hood release. I showed the area, no hatch release. Good idea, but I did not check the owner's manual.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

I believe because now you can push on the Buick emblem on the back when the car is unlocked, there was no reason any longer to have a remote trunk release on the trunk either in the car or on the fob. GM/Buick/Opel did not think people need it anymore as when the doors are unlocked (or the driver's door is unlocked), so is the trunk and anyone approaching the trunk can open it. So no hatch release is correct of that reason. Thanks for pointing it out, and thank you for the detailed review.

[@FreddySherman]

Come on, what if you're in the driver's seat and your passenger has a bunch of bags to go in the trunk? They shouldn't have to put them down, there should be a button inside, it's supposed to be a luxury car! Yesterday I arrived at a hotel and wanted them to unload our bags, but I wanted to sit in the car for a few minutes and reply to emails. I was in a Lexus and just pushed the trunk open button so they could unload the bags. I didn't need to yell out the window to push the logo! (I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at Buick)

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

I don't disagree, even if they had put a sensor under the bumper and you could wave your foot underneath it and open the trunk (like some competitive products do from Ford), that would be acceptable in this case. Buick/Opel/GM made a poor design choice, plain and simple. If they do a refresh in four years and people complain enough - maybe they will add it back in. I don't think they did this on the Enclave.

[@FreddySherman]

They have one, the Enclave Avenir I drove had the foot sensor under the trunk, and a cool Batman Buick logo that projected on the ground at night to show you where it was.

[@JonRogne]

The car is manufactured in Rüsselheim in Germany, at the Opel factory. The car is also branded as Opel Insignia, Vauxhall Insignia, Holden Commodore and Chevrolet Malibu, with slight brand design differences: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Regal en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Insignia www.vauxhall.co.uk/cars/insignia.html en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Malibu www.holden.com.au/cars/commodore Opel was recently purchased by PSA, and has since started to roll out new models on PSA platform. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupe_PSA

[@romanseano]

The differences in the Malibu are far more than slight.

[@Sjrick50]

ok the turning off of the engine is a game changer for me. My BMW did that but i was able to turn that off. If i were not able to turn it off on this car, then there is no sense in continuing to watch this

[@FreddySherman]

Well, thank you for watching the first part! I also hate that you can't turn it off. I will say, I just drove the LaCrosse (also you can't turn off auto-stop), which is bigger and you don't notice it on that car,. I noticed it on the Regal and that's why it's an issue.

[@Sjrick50]

Luxury Fred yes I’ve read where the Buick has the industry’s best engine turn off mode. It’s almost indistinguishable

[@FreddySherman]

Almost isn't good enough! I findit's about the mass of the car. I had a LaCrosse, bigger car, you couldn't notice it. Also in the Enclave Avenir little SUV, you couldn't feel it. But in this you could feel it shudder a little bit both when stopping and starting.

[@FreddySherman]

Since we're talking about this, I just had the MBZ GLS450 which had auto-start stop but you could turn it off. When it was on, the steering wheel would almost lock when the engine turned off. You had to try to turn it to turn the engine back on and reactivate the power steering. I had a scary moment at an intersection, trying to make a left in heavy traffic. THere's was an opening in traffic, I went for it. And the steering wheel wouldn't turn for a moment. Not long, but long when you're trying to make a left in a break in busy traffic going 50 mph towards you!

[@Sjrick50]

Man I would’ve hated that. I really don’t know why manufacturers insist with this feature. Is it really noticeable how much gas it saves?

[@challengedpictures]

The trunk release might be in the glove box. Some cars do that

[@FreddySherman]

I did not check there but I was there with the Buick people and when I asked them about it they didn't seem happy I brought it up. Seems like a glaring omission.

[@kr8zeivan]

Just upgrade the remote fob the newer ones have the trunk release on it.

[@daquanmcdonald7104]

It's on the emblem bro. Wen your car is unlocked you press the trunk emblem or stand next to with your fob

[@rueben44]

American cars....made in America have really great fit and finish now Mr. "Car reviewer". Just so you know......because some people like cars just because of where they come from.

[@FreddySherman]

Not sure what you mean. This Buick is made in Germany by Opel, it's not made in America.

[@MICHGO1]

OPEL HAS MADE SOME NICE CARS FOR BUICK. YOU HAVE TO WONDER WHAT NOW THAT GM SOLD OPEL.

[@FreddySherman]

Good point. I think they will still make the cars for GM.

[@JonRogne]

I doubt that. They have been bought by PSA (Peugeot). They have already rolled out cars on PSA platforms.

[@FreddySherman]

But they still makes cars for GM too?

[@JonRogne]

Ah, yes I guess they will continue until the model is discontinued.

[@FreddySherman]

I understand they will keep using it and it had operated as a separate company anyway. But yes, maybe as each model goes out of production they will make them somewhere else.

[@danielleberry1349]

Thanks for sharing

[@koolkitties8552]

No of the new cars have real leather. U drove an Acura and it had fake leather too.

[@FreddySherman]

Thanks for watching. I've never driven or reviewed an Acura (yet). Most of these cars just have leather seating surfaces, not full leather seats. Some cars, like the Cadillac Escalade I just reviewed, do have real leather seating surfaces. It's semi-aniline, which I've learned means the dye / color goes into the leather, it's not just on the surface.

[@JonRogne]

It's for all the vegans.

[@FreddySherman]

Some still have it, I just had the Lexus GX 450 Luxury, it had "leather-trimmed seats."

[@romanseano]

@@FreddySherman I know from my own test-drives why you *thought* it wasn't real leather in the Essence trim, but it actually is. It's just some of the worst, most "cost-effective" grade that GM could direct Opel to use here. The Avenir's is thankfully far better.

[@FreddySherman]

@@romanseano Thanks for the info. Also I think they just coat it with all kinds of synthetic protectants which hide the real feel. I agree with you. I reviewed a Yukon Denali and there's a big debate in the comments as I don't think the third row seat is leather, only the front and second row. And of course they are not full leather, only "leather appointed seating surfaces"!! Thanks for watching and please subscribe to my channel.

[@foeveryung21]

AWD and LS swap it 👌👌👌👌👌

[@FreddySherman]

Haha. LS engine? Yes, AWD is necessary. The Gran Sport GS sporty one is nice too. Thanks for watching.

[@foeveryung21]

@@FreddySherman correct LS engine pretty much a 2018 G8.

[@FreddySherman]

We can dream!

[@marshawilliams3091]

Well i put the groceries on the seat...i couldnt figure out how to open the tailgate 🙄

[@FreddySherman]

You're not alone. There's no button inside. You have to use the key fob or push the Buick logo on the rear hatch. Inconvenient!

[@drivecfl]

Looks like most other sheet metal these days. Uninspiring design. Need something to stand out. Line this up with a Volvo, 18Accord, Malibu, Fusion in the same color and cause people to walk to the wrong car in the parking lot.

[@FreddySherman]

I agree the outside may not be too striking but the driving experience, especially that quiet cabin, was wonderful. thanks for watching!

[@dukefleed8369]

Copy of Opel Insignia 2018

[@FreddySherman]

Thank you, I figured it was a clone of something they release in Europe. Have you driven one?

[@jdm1039]

Duke Fleed And GM owned Opel until very recently and they were a partner in developing this vehicle

[@FreddySherman]

Yes, and they're made in Germany.

[@leonisaacs9452]

as was the previous regals for the past what - decade? I was in the US in 2013 and the regal was a rebadged opel

[@FreddySherman]

I think you are correct.