Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Essence 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
GS 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred II 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
GS 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Essence 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Preferred II 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred II 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Overall Rating
The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback is one of those cars that strike a good balance between comfort, power and practicality. A poised ride quality, nice interiors, and a hatchback like liftgate that opens up crossover like cargo area are some of its highlights. As a comfortable daily driver the Regal Sportback does check all the boxes, but lacks the athleticism of its better rivals.
The raging SUVs have certainly pushed the automobile market heavily forward, but have also put up an existential crisis on Sedans and hatchbacks. To revive the essence of both these shrinking segments, manufacturers came up with an innovative idea. The idea unfurled in a new breed of sedans known as ‘Sportbacks’ that now wore the ‘boxers’ of a hatchback. In no time the market was filled with sportbacks from different manufacturers across different price segments. One such example of these new genetically engineered sedans is the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback.
We suggest picking up the Avenir trim priced at $35,770, since it makes a good value with its composition of style, power and premium features. The Avenir comes with a host of goodies, desired from its class like 8-way power front seats, heated steering, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and Bose premium audio.
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
GS 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Preferred II 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback is one of those cars that strike a good balance between comfort, power and practicality. A poised ride quality, nice interiors, and a hatchback like liftgate that opens up crossover like cargo area are some of its highlights. As a comfortable daily driver the Regal Sportback does check all the boxes, but lacks the athleticism of its better rivals.
The raging SUVs have certainly pushed the automobile market heavily forward, but have also put up an existential crisis on Sedans and hatchbacks. To revive the essence of both these shrinking segments, manufacturers came up with an innovative idea. The idea unfurled in a new breed of sedans known as ‘Sportbacks’ that now wore the ‘boxers’ of a hatchback. In no time the market was filled with sportbacks from different manufacturers across different price segments. One such example of these new genetically engineered sedans is the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback.
After the elimination of the Preferred II trim, you get to choose your Regal Sportback from four available trim levels. MSRP for the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback starts at $25,370 for the base 1SV and goes up to $35,770 for the top-end Avenir. The lower and even the top-spec Avenir trims are front-wheel drive only while the Essence can be had with a $2100 optional AWD.
Trims |
1SV |
Preferred |
Essence |
Avenir |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) |
$26,295 |
$28,895 |
$32,695 |
$36,995 |
Key Features |
Daytime running lights |
Adds to 1SV - |
Adds to Preferred - |
Adds to Essence - |
|
Pre and Post-collision safety system |
Power Tilt-Sliding Moonroof w/Sunshade |
Dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags |
Blindspot warning accident avoidance system |
|
Dusk sensing headlamps |
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror |
Front fog/driving lights |
Cornering lights |
|
Bucket front seats |
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support |
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support |
Self-leveling headlights |
|
6- way manual driver and 4- way manual passenger seat |
8-way power driver and 6-way power passenger seat |
8 -way power passenger seat |
LED headlamp |
|
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel |
Leather steering wheel |
Heated steering wheel |
Rear parking sensors |
|
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control |
Sport Pedal Kit |
Satellite radio |
8- speaker Bose premium audio |
|
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors |
Illuminated Door Sill Plates |
Speed sensitive volume control |
|
|
Rearview camera |
Wheel Locks |
Leather upholstery |
|
|
Rear ventilation ducts |
Black Front and Rear Molded Splash Guards |
Multi-level heated front seats |
|
Which trim to go for?
We suggest picking up the Avenir trim priced at $36,995, since it makes a good value with its composition of style, power and premium features. The Avenir comes with a host of goodies, desired from its class like 8-way power front seats, heated steering, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and Bose premium audio.
All the trims of 2020 Buick Regal Sportback are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 that makes 250 horses. Front-wheel-drive models come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD model gets an 8-speed auto.
The 2.0-liter turbo provides a lot of thrust for propulsion and coordinates very well with the smooth-shifting 9-speed auto. The engine takes some time to gain momentum initially, but once it does, it's as punchy as a V6. However, the 8-speed automatic paired with the AWD models doesn't feel as refined as its 9-speed counterpart and is more slacky during downshifts.
Models |
Buick Regal Sportback Avenir |
Honda Accord Touring |
Mazda 6 Signature |
Kia Stinger GT- Line |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$36,995 |
$36,100 |
$35,300 |
$35,290 |
Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline- 4 | 2.0L Turbo Inline- 4 | 2.5L Turbo Inline- 4 | 2.0L Turbo Inline- 4 |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
Transmission |
9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | 10-Speed Shiftable Automatic | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic |
Power |
250hp@5,400rpm |
252hp@6,500rpm |
227hp@5,000rpm |
255hp@6,200rpm |
Torque |
260lb-ft@2,000rpm |
273lb-ft@1,500rpm |
310lb-ft@2,000rpm |
260lb-ft@1,400rpm |
The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback might look sporty and ambitious on the outside, but lacks a similar character at its core. It does get a heavy power plant but is more tuned for relaxed driving and is not as dynamic as some other rivals in its class.
The Buick Regal Sportback might not be tuned for aggressive sprints but it does not disappoint in one either. The 2.0-liter turbo packs enough grunt to push the Sportback from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.
Had there been a quicker and more efficient transmission, those figures could have been even better.
Models |
Buick Regal Sportback Avenir |
Honda Accord Touring |
Mazda 6 Signature |
Kia Stinger GT- Line |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
5.6 sec |
5.9 sec |
6.4 sec |
6.1 sec |
Quarter Mile |
14.2 sec |
14.4 sec |
14.9 sec |
14.7 sec |
Top Speed | N/A | N/A | 131 MPH | N/A |
Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline- 4 | 2.0L Turbo Inline- 4 | 2.5L Turbo Inline- 4 | 2.0L Turbo Inline- 4 |
The other members in the competition might boast of more refined powertrain, but on the table, the Buick turns out to be swiftest. Even with a body that heaviest among its rivals, the Buick Regal Sportback provides the best in class acceleration. Thanks to the 2.0-liter turbo’s strong mid-range.
Pull the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback out on the streets and it instantly reveals its grand touring ambitions. The ride quality is smooth and composed and the insulated cabin aptly keeps a check on outside noise. However, the soft-tuned suspension does welcome vibrations inside the cabin on every uneven encounter.
Around corners, the Regal Sportback stays pretty balanced and planted except the tiny rear-lump experienced occasionally. The disappointment is the steering though, which is very light-weight and is hesitant in its responses. The steering not only rips off the driving pleasure but also hampers the maneuverability of this not-so-sporty Sportback.
One parameter where the Regal Sportback has always delighted us is its braking and it continues to do so in its 2020 edition as well. 4-wheel ABS and ventilated discs at all four corners come standard with every trim.
The brake pedal feels very firm and responsive, providing a great degree of confidence every time you squeeze the pedal.
Model |
Buick Regal Sportback Avenir |
Honda Accord Touring |
Mazda 6 Signature |
Kia Stinger GT- Line |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front |
16.0" |
11.5" |
12.6" |
12.6" |
Brake Rotors Rear |
16.0" |
11.1" |
10.9" |
12.4" |
Curb Weight |
3840 lbs |
3428 lbs |
3582 lbs |
3792 lbs |
60-0 MPH |
104 ft |
116 ft |
129 ft |
NA |
Complete braking data for the 2020 Kia Stinger is not yet available, but from what we have, it's not very difficult to draw a conclusion. The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback’s 104 feet stopping distance from 60-0 is still the best in class as usual.
The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback is as soft on your pocket, as it is on the driving front. Its MPG figures of 22, 32 and 26 in city, highway and combined respectively is exactly what you would seek from your powerful daily driver.
Model |
Buick Regal Sportback Avenir |
Honda Accord Touring |
Mazda 6 Signature |
Kia Stinger GT- Line |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
22 |
22 |
23 |
21 |
MPG (Highway) |
32 |
32 |
31 |
29 |
MPG (Combined) |
26 |
26 |
26 |
24 |
Fuel Capacity | 16.3 gallons | 14.8 gallons | 16.4 gallons | 15.9 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) | 359/522/423 miles | 326/474/384 miles | 377/508/426 miles | 334/461/381 miles |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr) |
6.8 |
6.9 |
6.8 |
7.4 |
Despite its heavy skin, the Sportback manages to deliver a fuel economy that is in-line with its class. The Honda Accord and Mazda 6 have similar output while the Kia Stinger lags marginally behind with its 24 mpg combined. Credit goes to the Sportback’s power plant that is more tuned for efficiency rather than athleticism.
Step inside the 2020 Regal Sportback and you realize that it's not as appealing on the inside as it is on the outside. The interior theme is pretty simple and easy to get used to, but the cheap-looking materials completely shatter its exterior appeal.
The base models are basically doors on wheels with a feature list like cloth upholstery that's as good as an entry-level hatch. The range-topping Avenir trim does get leather upholstery along with some additional goodies, but it still lacks the vibe of its better rivals.
Model |
Buick Regal Sportback Avenir |
Honda Accord Touring |
Mazda 6 Signature |
Kia Stinger GT- Line |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.8/56.9/42.1 |
37.5/58.3/42.3 |
37.4/55.9/42.2 |
38.3/56.4/42.6 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.4/55.4/36.9 |
37.2/56.5/40.4 |
37.1/55.1/38.7 |
37.0/54.8/36.4 |
The seats are not the most comfortable, but they are surely easy to live with. Even the Avenir’s leather upholstery feels like a mediocre grade stuff. However, the seats are nicely padded and do offer several adjustments. There is ample space around the first row of seats with the best in class headroom and decent legroom.
The rear seat is slightly smaller than the one in an Accord, consuming some shoulder room. Surprisingly though, the Regal Sportback offers best in class rear headroom as well, with no trouble for taller passengers sliding at the rear. Thanks to Buick’s 57.3 inches of body height that is better than rivals and compensates well for the curvy roofline.
Infotainment needs are taken care of by a 7.0-inch touchscreen in the lower two trims and an 8.0 inch unit in the higher ones. The infotainment system comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 7- speaker audio system and Wi-Fi hotspot.
The one in the higher trims adds up Bose premium audio, satellite radio, wireless charging, and built-in navigation. For extra amenities though, there is a host of optional packages but at a heavy premium. The infotainment screens are not the sharpest but they are very easy to use and respond eagerly to driver inputs as well. Here is the list of features on offer:
Where the longer wheelbase and hatchback profile helps the Regal Sport most, is cargo space. The rear hatch now opens up 31.5 cu-ft of cargo space that is in-line with most crossovers.
The flat-folding second-row seats, add to the overall cargo-carrying capacity of the Regal and comes in handy, for when the need for taking a lot of cargo arises.
Models |
Buick Regal Sportback Avenir |
Honda Accord Touring |
Mazda 6 Signature |
Kia Stinger GT- Line |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Capacity |
31.5 cu.ft. |
16.7 cu.ft. |
14.7 cu.ft. |
23.3 cu.ft. |
Compared to its rivals. The Regal Sportback’s cargo compartment is miles ahead than that of the traditional Accord and Mazda 6. The similarly dressed Stinger too lags behind the Sportback with its 23.3 cu-ft of cargo area.
Nothing has been chased on the outside and the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback flaunts a familiar exterior profile. A 3.0-inch longer wheelbase wrapped in a hatchback-style rear profile gives it a sleek coupe-like design. The front is dominated by the signature Buick grille flanked by LED headlights and fog lamps at the front bumper.
At the rear, the biggest highlight is certainly the hatchback like liftgate along with the regular sleeker tail lamps. Base models come standard with 17-inch rims, while the higher Essence and Avenir trims get 18 inches which give it a bold presence. Adding a sense of maturity to its exterior sheet is the strong lower body-line on the side that seems to integrate with the chrome window-line.
Model |
Buick Regal Sportback Avenir |
Honda Accord Touring |
Mazda 6 Signature |
Kia Stinger GT- Line |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3840 lbs |
3428 lbs |
3582 lbs |
3792 lbs |
Length |
192.9" |
192.2" |
192.7" |
190.2" |
Width |
73.3" |
73.3" |
72.4" |
73.6" |
Height |
57.3" |
57.1" |
57.1" |
55.1" |
Ground Clearance |
NA |
NA |
6.5" |
5.1" |
Wheelbase |
111.4" |
111.4" |
111.4" |
114.4" |
In its league, the Buick Regal Sportback has a style statement of its own. While the Mazda 6 and Honda Accord wear a more traditional outfit, it's the Kia Stinger that gets close to the Sportback’s fanciness. In contrast to the Kia Stinger’s aggressive and energetic stance, the Sportback seems more humble and elegant.
Safety ratings are not yet available for the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback, but we expect it to be in line with the overall “good” rating by IIHS in its 2018 model, on which the 2020 model is based upon. Not the very best in terms of safety features, the lower trims of the Regal Sportback get only a handful of safety technology.
There is significant availability of extra safety features in the Essence trim, but as options and not standard. For a better peace of mind, one needs to upgrade to the Essence trim and then opt for the available Drivers Confidence Package I and II. Some of the highlights of Regal Sportback’s safety box across different trims include:
The esteemed Honda Accord is certainly one of the top-rated cars in this segment. It is stylish in a traditional way, offers better ride comfort than the Regal Sportback and is much better to drive as well. The Accord also gets a more attractive and modern interior layout with nicer materials. The Accord also offers better all-around cabin space and a better suite of standard safety and assistance features. The only area where the Regal Sportback aces ahead of the Accord is its more stylish silhouette and the added practicality which it brings with it.
The Mazda 6 is one car that perfectly blends style, premiumness, and sportiness together. It looks very modern and elegant, it is much more exciting to drive and handles like a sports car. Compared to the Regal Sportback, it is miles ahead in terms of cabin appointment and safety features. The only thing which the Mazda lacks is the Buick’s enormous cargo compartment.
The Kia Stinger barely needs any introduction. In recent times the Stinger has come up to be the benchmark of sportiness, style, and opulence in its class. Not only looks very aggressive and energetic, but it drives as good as it looks too. Unlike the Regal Sportback’s laid-back tuning, the Stinger is designed for engaging fun. It handles brilliantly, is fun to drive and offers premium-grade interiors as well. The Kia is as competitively priced as the Regal Sportback and gets a far better standard gadget box than the Buick. The only areas where the Stinger falls short to the Regal Sportback is fuel efficiency and cargo area.
If you are out in the market looking for a stylish and powerful mid-size sedan for your daily driving needs, especially with your weekend shopping spree as top priority, the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback is the one you should go with. However, if you are willing to trade-off some practicality for some driving pleasure, there are much better cars in the segment that are more value for money.