Used 2018 Buick Regal TourX

The 2018 Regal TourX is part of Buick’s overhauled midsize lineup that’s looking to fill in some white spaces in the market. Ostensibly an all-wheel-drive station wagon (though Buick execs are loathe to characterize it as a wagon), the Regal TourX is inspired by European competitors like the Volvo V60 Cross Country and Audi Allroad. And it is paired in the division’s lineup with the Regal Sportback, which is a liftback version of the traditional 4-door sedan. Both are built in Germany by the former GM unit Opel, which is now a part of the French PSA Group. By stressing high style and utility, Buick is looking to further differentiate its models as it looks to offer premium vehicles above the Chevrolet lineup without cutting into luxury territory staked out by Cadillac.

If you’ve driven the current crop of Buicks and have some experience behind the wheel of European sedans, you’ll feel right at home in the TourX. With a long 111.4-inch wheelbase, the TourX has a supple, stable ride thanks to its independent suspension that includes a 5-link rear setup. It’s nimble without being harsh. The steering has a direct feel that’s precise and nicely weighted. It’s not a sports sedan by any means, but it’s no land yacht either in the mode of Buick’s last wagon, the Roadmaster. Best of all is Buick’s Quiet Tuning, which provides a serene cabin environment without making you feel as if you’re detached from the car. The use of laminated glass, specific insulation and even tires that incorporate a foam belt take noise, vibration and harshness levels down to extremely low levels. The quiet coupled with firm, supportive seating will go a long way in reducing fatigue on road trips. Although this is a big car, the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder is tuned to deliver 250 horsepower and a whopping 295 lb-ft of torque, enabling the 3,708-pound TourX to feel relatively light on its feet. The 8-speed transmission shifts seamlessly, and the car is equipped with an equally smooth stop/start system that helps save fuel without being annoying.

Buick does premium well, and it’s reflected by the quality and design of the interior. There are plenty of soft-touch surfaces, leather seating on higher trim levels and a clean, well-organized design. The TourX has a roomy cabin that seats five passengers comfortably. There’s nothing fussy about the controls including a gearshift lever (seemingly a rarity in this day of rotary dials and push buttons), plenty of knobs and analog switches, supplemented by steering-wheel controls and a large 7-inch infotainment touch screen with sharp graphics. Top-line Essence models benefit from an 8-inch display. In front of the driver are traditional analog gauges flanking a center driver-information screen. The long wheelbase contributes to plenty of room front and rear, and the wagon body style provides cargo carrying capability on par with most crossover SUVs.

The 2018 Regal TourX is a handsome vehicle with flowing lines and a sleek rake to the roof that give it a far sportier look than even coupe-inspired SUVs. Chrome accents around the daylight opening and brightwork on the roof rails (which dip down and through the rear taillights) give the TourX a decidedly upscale appearance. The crossover bits, which include the black composite wheel-arch flares, the lower rockers and front and rear faux skidplates do give the TourX a muscular appearance. If that’s your thing, get either white or red body color to make those elements stand out. If you want a subtler look that emphasizes the sleek wagon profile, go with a darker hue on the exterior.

CARGO CAPACITY
The TourX has a generous 196.3-inch overall length (3.4 inches more than the Sportback), which translates to 32.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. That area expands to 73.5 cubic feet when the back seat is folded down. As an added bonus, there are plenty of tie-downs in the cargo area to help secure whatever you are hauling.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
As the X in TourX implies, this wagon comes with all-wheel drive as standard on all trim levels. Equipped with dual clutch packs on the rear axle, the TourX can deliver torque to the wheel with the most grip, which adds to its ability to take on unpaved two-tracks and slippery surfaces.

Buick’s new Regal TourX comes in three major trims: base, Preferred and Essence. All models come equipped with push-button start, keyless entry, fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and all-wheel drive. Other standard features across the range include Apply CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a Bose premium sound system, a rearview camera and active-noise cancellation. A cool safety feature on all TourX models is an active-hood system that between speeds of 16 and 30 mph will lift the rear of the hood up to four inches if it senses that the car is about to hit a pedestrian. The raised hood acts as a relatively soft buffer between the person and harder engine parts.

Preferred models have an 8-way-power driver’s seat, auto-dimming mirror, 3-spoke steering wheel and sill plates. The Essence comes with dual-zone climate control, heated seats and steering wheel, remote start, and hands-free power liftgate. A Sights and Sound package that lists for $1,095 includes navigation, premium sound system and HD radio. A $1,725 Driver Confidence package, available on Preferred and Essence models, includes wireless charging, LED headlights with cornering and self-leveling features, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert with blind-spot warnings, seat and mirror memory settings, driver 4-way-power lumbar support, and outside heated mirrors.

The Buick Regal TourX uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission to an all-wheel-drive system. All models have an engine start/stop system that cuts power at idle to save fuel. The Regal TourX has an EPA combined mileage rating of 24 mpg.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg