Road Test: 2018 Buick Regal TourX

Buick has brought us a European favorite from across the pond. The new Regal TourX is a “crossover” that brings Euro style, handling, and flair to the lifestyles of active Americans.

The TourX rides higher than its Regal Sportback counterpart. The rugged looking exterior with plastic moulding and standard roof rails look good on the TourX.  The cargo area epitomizes upscale utility and capability with an expansive 32.7 cubic feet of boxy space. Fold the rear seats flat using the release levers in the cargo area, and that capacity jumps to 73.5 cubic feet. The hands-free power liftgate has a Buick tri-shield logo lamp that illuminates the ground beneath the sensor.

Up front, Buick’s winged grille is flanked by standard LED daytime running lights and halogen headlights. Out back, LED-accented taillights round out the look of the TourX.

Rear seating is spacious and comfortable, and while the front is also roomy, the front seat headrests tend be in the way.

The interior is elegant and minimalist. A two-tone dash, light leather, soft materials, and stitching on several surfaces creates a very European feel. The 8″ infotainment screen, and large knobs and buttons are very much appreciated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and worked beautifully.

Our tester included the optional Bose system with active note cancellation. It features an innovative subwoofer mounted in the spare tire well so no cargo space is taken up.

Under the hood, the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine produces 250 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery feels linear and strong, but the transmission can take a moment at times to downshift several gears when more power is needed right away. Start/stop technology is standard and works smoothly.

AWD with an active twin-clutch is standard and provides improved handling no matter what the weather is. The new system uses two clutches at the rear wheels for seamless, smart torque distribution. Beneficial not just in snowy weather but also during spirited driving, the system relies less on braking to maintain maximum performance and efficiency. The TourX cornered especially well, but we would prefer more weight in the steering.

Safety innovations include a Buick-first active hood pedestrian safety system, Front Pedestrian Braking and Lane Keep Assist. The standard active hood pedestrian safety system senses the imminent impact of a pedestrian between 16-30 mph and uses a pyrotechnic actuator to lift the back of the hood up about 4 inches to lessen the impact and potentially reduce injury. As with all GM vehicles, OnStar telematics is standard as well.

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Make: Buick
Model: Regal TourX
Trim Level: Essence
Engine: 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder
Transmission: 8-Speed Auto
Options: Sights and Sounds Pkg
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Base Price: $35,070
As-Tested Price: $37,495