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 a quiet cabin with a massive cargo area with a capable all-wheel-drive system. Between SUVs and the recent wave of lifted off-road wagons, the TourX has a lot of competition. Is it an alternative worth your time?
Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING] WILL KAUFMAN: I'm here with 2018 Buick Regal TourX. This isn't your mama's Roadmaster. [MUSIC PLAYING] Rather than just give us a station wagon, Buick is marketing this as an alternative to a crossover or a compact SUV. They've lifted the TourX a little bit, given it a little more ground clearance, some plastic cladding for that tough off-road look. And then they fitted it with a twin clutch all-wheel-drive system that's capable of shifting all of the power to any wheel to take advantage of whatever traction there is. It means that this car is going to be pretty well-suited to cold weather, to sort of soft-roading conditions. There's not really enough ground clearance here for extreme off-roading. But a dirt road like this, it handles just fine. You also get compact SUV space. In fact, you get more space than some compact SUVs offer. This car has 73.5 cubic feet of maximum trunk space. When you fold down those rear seats, there is a ton of room back there. The backseat is also really spacious. You actually get better headroom than some small SUVs. I'm a extra-large human. And I have no trouble sitting back there. The only engine choice for the Regal TourX is a 250 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. That's pretty competitive with the power level you'll find in a lot of compact SUVs. EPA-estimated mileage in this car is 24 miles per gallon combined, 29 on the highway. It's not the most efficient car. But it's also not bad for the class. That's sort of typical if you're looking at a small SUVs. One of this cars weaknesses, though-- at least, for me-- is the eight-speed gearbox. It's a little slow to respond. That's not an issue on a road like this. But when you're driving on the freeway, or you're driving on city streets, and you ask for more power, there's just a little pause. The car sort of takes a breath before it delivers. It just doesn't give this car a whole lot of feeling of pep on the road. You may not believe it on this road, but the Regal TourX is actually pretty quiet on the freeway and on city streets. It's well-insulated from traffic noise. This model, actually, gets sound-insulating foam in its tires, which should help a lot on the road. It is much quieter than a lot of competitors. So we've seen this formula from other automakers. You take a station wagon. You lift it a little bit. You put some plastic cladding on it and an all-wheel drive system. And you sell it as an SUV alternative. You can get something similar from Audi, from Volkswagen, from Subaru, from Volvo. But Buick is hoping to set the Regal TourX apart by making it sort of an in-between luxury car. This TourX comes in at just under $40,000. Now this car doesn't have adaptive cruise control. There's no lane-keeping assist. You do get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. And you get standard cruise control. You also get an 8 inch touch screen. You get a premium sound system, leather seats that are heated, but not cooled. So it does really slot in between the luxury marks and the mainstream marks. The interior design is really clean. And by that, I mean there's not a lot of buttons in here. That means that you have to interact with the touch screen for a lot of what you do, including some of the climate controls. This is a General Motors touchscreen system. So it's relatively easy to find things. It's pretty easy to use. But that's still a trade-off. The interior looks clean. You don't get as many buttons. You have to spend more time interacting with the touch screen. Touch points in this car are relatively nice. You have good leather on the steering wheel. You have padded leather along a lot of the touch points. There are hard plastics, but there's not a ton of them. They're textured. Everything feels well put together. This is a German-made car, after all. Whether or not you like the clean interior look or you prefer buttons, that's going to be up to you. Really, for me, my other nit pick with this car is that these front seats feel a little narrow. I was comfortable enough for a longer drive. But for preference, I would have preferred a little bit more width on the seat, especially considering, if this is an SUV alternative, then being held in place for lateral motion by bolsters isn't really a top priority for me. The capabilities of this aren't too far off from a standard compact SUV. This car handles dirt roads like this really well. On-road, it's a little bit of a mixed bag. You get more car-like handling than you would from an SUV. Some of the other advantages to this over a regular SUV, you have that huge trunk, but loading it is really easy. The load floor is very low. And there's no real lift over. It's also easy to load stuff on the roof. If you've got a bicycle rack or a cargo box up there, you're not going to have to climb up like you would with a regular SUV. At $40,000, you are looking at some stiff competition. You're starting to get into some larger SUVs for people who are just looking to maximize their passenger space and cargo space. You're also, maybe, looking at some larger cars that are going to have a similar amount of passenger space, much less cargo space, but are also going to have a more dynamic on-road experience. So buyers who are looking to sort of fill that niche, where they want something a little more car-like but they still want a lot of the capability of an SUV, this makes a good alternative. [MUSIC PLAYING] This dirt road that I'm on has a lot of loose gravel on the surface. But this all-wheel drive system works really well here. You know, this isn't sportiest feeling car on the road, especially because of that gearbox and its sort of slowness to respond. But it's actually kind of fun on the gravel. [MUSIC PLAYING] Stay tuned to Edmunds to find out more about this car. We'll have a full rating review coming just as soon as we get one in for testing. If you like this video, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content. [MUSIC PLAYING]
The last Buick wagon was called the Roadmaster. It was about 100 feet long, covered in wood paneling and appealed to younger buyers as much as Lawrence Welk Show reruns. The 2018 Buick Regal TourX has a much better shot at success because it seems to be just the right type of vehicle at just the right time: a wagon enhanced with the crossover trappings of standard all-wheel drive, extra ground clearance and some quasi-rugged body cladding. It probably won't sell as well as Buick's actual crossovers, but an increasing number of people see the virtues of a wagon and want to drive something different than everyone else.
The TourX is all-new for 2018. So is the regular Buick Regal, which is called the Regal Sportback. Where the TourX really stands out from the Sportback is its extra cargo space. There's a lot of it, outdoing luxury wagon competitors and pretty much every compact SUV, luxury or otherwise. Plus, since it's a wagon, you get lower load and roof heights, which make it easier to load heavy items or dogs and to secure bulky outdoor adventure items on top.
Every TourX comes with the a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a strong 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive and an automatic stop-start system are standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway).
Standard tech features are aplenty, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and OnStar communications all standard, but you have to step up to the upper trim levels to get power seats, automatic climate control and leather upholstery. Advanced safety tech is also only optional on the Preferred and Essence trims.
Overall, though, there's a lot to like here. If you want to know more about the 2018 Buick Regal TourX, we at Edmunds will be able to help out.
2018 Buick Regal TourX Overview
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX is offered in the following submodels: Wagon. Available styles include Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Regal TourX models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 Regal TourX comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic. The 2018 Regal TourX comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2018 Buick Regal TourX?
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $41195. The average price paid for a new 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $6323.4 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6323.4 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $34871.6.
The average savings for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 15.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 4 Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $41195. The average price paid for a new 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3702.1 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3702.1 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $37492.9.
The average savings for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 9% below the MSRP.
We are showing 5 Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35945. The average price paid for a new 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $1228.5 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1228.5 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $34716.6.
The average savings for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 3.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $38805. The average price paid for a new 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3124.1 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3124.1 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $35680.9.
The average savings for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 8.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $41255. The average price paid for a new 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $1500 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1500 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $39755.
The average savings for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 3.6% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36685. The average price paid for a new 2018 Buick Regal TourX Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $1000 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1000 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $35685.
The average savings for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 2.7% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Buick Regal TourX Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36725. The average price paid for a new 2018 Buick Regal TourX Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $1000 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1000 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $35725.
The average savings for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 2.7% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Buick Regal TourX Preferred 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 Buick Regal TourX a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Regal TourX featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2018 Buick Regal TourX? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Regal TourX a 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Regal TourX.
Review I spent 15-20 minutes in this car with a salesman on board, so no hard driving involved. Was impressed by the feel of the brakes and steering as well as the ride, which was not wallow-y at all. However, I did not drive it hard so no conclusions there. Low speed ride was solid, steering and brakes responsive and not over servoed. Felt the engine was a little bit tepid for a car of this mass, I could see having to mat it frequently when picking up speed. Also has the expected turbo lag down low from a stop but nothing too objectionable. Quite roomy inside, tons of cargo space. Controls, during my short drive, seemed logical and easy to operate. Overall I would like to spend more time in it and drive it a little harder to see how it behaves. One note, there was a small rattling noise over bumps, I suspect it was the sunroof but could not verify.
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