As car buyers have lost interest in traditional coupes and sedans in favor of crossovers and other SUV variants, Buick has expanded its lineup with the well-received Encore compact SUV, and now the Regal TourX.
At first look, most people would call the 2018 Buick Regal TourX a wagon, and they wouldn’t be wrong. But they wouldn’t be entirely correct, either. With standard full time all-wheel drive, standard roof rails, fender moldings and an increased right height, Buick is justified in calling the Regal TourX a crossover.
The five-passenger Buick Regal TourX is a brand new model, offered in three different trim levels: the base TourX, Preferred and Essence. All three are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. An eight speed automatic transmission is standard.
EPA fuel economy ratings are 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.
Base pricing starts at $29,070 plus a $925 destination charge.
Some of the standard features on the base model are push-button start and entry, hill start assist, heated side mirrors, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and an infotainment system with 7-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Bose audio.
The Preferred model adds a power driver’s seat and the option of a Preferred Driver Confidence Package that includes LED headlamps and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. Another available option for the Preferred trim is the Sights and Sounds package adding upgrades to the infotainment systems, including navigation and HD radio.
My tester was the top-of-the-line Essence model equipped with an Essence Driver Confidence package and the Sights and Sounds package. Along with the other upgrades included on the Essence model, the tester had every feature you can have on a Regal TourX, and it’s an impressive amount.
When narrowed down to only one word, my first and lasting impression of the 2018 Buick Regal TourX is “agreeable.” That might sound like the old “damning with faint praise,” but it isn’t. TourX delivers a smooth and comfortable ride with an appropriate amount of power, abundant room in all directions for passengers, a voluminous amount of cargo space (73.5 cubic feet with the second row seats folded, 32.7 cubic feet with the seats up), and a handsome, uncluttered interior that gives off a sense of calm. These are highly admirable and desirable characteristics in a car, for sure.
Not to body-shame the TourX, but I must also say I wasn’t drawn to its looks. I wasn’t repulsed, just not drawn. I think it’s because we’re used to a certain SUV or crossover look, and the TourX doesn’t quite have it. Maybe it shouldn’t be called an SUV or crossover after all. As a wagon, it looks great.
2018 Buick Regal TourX
Base price, including destination charge: $36,015
Price as driven: $39,760
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild, and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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