Select a year
- Highs Attractive design, generous cargo space, quiet cabin.
- Lows Engine power doesn't live up to its billing, balky transmission, interior lacks the luxury of some rivals.
- Verdict With its dapper station-wagon style, roomy interior, and large cargo area, the Regal TourX offers a viable alternative to the ubiquitous crossovers.
Overview
The Regal TourX is Buick's attempt to counter the proliferation of SUVs by returning to the station wagon, its first since the Roadmaster Estate of 22 years ago. Like other Buicks of late, the Regal TourX is a rebadged Opel, specifically an Insignia Country Tourer, a mid-sizer that’s been encircled by many square centimeters of black plastic and given a slightly taller ride height. GM’s designers deserve kudos for penning this modern take on the family-hauler. Although even the overabundance of cladding can’t make this Euro-style wagon seem like anything but a car, it's undeniably a handsome one. The TourX looks long, low, and just sporty enough to make its anti-crossover mission clear.
What's New for 2018?
An all-new model for 2018, the Regal TourX has the look of a traditional five-passenger station wagon with a few hints that Buick would like it to be considered serious competition for small crossovers and SUVs. These include standard all-wheel drive and a bit more ground clearance than the Regal Sportback with which it shares a platform.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $29,995
- Preferred: $33,595
- Essence: $35,995
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All Regal TourX models come with a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 295 pound-feet of torque. It comes mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels. On paper, this powertrain combination looks great, far outpacing Subaru’s anemic naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four. In the real world, however, the TourX feels sluggish, with a sleepy throttle calibration that requires pushing past mid-pedal stroke to wake up the turbocharger. Combine this with a transmission that shifts languidly, preferring to stay in a high gear and lug the engine, and it’s easy to see why this Aisin-sourced gearbox is already slated for replacement in the future with a GM-developed nine-speed unit. On the road, the TourX generally goes about its business quietly, transmitting very little noise into the cabin. But its handling on mountain roads proved to be an exercise in delayed gratification: Turn-in is slow, as the suspension needs to compress before the steering builds weight from its vague on-center position.
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 interior of the TourX is a nice enough place, but it's by no means opulent. It is roomy, quiet, and mostly pleasant, save for the cramped middle rear seat. The front seats are comfortable yet firm and ideal for the sort of long highway slogs the wagon seems best suited for. The dash is covered with plastic designed to look like leather and trimmed with the requisite fake wood and shiny bits. The base TourX has cloth seats and is available in any color you want as long as it’s white (silver and black are extra-cost options). Opting for the mid-range Preferred trim nets a power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an actual color palette, and allows the option of a couple extra-cost packages. Our top-of-the-line Essence model added such niceties as heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The TourX's cargo area can swallow 74 cubic feet of gear with its rear seats folded flat, which is more than the Mercedes E-class wagon can hold.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Standard tech for the TourX includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a basic stereo system. Higher trims and options bring such features as an 8.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an upgraded Bose audio system.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Buick Regal TourX’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.
