2020 Buick Regal Sportback GS

Hatchbacks are terrifically useful thanks to their sizable cargo areas, but Americans have largely shunned them for their somewhat odd rear proportions. Traditional four-door sedans are more popular, leading some manufacturers to experiment with cars that combine the aesthetics of a sedan with the utility of a hatchback. The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback is one of these cars. In profile, it doesn't look different from any other midsize four-door, but the hatch opens to reveal an open load space with a tremendous amount of carrying capacity.

Besides its appealing blend of sleek styling and practicality, the Regal Sportback has a few more tricks up its sleeve. Befitting Buick's niche between traditional and luxury segments, its interior design is a bit more upscale compared to other midsize sedans. On the highway, the cabin is quieter than its direct rivals, and the ride is cushy without feeling bouncy.

The Regal is also priced attractively. Though its base price isn't really as low as you might think (dealers rarely order the 1SV trim), even the next-level Preferred represents a good value. This is especially true when you consider it is exclusively powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This kind of motor is standard on luxury cars but is typically an option on non-luxury sedans.

There are a handful of drawbacks, however. If power isn't necessarily a requirement for you, know that the Regal's 2.0-liter is thirstier than base engines in non-luxury rivals, and it requires premium gasoline. We're also not enamored with the lackadaisical transmission or engine stop-start system, which cannot be defeated. It's worth noting, too, that while the standard Regal Sportback isn't much fun to drive, there's a performance-oriented GS model that trades some ride comfort for more dynamic handling. It even comes with massaging sport seats.

The Buick Regal Sportback has a few flaws, but we think its strengths outweigh the drawbacks. A premium midsize that blends the best elements of two body styles is a surefire win in our books.

Our verdict

How does it drive?

How comfortable is it?

How’s the interior?

How’s the tech?

How’s the storage?

How economical is it?

Is it a good value?

Wildcard

The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback is a midsize sedan with a hatchback-style liftgate. It's sold in five trim levels: Regal (1SV), Preferred, Essence, Avenir and GS. The base 1SV and the Preferred are attractively priced but don't come with a ton of features, so you'll need to upgrade to the more expensive trims for more premium comfort and safety equipment.

Most Regal Sportbacks are driven by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower. Regals with this engine and front-wheel drive have a torque output of 260 lb-ft and come with a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive models make 295 lb-ft of torque and use an eight-speed automatic. The sporty GS is the outlier. It's powered by a 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp, 282 lb-ft) that drives all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic.

The Regal 1SV comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, OnStar (with a 4G LTE connection and Wi-Fi hotspot), a 7-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, three USB ports, and a seven-speaker sound system.

Moving up to the Preferred adds a power-adjustable driver's seat, a height-adjustable passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

On top of the Preferred's equipment, the Essence includes 18-inch wheels, foglights, remote engine start, an upgraded driver information screen, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, 40/20/40-split rear seats, an air ionizer, an 8-inch touchscreen, and satellite radio. The new ST Appearance package adds glossy black wheels, a black grille and a rear spoiler.

Preferred and Essence trims are available with two significant option packages. Driver Confidence I adds LED headlights, rear parking sensors, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. There are also a few unique features for each trim. The Preferred uses 18-inch wheels, while the Essence version adds auto-dimming mirrors, a wireless charging pad, driver-seat memory settings, and four-way lumbar adjustment for both front seats. There's also the Sights and Sounds package, which includes a navigation system and an eight-speaker Bose audio system with HD radio. The Preferred's version also adds remote engine start, the 8-inch touchscreen, upgraded driver information screen and satellite radio.

Taking the Essence and adding unique interior and exterior elements equals the Avenir. Upgrades include quilted-stitched leather seating surfaces and 19-inch wheels. Also standard are the aforementioned Driver Confidence I package and Sights and Sounds package. Oddly, this top-trim car is only available in front-wheel drive.

The available Driver Confidence II package is available on Essence and Avenir trims. It adds advanced driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

For a sportier take, there's the Regal Sportback GS. It comes with the V6, a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a rear spoiler, front and rear parking sensors, a digital instrument panel, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and sport seats with memory settings, ventilation and massage functions. Standard and optional feature content are similar to the Essence's.