The 2018 Buick Regal TourX, an all-new model for the brand, comes standard with all-wheel drive. (Buick)

The 2018 Buick Regal TourX, an all-new model for the brand, comes standard with all-wheel drive. (Buick)

Buick expands lineup with all-new Regal TourX model

Whether you see it as a wagon, an SUV or a crossover, the 2018 Buick Regal TourX is agreeable.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

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.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Kim Crane talks about a handful of origami items on display inside her showroom on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Crease is the word: Origami fans flock to online paper store

Kim’s Crane in Snohomish has been supplying paper crafters with paper, books and kits since 1995.

The Musical Mountaineers perform at Everett’s McCollum Park on June 14, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Adopt A Stream Foundation)
Photo courtesy of Adopt A Stream Foundation
The Musical Mountaineers perform at Everett’s McCollum Park on June 14.
Coming events in Snohomish County

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

A woman flips through a book at the Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pop some tags at Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley

$20 buys an outfit, a unicycle — or a little Macklemore magic. Sales support the food bank.

Audi SQ8 Wows In Motion Or At Rest. Photo provided by Audi America MediaCenter.
2025 Audi SQ8 Is A Luxury, Hot Rod, SUV

500 Horsepower and 4.0-Second, 0-To-60 MPH Speed

Nedra Vranish, left, and Karen Thordarson, right browse colorful glass flowers at Fuse4U during Sorticulture on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett’s Sorticulture festival starts Friday

Festivities will include art classes, garden vendors and live music.

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Ellis Johnson, 16, left, and brother Garrett Johnson, 13, take a breather after trying to find enough water to skim board on without sinking into the sand during opening day of Jetty Island on Friday, July 5, 2019 in Everett, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Epic ways to spice up your summer

Your ultimate guide to adventure, fun and reader-approved favorites!

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

People walk during low tide at Picnic Point Park on Sunday, March 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Beach cleanup planned for Picnic Point in Edmonds

Snohomish Marine Resources Committee and Washington State University Beach Watchers host volunteer event at Picnic Point.

Bar manager Faith Britton pours a beer for a customer at the Madison Avenue Pub in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Burgers, brews and blues: Madison Avenue Pub has it all

Enjoy half-price burgers on Tuesday, prime rib specials and live music at the Everett mainstay.

Ian Terry / The Herald

Rose Freeman (center) and Anastasia Allison play atop Sauk Mountain near Concrete on Thursday, Oct. 5. The pair play violin and piano together at sunrise across the Cascades under the name, The Musical Mountaineers.

Photo taken on 10052017
Adopt A Stream Foundation hosts summer concert on June 14

The concert is part of the nonprofit’s effort to raise $1.5 million for a new Sustainable Ecosystem Lab.

Edie Carroll trims plants at Baker's Acres Nursery during Sorticulture on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sorticulture, Everett’s garden festival, is in full swing

The festival will go through Sunday evening and has over 120 local and regional vendors.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.