2017 Buick Regal GS
Starting at $35,535
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- Highs Good acceleration, decent handling, long list of standard features.
- Lows Interior quality falls short of luxury levels, tight back seat, middling fuel economy.
- Verdict The Regal GS offers a comfortable ride and lots of standard features, but it's not as sporty or as luxurious as it should be.
Overview
The Buick Regal is a semi-premium sedan on the small end of the mid-size segment, designed to be a value alternative to the Audi A4 and Acura TLX. Like the Acura, the Regal GS is a front-wheel-drive sports sedan, though it is available with all-wheel-drive like the A4. The GS is the sportier, driver-oriented version of the Regal, which is a more traditional Buick, with a softer ride and an emphasis on comfort. The Regal name, from Buick’s lineup of the 1970s and ‘80s, was revived with the 2011 model and was treated to a refresh in the 2014 model year.
What's New for 2017?
Both Regal and Regal GS get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2017, as well as three new exterior paint choices, Graphite Gray Metallic, Black Cherry Metallic, and Pepperdust Metallic.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $35,535
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Standard on the Regal GS and optional on the Regal is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 rated at 259 horsepower. Engineers have tweaked the turbo engine’s 295 pound-feet of torque to peak at 2,500 rpm in the GS, versus 3,000 rpm in the base Regal, for quicker low-end acceleration. It comes with standard front-wheel drive or with an optional Haldex all-wheel-drive system. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. GS models come with Buick’s Hi-Per strut front suspension to mitigate understeer, bigger brakes from Brembo, a lowered ride height, and standard 19-inch or optional 20-inch wheels, the latter shod with summer-only Pirelli P-Zero tires. The AWD GS replaces the standard multi-link rear suspension with control arms and adds an electronic limited-slip differential, which can transfer more than 90 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, making it possible to balance the car’s cornering attitude with the throttle and brakes. With this setup, we found the Regal GS AWD more entertaining around a tight autocross course than an Audi A4 Quattro, but it's still not as sporty as the GS name might imply.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Regal GS features Buick’s QuietTuning technology to keep road and wind noises out of the cabin. Front-seat passengers will find the seats comfortable with plenty of room to stretch out, but those in the rear will be a bit cramped. Overall, the interior is upscale and nicely outfitted, but it's not exactly luxurious. Standard features include heated leather seats, a heated leather-covered steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and ambient lighting in ice blue. Trunk capacity is on the large side, at 14.2 cubic feet.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Regal GS comes standard with the Intellilink infotainment system, which includes navigation, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Buick Regal GS‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
