2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence AWD

The new 2018 Buick Regal TourX takes an alternative route, combining the lower-to-the-ground poise of a car with, when the second row seats are folded down, a massive 74 cubic feet of cargo room.

It doesn’t look like most wagons, the Buick is swoopy and aggressive, recalling the Audi Allroad in stance but even more rakish in its lines. Standard wheels on all trim levels are 18-inch alloys, while available roof rails add additional cargo-loading versatility and enhance the adventurous look. This is a great-looking piece.

The top-line Essence includes such standard gear as a leather seats with 8-way power adjustments and heating up front, keyless entry with remote start, dual climate control, a heated leather wheel, a hands-free power liftgate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Options included a Sights and Sounds package ($1,095) with 8-inch HD infotainment display and premium audio, a Driver Confidence package ($1,725), adding wireless charging plus a slew of active-safety features, a power moonroof ($1,200) and Smoked Pearl metallic paint ($395). The Essence trim starts at just under $36,000; with all the options tacked on my tester rolled out the showroom door at just over $40K.

The engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 250 hp and 295 pound-feet, both peaks arriving at 5,000 rpm. The mill moves the Buick well (0 to 60 mph in well under 7 seconds), puts the torque down without a skip (thanks to the AWD system), and for the most part performs with smoothness and refinement. The standard transmission is an 8-speed automatic, and while its cogs are well-spaced, shifts tend to come slowly. Rowing the center-console lever manually improves shift quickness (there are no wheel paddles).

Above all, the Regal TourX stands out for great looks, outstanding room, and a sticker that undercuts admittedly more upscale rivals by $5K or more. Given that it’s a sleek wagon, you also get to stand out from the run-of-the-mill crossover/SUV crowd.

See our inventory of 2018 Buick Regal TourX’s here.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »