Best Buick Regal Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

1. Buick Regal Sportback 2.0T 2018-2020

The 2018-2020 Buick Regal Sportback 2.0T ranks first because its liftback body offers hatchback utility without wagon looks, making it the most practical Regal ever sold. Its 250-hp turbo four is smooth, with available all-wheel drive and the most modern infotainment and driver-assistance tech in the lineup. The tailgate swallows flat-pack furniture and bicycles with ease. This is the best overall modern Regal for daily use.

This car is for the daily driver who wants sedan styling with real cargo flexibility and the newest safety features. It trades away the V6 GS's power and the TourX's extra ground clearance for a lower, sleeker profile. Compared to the 2014-2017 2.0T, it offers a better nine-speed transmission and more modern cabin, though rear headroom is tighter under the sloping roofline.

2. Buick Regal 2.0T 2014-2017

The 2014-2017 Buick Regal 2.0T ranks second as the best value pick because it delivers 259 hp, available AWD, and a genuinely quiet, well-damped European-tuned chassis at a fraction of its original price. The 2014 facelift substantially improved the interior and infotainment, resolving early-generation quirks. A Premium II with AWD, leather, and heated seats routinely lists for far less than a comparable German sedan. This is a smart buy for the budget-conscious.

This car is for the budget-conscious buyer who wants a sport-sedan feel without the badge premium. It trades away the Sportback's liftback utility and the newest tech for a conventional trunk and slightly older infotainment. Compared to the 2018-2020 Sportback, it is cheaper to buy and insure, but its six-speed automatic is less refined than the newer nine-speed.

3. Buick Regal GS 2018-2020

The 2018-2020 Buick Regal GS ranks third as the enthusiast pick because its 310-hp 3.6L V6, standard AWD with twin-clutch torque vectoring, adaptive dampers, and upgraded brakes make it the most capable modern Regal. It is genuinely quick, composed, and completely anonymous, offering a fast sport-hatch experience without drawing attention. The heavily bolstered sport seats and unique exterior treatment set it apart. This is the fastest and most engaging Regal ever sold.

This car is for the driver who prioritizes acceleration and handling over fuel economy and running costs. It trades away efficiency, as the V6 is the thirstiest in the lineup, and adaptive damper and brake service costs are higher. Compared to the Sportback 2.0T, it is quicker and more special but costs more to fuel, insure, and maintain.

4. Buick Regal TourX 2018-2020

The 2018-2020 Buick Regal TourX ranks fourth as the most versatile pick because it is a real station wagon with standard AWD, a raised ride height, and the 250-hp 2.0T, offering an enormous cargo hold without SUV bulk. It handles like a car, is quiet on the road, and provides genuine all-weather capability for snow and gravel. The raised roof and boxy tail make loading bulky items straightforward. This is the most practical Regal for active lifestyles.

This car is for buyers who actually load bulky items or drive on unpaved roads and want wagon utility with sedan road manners. It trades away the Sportback's lower, sleeker silhouette and cheaper availability for a taller roof and more ground clearance. Compared to the Sportback, it wins on cargo volume and standard AWD but loses on looks and price.

5. Buick Regal GS 2014-2017

The 2014-2017 Buick Regal GS ranks fifth as a sleeper bargain because it offers the 259-hp 2.0T, available AWD, sport suspension, larger front brakes, and unique fascias, all depreciated right alongside base cars. This means you get upgraded hardware for nearly the same used price as a standard 2.0T. It drives closer to a European sport sedan than an American mid-sizer, with a taut chassis and quiet cabin. It is a smart pick for the enthusiast.

This car is for the enthusiast on a budget who wants sporty handling without the V6's fuel costs. It trades away the 2018-2020 GS's 310-hp V6 and torque-vectoring AWD for a lighter front end and better economy. Compared to the newer GS, it is less powerful but cheaper to service, though suspension and brakes should be checked carefully as these were driven harder.

6. Buick Regal GS 2012-2013 Manual

The 2012-2013 Buick Regal GS with the six-speed manual ranks sixth as a purist curiosity because it is one of very few modern Buicks offered with a stick shift. Its early 2.0T tune made 270 hp through the front wheels, making it a rare and engaging driver's car. The manual transmission adds a level of involvement no other Regal offers, and the car is quietly collectible. This is a niche pick for enthusiasts only.

This car is for the driving enthusiast who values a manual gearbox above all else and appreciates rarity. It trades away the AWD and newer tech of later models for a front-drive layout and older infotainment. Compared to the 2014-2017 GS, it has more peak horsepower but less refined torque delivery and a dated cabin. Inspect the clutch, turbo, and front tires for torque-steer wear.

7. Buick Regal Turbo 2011-2013

The 2011-2013 Buick Regal Turbo ranks seventh as the budget entry because it offers the Opel Insignia driving experience at the lowest price, with roughly 220 hp from the 2.0T. It provides a taut chassis and quiet cabin that feel nothing like an old W-body, making it a genuine European sport sedan. The pre-facelift design has older, smaller infotainment and first-years-of-the-design quirks. This is the cheapest way into a modern Regal.

This car is for the shopper with a tight budget who still wants a well-engineered, fun-to-drive sedan. It trades away the 2014+ facelift's 259-hp tune, better touchscreen, and improved interior for a lower entry price. Compared to the 2014-2017 2.0T, it is less refined and more prone to early-production issues. Prioritize documented service history over the lowest asking price.

8. Buick Regal eAssist 2012-2017

The 2012-2017 Buick Regal eAssist ranks eighth with caution because its 2.4L engine with a belt-driven motor-generator and lithium-ion pack delivers the best fuel economy of its era, at mid-30s mpg highway, but is the slowest Regal. Every pack is now well past its early life, and replacement cost can approach a meaningful share of the car's total value. The system adds complexity without meaningful performance. This is a risky pick for most buyers.

This car is for the efficiency-focused buyer who does not care about performance and drives long highway miles. It trades away power and driving engagement for fuel savings, which will not recover a pack replacement if it fails. Compared to the 2.0T, it is slower and less desirable, but more economical. If the seller cannot demonstrate normal stop-start and assist operation, treat the pack as a pending expense.

9. Buick Regal GS Supercharged 1997-2004

The 1997-2004 Buick Regal GS Supercharged ranks ninth as a modern classic because its 3.8L L67 supercharged V6 makes 240 hp with strong low-end torque, and the Series II 3800 is one of GM's most durable pushrod engines. It is a comfortable highway cruiser with a loyal following and is very cheap to buy. Known weak points are the plastic upper intake manifold, lower intake gaskets, and coolant elbows. This is a hobby car, not a daily driver.

This car is for the nostalgic buyer or project-car enthusiast who wants an affordable, reliable classic with a supercharger. It trades away modern handling, safety, and tech for a soft, old-school ride and age-related maintenance. Compared to the modern 2018-2020 cars, it is far less capable but much cheaper to own and work on. Rust and worn suspension are the real concerns.

10. Buick Regal W-Body 1988-1996

The 1988-1996 Buick Regal W-body ranks tenth and is a skip unless nostalgic because it is a soft, slow, and genuinely old front-drive car. The later 3800-powered cars are the only ones worth seeking, and only as a project or very cheap transportation. Salt-belt corrosion is the dominant issue, and parts are increasingly special-order. It is fine as a hobby purchase but poor as sole transportation.

This car is for the classic-car hobbyist who wants a cheap, simple project or a piece of Buick history. It trades away all modern comfort, safety, and reliability for nostalgia and a low purchase price. Compared to the supercharged 1997-2004 GS, it is slower, less durable, and harder to find parts for. The 3800 engine may be reliable, but the car around it will likely need extensive work.

How we ranked these

We ranked Regal model years by weighting drivetrain reliability, transmission behavior, body-style utility, modern infotainment, and real-world depreciation. The 2018–2020 Sportback 2.0T scored highest for its hatchback practicality, 250-hp turbo, and available AWD. The 2014–2017 2.0T earned top value for its 259-hp tune, improved interior, and steep price drop. We also factored in fuel economy, maintenance costs, and the eAssist battery risk.

We deliberately ignored brand cachet, horsepower numbers alone, and collector nostalgia for the 1997–2004 supercharged GS. These factors do not reflect daily ownership value for a typical used-car buyer. We also excluded the 1973–1987 rear-drive models and the 1988–1996 W-body cars because they are hobby vehicles, not practical transportation. Resale potential was not weighted, as the Regal's depreciation is a buyer advantage, not a selling point.

What to look for

What actually matters is matching the body style to your life. The Sportback's liftback gives hatchback utility with sedan looks, while the TourX offers more cargo room and standard AWD. The 2014-2017 2.0T is the value king, but the 2018-2020 GS is the performance pick. Check the transmission—the nine-speed in newer cars is smoother than the six-speed in older ones. Also verify AWD system health and look for service records.

The mistake most buyers make is fixating on the model year badge instead of the drivetrain and condition. A well-maintained 2012 with documented history beats a neglected 2016. Another error is ignoring the eAssist battery risk—if the seller can't prove it works, budget for a replacement. Also, don't overpay for the GS badge on older cars; the 2014-2017 GS is a bargain, but the 2018-2020 GS costs more to run.

Related questions

Which Buick Regal year is the most reliable?

The 2014–2017 cars are generally the safest bet—the facelift resolved early-generation quirks and the 2.0T is a well-understood engine. Condition and maintenance history matter more than the model year itself; a documented 2012 beats a neglected 2016 every time.

Is the Regal TourX worth hunting for?

Yes, if you want wagon utility with sedan road manners. Standard AWD, the 250-hp 2.0T, and a large cargo hold make it genuinely useful. Low production volume means limited supply and slightly firmer pricing than an equivalent Sportback.

What is the fastest Buick Regal?

The 2018–2020 Regal GS with the 310-hp 3.6L V6 and standard all-wheel drive. It also has adaptive dampers, upgraded brakes, and twin-clutch torque vectoring. Expect higher fuel and service costs, but it is the quickest and most engaging modern Regal.

Should I avoid the Regal eAssist?

Proceed with caution. The eAssist 2.4L is the most efficient but slowest Regal, and its lithium-ion battery pack is a financial landmine. If a seller cannot demonstrate the auto-stop and assist working, treat the pack as a pending expense or skip it entirely.

What is the difference between the Sportback and TourX?

The Sportback is a lower, sleeker five-door liftback with sedan proportions. The TourX is a raised wagon with standard AWD, more ground clearance, and a taller cargo area. Choose the Sportback for style and price, the TourX for utility and all-weather capability.

Is the 2012–2013 Regal GS with manual transmission rare?

Yes, it is one of the few modern Buicks with a stick shift. The 270-hp 2.0T through the front wheels makes it a purist's curiosity. Inspect the clutch, turbo, and front tires for torque-steer wear. It is aging, rare, and quietly collectible.

How does the Regal compare to a used Mazda6 or Fusion?

The Regal offers available AWD and hatchback utility that the Mazda6 lacks, but Mazda has a stronger reliability reputation and sharper steering. Against a Fusion Sport, the Regal has better chassis polish, but the Fusion has a twin-turbo V6 and standard AWD in a conventional sedan.

FAQ

What is the best Buick Regal model year to buy used?

The 2018–2020 Sportback 2.0T is the best overall for its hatchback practicality, modern tech, and 250-hp turbo. For value, the 2014–2017 2.0T offers 259 hp, available AWD, and a quiet cabin at a fraction of its original price.

Are Buick Regals expensive to maintain?

Maintenance is moderate. The 2.0T needs attention to timing chain, PCV, and carbon buildup. AWD systems require checking rear differential noise. The V6 GS has costly adaptive dampers and brakes. Budget for a pre-purchase inspection to avoid surprises.

Which Regal has the most horsepower?

The 2018–2020 Regal GS with the 3.6L V6 makes 310 hp. The 2012–2013 GS with the 2.0T made 270 hp, and the 2014–2017 2.0T made 259 hp. The 2018–2020 2.0T makes 250 hp.

Is the Regal TourX a good alternative to an Outback?

The TourX wins on road manners and quietness, but loses on dealer network, resale, and parts ubiquity. It has standard AWD and a large cargo hold. If you prioritize on-road comfort and wagon utility, it is a strong pick.

What are common problems with the Regal 2.0T engine?

Direct-injection carbon buildup on intake valves, timing chain wear on neglected examples, PCV system issues, and turbocharger health. Regular oil changes with the correct spec and documented maintenance are critical to longevity.

Should I buy a Regal with eAssist?

Only if the battery pack is verified working. The eAssist system improves highway fuel economy to mid-30s mpg, but the lithium-ion pack is a large potential expense. If the auto-stop function fails, budget for a costly replacement.

What is the fuel economy of the Regal GS V6?

The 2018–2020 GS with the 3.6L V6 is the thirstiest modern Regal. Expect lower mpg than the 2.0T, especially with AWD. At 20,000 miles a year, the difference is real money in fuel costs.

Is the 1997–2004 Regal GS a good daily driver?

It can be, but it is dated. The 3800 supercharged engine is durable, but plastic intake manifolds, gaskets, and suspension wear are common. It is better as a hobby car or cheap transportation, not a primary vehicle.

How do I avoid buying a bad Regal?

Shop by drivetrain, not year. Decode the VIN, check NHTSA recalls, request oil-change records, and get an independent inspection. Test drive at parking-lot speeds to catch transmission issues. Test AWD on a low-traction surface.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/buick/regal
• https://www.edmunds.com/buick/regal/
• https://www.kbb.com/buick/regal/
• https://www.motortrend.com/cars/buick/regal/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buick/regal/
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/BUICK/REGAL
• https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=40590
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Regal

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