Buick Regal: used buyer's guide to Sportback, TourX, GS and engines

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Buick Regal is a mid-size car Buick last sold for 2020. The 2018–2020 Regal came as the Sportback, TourX wagon and GS, with a 2.0L turbo four or, in EPA data, an AWD 3.6L V6. 2011–2017 Regals offered a 2.4L, eAssist and a 259-hp 2.0L turbo; 1997–2004 models used 3.8L V6s.

Type
Mid-size sedan, five-door Sportback and TourX wagon
Powertrains
Regal 2.0L turbo FWD (2018–2020), Regal 2.0L turbo AWD incl. TourX (2018–2020), Regal 3.6L V6 AWD (2018–2020), Regal 2.0L turbo (2011–2017), Regal 2.4L (2011–2017) · 182–259 hp
Current generation
2018–2020 Regal, 2018–2020

Buick Regal engines, horsepower and mpg

Horsepower for 2011–2017 engines is from Buick's 2015 Regal brochure (2015 model year). EPA rated the 2014 Regal eAssist at 24/35/28. For 1997–2004, EPA lists a 3.8L V6 (2004: 18/28/21) and a supercharged 3.8L (2004: 16/26/20, premium fuel). We did not find Buick-published 2018–2020 horsepower figures we could open.

Buick Regal powertrains with manufacturer-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Regal 2.0L turbo FWD (2018–2020)2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (premium fuel)[1][2]——9-speed automaticFront-wheel drive22/32/262020 MY[2]
Regal 2.0L turbo AWD incl. TourX (2018–2020)TourX2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (premium fuel)[3][4][5]——8-speed automaticAll-wheel drive21/29/242020 MY[5]
Regal 3.6L V6 AWD (2018–2020)3.6L V6[6][7]——9-speed automaticAll-wheel drive19/27/222020 MY[7]
Regal 2.0L turbo (2011–2017)Turbo, GS2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder[8][9][10]2592956-speed automatic or 6-speed manualFWD or AWD21/29/242017 MY[10]
Regal 2.4L (2011–2017)2.4L four-cylinder[8][11][12]1821726-speed automaticFront-wheel drive19/30/232017 MY[12]

Output is as rated by the manufacturer; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Regal TourX, Sportback and GS (2018–2020)

The last Regal came as a five-door Sportback, a TourX wagon with AWD, and the performance-oriented GS. EPA rates the 2.0L turbo AWD (including TourX) at 21/29/24 mpg and lists an AWD 3.6L V6 at 19/27/22. The FWD 2.0L turbo is rated 22/32/26.[13][4][5][7][2]

2011–2017 Regal: Turbo, GS and eAssist

Buick's 2015 brochure lists a 182-hp 2.4L, eAssist, and a 259-hp 2.0L turbo with 295 lb-ft in Regal Turbo and GS models, both available with AWD. GS models added a GS button that sharpens steering, suspension and transmission responses.

EPA rated the 2014 eAssist at 24/35/28 mpg and lists a 6-speed manual for the 2.0L turbo in 2011, 2012 and 2014.[8][15][9]

Recalls to check

2012–2013 Regals sold in salt-belt states, including Turbo and GS models added in 2026 (26V-113), have rear toe link recalls. 1997–2004 cars have the 15V-701 oil-on-manifold fire recall; 2018–2020 cars a brake assist software recall (22V-465).[18]

Buick Regal generations by year

Every US Buick Regal generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
2018–2020 Regal2018–20202.0L turbo four (9-speed FWD, 8-speed AWD); 3.6L V6 AWDSold as the Regal Sportback, Regal TourX wagon, Regal GS and Regal Avenir, according to Buick's legacy-vehicle page.[13][1][3][6]
2011–2017 Regal2011–20172.4L, 2.4L eAssist (2012–2016 in EPA data), 2.0L turbo (259 hp in 2015)Regal Turbo and Regal GS models offered AWD in 2015; GS added the Interactive Drive Control System. EPA lists a 6-speed manual with the 2.0L turbo.[8][14][15]
1997–2004 Regal1997–20043.8L V6 or supercharged 3.8L V6, 4-speed automaticThese cars are covered by GM's long-running engine oil fire recalls, the latest being 15V-701.[16][17][18]

Buick Regal problems and recalls

For the 1997–2004 Regal, the major recall is 15V-701: engine oil can drip onto the hot exhaust manifold and cause a fire. 2012–2013 Regals in salt-belt states, including Turbo and GS models, have rear toe link corrosion recalls, and 2018–2020 Sportback, TourX and GS cars have a brake assist software recall.

Documented Buick Regal issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Power brake assist may be lost (recall 22V-465)[19][18]2018–2020 Regal (Sportback, TourX, GS)2018–2020Recall 22V465
Rear brake caliper pistons may lack coating (recall 18V-576)[20][18]2018–2020 Regal (Sportback, TourX, GS) – 2018–20192018–2019Recall 18V576
Rear seat belts may be routed incorrectly (recall 18V-230)[21][18]2018–2020 Regal (Sportback, TourX, GS) – 20182018Recall 18V230
Rear toe links may corrode and fracture (recalls 20V-764, 21V-633, 21V-00F, 26V-113)[22][23][24][25][18]2011–2017 Regal – 2012–20132012–2013Recall 26V113
Power seat wiring may chafe and cause a fire (recall 16V-517)[26][18]2011–2017 Regal – 20112011Recall 16V517
Power seat height adjuster bolt may fall out (recall 14V-447)[27][18]2011–2017 Regal – 2011–20122011–2012Recall 14V447
No warning when a front turn signal bulb fails (recall 12V-484)[28][18]2011–2017 Regal – 2011–20132011–2013Recall 12V484
eAssist generator control module may fail (recall 13V-173)[29][18]2011–2017 Regal – 2012–20132012–2013Recall 13V173

All 9 documented Regal issues and 9 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

More Regal research

See how a Regal was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Buick build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Buick build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

When did Buick stop selling the Regal?

EPA lists the Regal through the 2020 model year, and Buick now lists it among its legacy vehicles.

What is the Buick Regal TourX?

The wagon version of the 2018–2020 Regal. EPA lists it with AWD, a 2.0L turbo and an 8-speed automatic, rated 21/29/24 mpg.

What engine does the Regal GS have?

In 2015, Buick listed the GS with a 259-hp 2.0L turbo four. For 2018–2020, EPA lists an AWD 3.6L V6 Regal; we did not find a Buick spec sheet we could open for the 2018–2020 GS.

Did the Regal come with a manual transmission?

Yes. EPA lists a 6-speed manual with the 2.0L turbo for 2011, 2012 and 2014.

What mpg does the Regal Sportback get?

EPA rates the 2020 FWD 2.0L turbo at 22 city, 32 highway and 26 mpg combined.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by the manufacturer for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. EPA fuel economy: 2018 Buick Regal 2.0L turbo FWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  2. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Buick Regal 2.0L turbo FWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2018 Buick Regal TourX AWD 2.0L turbo — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Buick Regal AWD 2.0L turbo — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Buick Regal TourX AWD 2.0L turbo — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2018 Buick Regal AWD 3.6L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Buick Regal AWD 3.6L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. 2015 Buick Regal brochure (PDF) — Buick (buick.com)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 2014 Buick Regal 2.0L turbo — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Buick Regal 2.0L turbo — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2011 Buick Regal 2.4L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Buick Regal 2.4L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. Buick legacy vehicles (Encore, Regal, LaCrosse) — Buick (buick.com)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2011 Buick Regal 2.0L turbo manual — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. EPA fuel economy: 2014 Buick Regal eAssist 2.4L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  16. EPA fuel economy: 2000 Buick Regal 3.8L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  17. EPA fuel economy: 2004 Buick Regal 3.8L V6 supercharged — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  18. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Regal — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  19. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 22V-465 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  20. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 18V-576 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  21. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 18V-230 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  22. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 26V-113 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  23. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-764 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  24. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-633 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  25. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-00F — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  26. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 16V-517 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  27. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 14V-447 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  28. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 12V-484 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  29. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 13V-173 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

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