2018 Buick Regal TourX Review

Name: 2018 Buick Regal TourX Review
Brand: Buick
Price: 17990 USD

Buick Regal TourX Essence Wagon Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJames Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

More cargo space than other wagons and compact SUVs
Lots of standard tech features
Low roof height allows for easier rack loading
Strong performance from turbocharged engine

Cons

Not much extra ground clearance compared to a regular wagon

What’s new

The Regal TourX is an all-new model for 2018.

Vehicle overview

Buick hasn't sold a wagon in quite some time (remember the Roadmaster?), but now it's back with the 2018 Buick Regal TourX. The twist is that Buick has cribbed a few crossover SUV themes, including standard all-wheel drive, plastic body cladding and a bit of extra ground clearance, to create the new TourX.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$233/mo

$187/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Like the redesigned Regal Sportback upon which it's based, the TourX is bigger, more stylish and a more compelling entry in the luxury segment than previous Regals. It also offers a lot more passenger space and, naturally, utility. Buick says that the TourX has more cargo space than its wagon rivals and even many compact luxury SUVs. Compared to those SUVs, you'll also like its lower price and its lower roof and load height.

Though we've yet to drive the TourX, we expect this new Buick will be a solid alternative to a premium wagon or crossover SUV.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

The all-new 2018 Buick Regal TourX joins a small list of wagons that feature some SUV-like design cues. It looks sharp, and the TourX's ample cargo space and versatility should make it a smart alternative to a premium wagon or SUV.

Trim tested

Edmunds has not yet driven any version of this vehicle, but we have limited experience with a preproduction Regal TourX. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.5

Driving

7.5

You don't expect much performance from a utility car such as the Regal TourX, but there's more here than meets the eye. With its low center of gravity and roots in a lively European sedan, the TourX impresses with its handling and balance. It's slow to get moving but can hustle once underway.

Acceleration

7.5

The TourX surges forward eagerly at all but freeway speeds after its turbo has had a chance to spin up, but it begins to run out of steam a bit at the top end. At our test track, the TourX sprinted to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which isn't a bad result but about a half-second slower than a Volvo V90.

Braking

8.0

The brake pedal feels smooth and progressive even during hard stops, with no chattering or crabbing when stopping from highway speeds. Its firm pedal inspires confidence that plenty of braking force remains in reserve. At our test track, the TourX stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is a good result.

Steering

7.0

The steering is quick and accurate, sharper than most crossovers thanks to sport sedan roots. Some artificial heft lends a sportier feel. It tracks straight with good on-center feel and stability at highway speeds. Low-speed assist makes it easy to maneuver the long wheelbase in tighter spaces.

Handling

7.5

While we wouldn't call it sporty, it's surprisingly composed through corners exhibiting less body roll than you might expect from a car of this size. Since the TourX's ground clearance is relatively low, it also handles more like a sedan, not like an all-terrain wagon with a long cargo area.

Drivability

7.5

Self-shifting in the TourX's S automatic mode livens up acceleration since the regular automatic mode tends to dull throttle response. But drivers who prefer to let the car do the work won't be disappointed by the smooth-shifting transmission. It's not a performance-oriented box, but it's competent.

Off-road

7.0

The TourX comes standard with all-wheel drive and can handle some slippery roads. But it's no substitute for more rugged wagons such as the Subaru Outback or even the smaller Volkswagen Alltrack or Audi A4 Allroad. Leave the dirt trails to the others; the TourX belongs on pavement.

Comfort

7.5

Comfort is a Buick specialty, and the TourX is no different. But this isn't a Buick boat ride of yesteryear. It is a buttoned-down and quiet ride that, despite the TourX's impressive handling capability, still delivers trademark Buick ride comfort. But there's a bit more wind noise than we'd expect.

Seat comfort

7.0

The seats feel a little firm, and in the case of our test model, the new leather upholstery isn't especially pliable. The seat cushions are also a tad narrow and best for those with trimmer figures. The shape of the seats themselves is OK, but larger bodies will wish for something wider.

Ride comfort

8.0

The ride is settled and nicely isolated from the road without being completely shut out. It remains controlled over bumpy sections of road, with no swaying, rolling or heaving. While the ride doesn't feel like that of a sport wagon or a luxury wagon, it's nicely buttoned-down and straight down the middle.

Noise & vibration

7.5

The car nicely suppresses tire and road noise in classic Buick fashion, but the factory-issued roof racks contribute more wind noise than you'd expect. It's a small trade-off given the utility of the racks, hardly a deal-breaker, but slightly out of character for the brand's trademark cabin hush.

Climate control

7.5

The A/C blows cold on the softest setting, which is actually more fan than necessary for the lowest speed. The cabin cools quickly, with big vents up front and two in the rear center console. Hard buttons handle most controls, but some basic functions, such as mode selection, are buried in the touchscreen.

Interior

7.5

The TourX's long and low look is a bit deceptive, and the cabin isn't quite as roomy as the exterior suggests. It's more midsize sedan than adventure wagon, but it still offers ample headroom and legroom. Inside, the controls are logical and within easy reach, and it's easy to find a comfortable position.

Ease of use

7.5

A streamlined instrument panel puts all controls close at hand. Fortunately, there aren't too many of them to deal with as most functions are integrated into the touchscreen. It can sometimes be a menu-diving nightmare, but the Regal offers a handful of hard buttons for most often-used features.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

The roof may be low, but the TourX is slightly lifted and its doors open wide. Front passengers will have no trouble getting in or out. But the roofline begins to taper around the rear seats' halfway point and taller passengers, depending on body shape and type, may need to duck into the cabin.

Driving position

8.0

Even 6-foot-plus drivers should have no problem finding a comfortable position in the TourX. The seats offer plenty of power adjustments, with tilting lower cushions and power lumbar. The steering column tilts and telescopes with good range.

Roominess

7.5

There's plenty of leg- and footroom in the front and rear, but overall the seats and armrests feel a bit narrow. The front passenger has ample space from the door panel, and rear headroom is decent even as the roof starts to slope down. It's not claustrophobic, but it's not as airy as you'd expect.

Visibility

7.0

A rising beltline (where the side windows begin), thick middle and rear pillars, and bulky cargo area side panels all compromise rearward visibility. But there's a lot of glass, and the views out the side aren't bad. A large rear window helps mitigate the right-rear blind spot.

Quality

7.5

The interior looks and feels solid, with enough soft-touch material to cushion elbows and knees from plastic panels. Upholstery and trim, such as the sapele-like wood grain center console, impart a classy feel. But the knobs, switches and buttons from the GM parts bin undermine the TourX's premium vibe.

Utility

7.5

With impressive cargo space, as much as most compact crossovers, the TourX is a lifestyle vehicle that can haul toys, tools and just about anything the weekend can throw at you. Small-item storage is a bit limited, but the massive cargo hold and roof racks will inspire ideas for long road trips.

Small-item storage

7.0

There's surprisingly not much room for personal effects. The center console isn't very large or deep, but it does offer a device holder and USB port (although this effectively sequesters your phone out of sight). There are two cupholders, and each door panel offers a molded cutout for a drink bottle.

Cargo space

8.0

With 32.7 cubic feet of cargo space (73.5 cubic feet max), the TourX is a legit lifestyle machine. That's just a bit less space than the Honda CR-V, the class-leading cargo hauler among compact crossovers. There's even enough room for two adults to lay out comfortably in the back with the rear seats folded.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

Lower anchors under each outboard seat are easily accessible, living close to the surface under upholstery flaps. All three rear seatbacks have top tether anchors on the back side of the seat. There's plenty of room fore and aft, and side to side, for a variety of infant and rear- and front-facing convertible seats.

Technology

7.5

The TourX's software and aesthetics are standard GM fare: functional but showing age. But the blend of navigation, smartphone integration and Wi-Fi hotspot give the Buick excellent tech utility for everyday driving and longer trips. Some of today's more common driver safety aids are missing, however.

Audio & navigation

7.5

The nav system has good graphics with a 3D view and a pinch-zoom function. It's slick but looks a bit dated compared to rival interfaces. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard, but the Essence trim offers an 8-inch display. Bose audio has a subwoofer in the spare tire well, but it still sounds flat. (Also it only offers three tone controls.)

Smartphone integration

8.0

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are nice inclusions. There are three USB ports (two are charge only) to keep devices juiced up. The music library can be browsed via Bluetooth, a nice feature not widely offered. But you can't browse podcasts via Bluetooth, which is an odd limitation.

Driver aids

7.5

Our car came equipped with parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The latter two are handy, given the car's compromised visibility. Other safety aids, such as automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist, cost extra even on this Essence top trim level.

Voice control

8.0

Native software offers a basic set of phone, media and nav commands, and it recognizes natural speech well. More in-depth functions (e.g., listing traffic incidents) still require the touchscreen. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto offer more functionality, but the TourX platform provides a good overall set of features.

2018 Buick Regal TourX models

The 2018 Buick Regal TourX is a five-passenger wagon with standard all-wheel drive and a slightly raised ride height. There are three trim levels — base, Preferred and Essence — each of which comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque) and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment on the TourX base includes 18-inch wheels, LED running lights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a rearview camera, OnStar communications (with a 4G connection and onboard Wi-Fi), a 7-inch touchscreen interface, a USB port, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose audio system.

The Preferred adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable driver seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also opens the door to a variety of options. The Preferred Driver Confidence 1 package includes LED headlights, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The Sights and Sounds package adds remote start and upgrades to gauges, the audio system and the infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, Bluetooth, two rear charge-only USB ports and satellite radio.

The Essence trim adds a hands-free liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, leather upholstery, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, a heated steering wheel, and most of the content of the Preferred Sights and Sound package. The upgraded audio system can be added through the Essence's own Sights and Sound package.

The Essence Driver Confidence 1 package includes all of those items from the Preferred version plus a driver-side auto-dimming mirror, driver-seat memory functions and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Driver Confidence 2 package adds all of that plus adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning and intervention.

A panoramic sunroof is a stand-alone option on the Preferred and the Essence.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Buick Regal TourX.

5 (67%)

4 (24%)

3 (3%)

2 (3%)

1 (3%)

4.5

33 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

New Regal Tour X

John, 06/27/2018

2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Bought new regal awd, and so far very impressed . Love the adaptive cruise control and spaciousness of the cargo available. What impresses me most so far, is I drive 50 miles a day, and the gas ,mileage is great. I've had the 2.0 turbo before so always loved its performance and handling ability . Have nothing but good things about this auto so far. When looking at suvs ,,,and how much …

Great, Flexible Wagon

Rich, 12/30/2018

2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

The Buick TourX drives like a car with good feel of the road, nice handling and adequate acceleration and power for most needs. It gets great mileage; on the highway with crossbars but without the cargo box, I routinely log 30-31 mpg. The safety features are impressive, and the rear camera and other parking assists ease any parking challenges. The back seat is very roomy, comfortable for …

The TourX beats Audi and Subaru

Scott Z., 01/30/2019

2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

The TourX is exactly what I was looking for--a European-based AWD wagon; excellent value; great styling; strong engine; very good MPG; smooth transmission; big interior; quiet ride; excellent handling and lots of features. I have owned an Audi Allroad (unreliable); several Subarus (mundane and common) and two Lincoln SUVs (OK but still not as nice overall as the TourX). The local Buick …

Surprise! This Cool Wagon Is A BUICK!

Steve in KC, 03/11/2019

2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I'd been driving my Acura RDX gas pig 12 years; while it was a great ownership experience (but for mpg) and I enjoyed not seeing them on every corner, it was time for a new ride. Considered Tesla 3, Volt, Niro and Leaf, but styling on all failed to move my pulse. Saw the pricing on the 2018 RDX and my eyes bugged out. I'm kind of over SUVs. And I just didn't want to spend $40k+ on a car. … I'm big into outdoor pursuits (hiking, camping, taking wife + LARGE dogs along, and cycling) and for all that yep there's Subaru but I just find Subarus...uninspiring and everywhere. VW wagon? Meh. New Volvo wagons? Beautiful but ouch on pricing and upkeep. Enter the TourX. Here is something different, sleek and interesting with immense utility, low upkeep and very decent to good mpg (21/29 rated; real-world 22.9 city for me, 24 combined, 29+ highway). With the GM/dealer cash incentives, it became quickly evident that it'd be bonkers not to buy one. I'm pretty conservative when it comes to cars...I do a ton of research + a few long test drives. This was an easy decision. The hardest part initially was getting past the disconnect that TourX is a Buick. It's really an Opel made in Germany, but when you're used to Japanese quality and you lived through the excessive plasticlad GM '90s (and also blue-hairs being Buick's main target), you tend to have a disconnect when it comes to "Cool Buick," ha. // I've had it for nearly 6 weeks now, much of that in repeated snow storms of several inches with flawless traction. Standard TourX AWD twin-clutch vectoring is unflappable. Engine warms up quickly to heat the car. Remote start and heated steering wheel are a godsend for bitterly cold, ice-encrusted days. LED headlights, awesome. The TourX value equation is incredible; I don't say that lightly. Bought top line but for moonroof...I can do without it in relentless 100º Kansas summers. My turbo 4 Acura was quick for an SUV with 0-60 in ~7 seconds but craptastic turbo lag. TourX does it in 6.5 — also with a turbo 4 but skip the lag. No I don't race but it's good to know there's plenty of go when you need to pass quickly on the highway, or for city maneuvers...I haven't tried the autostick yet, it's likely even quicker with that. Handling is good (found this out avoiding road hazard), steering is tight...clearly this wagon is German-engineered. At 3700 lbs, it's lighter than most CUVs. Safety packages are worth it. Interior is tasteful and comfortably lux without being gaudy. Wait 'til you see the interior at night, very cool. All controls are easy and logical with handy twist KNOBS for both audio volume and HVAC temp, thanks GM as this is not always the case (even my '07 Acura had succumbed to a maddening button sea for HVAC). GM touchscreen and voice commands are also easy with no fuss. // One caveat: the seat leather is not a top-grade hand vs. Acura/Volvo, but with TourX incentive pricing at $10k-25k (!) less when comparably equipped, it's VERY easy to forget that. I also suspect the TourX leather will be that much more durable over time, esp with dogs/kids (my Acura leather had a pup puncture). Seats are very comfortable with great lumbar support for both short and long trips. I'm 49 and holding (ha!), 6'1", 185 lbs with 32" inseam (long legs/waist) and no complaints on headroom either. And there is knee room leftover in back seat when I sit directly behind my driver's seat. Easily enough room for wife + her stuff, dogs + their stuff (or sub your kids!), + camping gear/luggage inside on a major mountain adventure without anything being sardined. PLUS there's primo real estate on floor behind front seats with rear seats down (and they lay FLAT, YESS!) // As an FYI: there's a TSB on the front lower control arms for the 2018 and (maybe?) 2019; bushings rub in moderate to heavy braking in temps below 40ºF. GM has addressed this with newly engineered parts that fix the issue. I'm good with this as GM owned it early and with zero baloney. Inconsequential. I took mine to dealer the other day. Parts are on order, it'll be fixed next week. // Low to ground means it handles great and easy entry/exit for ageing dogs. Cool. Ground clearance is close to 6" which is fine to get to the trailhead for us. It's not a Jeep nor does it pretend to be a Subie. If you like a bit more refined + copious capability/utility, TourX is made for you. TourX ride is buttery smooth and amazingly quiet (no anemic CVT, thanks!); others in mine have commented on smooth/quiet as well – and unprompted. I've put about 1000 miles on my TourX including a 4-hour road trip. I'm still excited to take it out every time. GM has under-marketed it, so you don't see them and *nobody* knows what they are...but I don't mind that because I like hearing, "Wow, that's a cool wagon, what is it?!" That, and I have yet to spy more than one out in the wild in the past year. Go drive one and see for yourself. But shhh...don't tell too many people! Enjoy.

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2018 Buick Regal TourX video

2018 Buick Regal TourX Test Drive

Buick has launched an all-new SUV alternative, the 2018 Regal TourX. Associate Staff Writer Will Kaufman traveled to Arizona to test out this five-passenger wagon on pavement and dirt. Positioned in between luxury and mainstream competitors, the Regal TourX combines leather seats and…

2018 Regal TourX Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,070
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$233/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Regal TourX models:

Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert: Monitors blind spots and alerts you with visual and audible warnings.
Forward Collision Alert: Detects cars and pedestrians ahead that might cause a collision. Automatically brakes for you if you don't heed its warnings.
Lane Keep Assist: Automatically steers you back into your lane should you begin to drift.

2018 Buick Regal TourX Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Regal TourX does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Buick Regal TourX models

Most helpful consumer reviews

New Regal Tour X

Great, Flexible Wagon

The TourX beats Audi and Subaru

Surprise! This Cool Wagon Is A BUICK!

2018 Buick Regal TourX video

2018 Buick Regal TourX Test Drive

2018 Regal TourX Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}