The 2018 Buick Regal TourX aims for the middle ground between premium wagons like the Audi Allroad and mainstream units like the Subaru Outback. The TourX makes a case for itself as an affordable luxury option, although we imagine that BMW and Mercedes aren’t too worried.
What's New for 2018
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX is an entirely new model for 2018. Previously only available as a sedan, the Regal now adds a liftback (Sportback, in Buick terminology) as well as the TourX’s station wagon shape. This marks the first time Buick has offered a station wagon since the delightfully ancient Roadmaster, which ended production more than two decades ago.
Choosing Your Buick Regal TourX
With standard all-wheel drive and a healthy cargo capacity, the TourX aims to compete with everything from outdoorsy wagons to luxury crossover SUVs.
Every TourX is powered by Buick’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which provides 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers compare favorably to the competition – a VW Golf Alltrack has just 170 hp, and even the upscale Audi Allroad boasts only 252 hp. Power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to an intelligent, twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, like the one offered on the Buick LaCrosse and Envision. But while all-wheel drive is optional on those vehicles, it comes standard on the Regal.
The TourX sits 15 millimeters higher than a Regal Sportback, contributing to its more rough-and-tumble character. The change increases clearance for the outdoorsy types, but it will likely make for a floatier ride. There's also flashy underbody cladding to give a little rugged style.
Buick offers three trim levels: 1SV, Preferred and Essence.
It’s hard not to suspect that this trim level is included just so Buick can boast about an MSRP under $30,000. Skating just under the mark at $29,995 (including a $925 destination fee), the 1SV allows only three color options: white, black, and silver (and the latter two cost a premium).
Buyers will have to make do with manually adjusted seats, although a flat-bottom steering wheel feels racier than what we'd expect from Buick. There are no optional extras at this price point, so if you care about advanced safety features or even something as simple as floor mats, you'll need to step up to the next level.
That said, keyless entry and a rearview camera are still standard, so the value isn’t totally unreasonable. All the same, this trim level likely won’t show up much at dealerships – and that’s not a bad thing.
The Preferred trim bumps starting costs to $33,575, but it adds back most of the features you would expect in a wagon at this price.
Eight-way power-adjusted seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are standard, along with a much larger spectrum of exterior colors. At the Preferred level, buyers can choose to add the Driver Confidence I ($1,240) and Sights and Sounds ($1,870) packages. Driver Confidence I adds LED headlights, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sights and Sounds package adds navigation, HD radio, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, remote start, and a larger display in the instrument cluster
A panoramic sunroof is the only standalone option at this price point, ringing up at $1,200. There's also a broad range of dealer-installed accessories.
The most extravagant trim level adds in some truly luxurious features for a starting price of $35,945. Essence models include a hands-free liftgate, automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel and front seats, and leather upholstery. Other additions include a 40/20/40-split rear seat, ambient interior lighting, and eight-way power-adjustable seats. Some options from the Preferred trim come standard, namely the upgraded display and touchscreen, remote start, and XM radio.
On the Essence trim, the Driver Confidence I package includes extra features like a wireless charging pad, heated mirrors, and lumbar adjustment, but the price rises to $1,725. For truly top-of-the-line features, the Driver Confidence II Package is only available on the Essence trim at a cost of $1,190 (after adding Driver Confidence I). This package adds advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, a following distance indicator, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane assist. The Sights and Sounds Package is still available, but its prices drops to $1,095, thanks to the now-standard eight-inch display.
Sun worshippers, the panoramic sunroof is still available as a $1,200 option on the range-topping Regal TourX.
On the cheaper end of the scale, Subaru still rules the roost for robustness and affordability. Instead, the Regal TourX makes the most sense as an alternative to luxury badges like BMW, Audi, and Volvo. For a relatively modest price increase, opt for the top-of-the-line Essence trim and enjoy a luxury experience at thousands less than the competition.