Used 2015 Buick Regal

The 2015 Buick Regal comes standard with an upgraded version of OnStar that includes 4G LTE connectivity, plus the ability to turn the Regal into a Wi-Fi hotspot for a monthly fee. In addition, there’s now Siri Eyes Free technology for better integration with the voice-recognition technology on Apple’s iPhone. The tech upgrades make a difference, giving the Buick a more competitive footing against competitors like the Audi A4, Volkswagen CC, and the all-new Acura TLX. Tracing its roots to Europe’s Opel brand, the Buick Regal offers a distinctly Old World driving character that permeates the whole lineup, whether you choose the eAssist mild hybrid model, the mid-level model with the more-powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, or the sporty Regal GS.

The 2015 Buick Regal luxury sedan comes in three distinct flavors. There’s the fuel-sipping eAssist mild hybrid, which trades driving excitement for better fuel economy. The standard Regal offers a powerful turbocharged engine with a relaxed and comfortable driving style. Then there’s the Regal GS, which slips a surprisingly agile sport sedan under the Regal’s sheet metal. Regardless of the model you choose, the Regal offers sharp responses, especially in the sport-oriented GS. Whether you choose the standard Regal or the GS, you get the same 259-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. All Regals come standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the exception of the front-wheel-drive Regal GS, which offers a 6-speed manual. However, we’d rather get the enhanced cornering and all-weather stability of all-wheel drive. While the Regal GS has a stiffer ride than the rest of the lineup, all Regals are smooth and exceptionally quiet on the road.

It’s important for a premium sedan to coddle its driver and passenger, and here the 2015 Regal scores very well. The design and materials are all first-rate, and we especially like the easily readable instruments, the available user-friendly navigation system, and the steering-wheel-mounted thumb wheel for scrolling through function menus. Siri Eyes Free enhances IntelliLink with better integration of Apple’s voice-recognition technology, making it easier to use. The downside is the Regal’s rear-seat headroom, with the sleek roofline meaning passengers more than 6-feet tall will likely rub against the headliner.

The 2015 Buick Regal is a classy looking sedan, thanks in no small part to its European roots, where the same car is called an Opel Insignia. On this side of the pond it wears Buick’s signature waterfall grille, flanked by LED-enhanced headlights. The proportions are tidy, but sleek, and the low roofline helps keep the smallish Buick from looking too stubby compared to its competitors. The wheels are pushed out to the corners of the car, giving it a sporty stance, especially with the sporty GS and its standard 19-inch wheels.

2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER ENGINE
The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder offers plenty of torque and smooth, quiet operation in the Regal and Regal GS. It also offers surprisingly good fuel economy, giving the Regal a one-two punch that’s tough to beat.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
The all-wheel drive system on the 2015 Buick Regal is a great option if you frequently drive in foul weather, or just want better cornering. It can transfer power from front to rear – up to 100 percent – and from side to side, depending on available traction.

The 2015 Buick Regal comes nicely equipped, from the base model up. There’s leather upholstery, and both the 12-way power driver’s seat and passenger’s seat are heated. Dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch color touch screen with Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system, a rearview back-up camera, Bluetooth, and a 7-speaker audio system with USB port are also part of the package. A 259-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is standard, sending power to the 17-inch front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission (with tap-up/tap-down shifting). Active safety features include GM’s StabiliTrak stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes with brake assist.

The most noteworthy standalone option available across the 2015 Buick Regal lineup is all-wheel drive. Otherwise, options are grouped into packages. The eAssist mild hybrid is grouped into the Premium I package, while the Premium II smartens up the standard turbocharged engine. With the Premium packages you get keyless entry and push-button start, a remote starter system, and a heated steering wheel. Other options include a hard-drive-based navigation system, power sunroof, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (20-inchers on the GS), HID headlights, and a 120-volt outlet. Adaptive cruise control is available, along with blind-spot, lane-departure, and rear cross-traffic alerts.

Standard power for the 2015 Buick Regal comes from a smooth and refined 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. It’s the primary engine across the board, including the Regal GS. An option for fuel-efficiency-minded customers is the eAssist mild hybrid. Using a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a dual-function generator/motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack, the eAssist Regal enjoys improved fuel economy over the standard setup. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard for all Regal models, regardless of engine. If you like to shift for yourself, the front-wheel-drive Regal GS offers a 6-speed manual transmission, but we’d rather have the security of all-wheel drive (which is only available with the automatic).

2.4-liter inline-4
182 horsepower @ 6,700 rpm
172 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/36 mpg (eAssist mild hybrid)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
259 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3000-4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (front-wheel drive), 19/27 mpg (all-wheel drive)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Regal GS)
259 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2500-4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/31 mpg (manual), 21/30 mpg (automatic), 19/27 (all-wheel drive, automatic)