2020 Buick Regal Sportback Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback is one of the American car market’s sweetest gems. This entry-level luxury sedan’s solid performance and satisfying list of features make it a great option. Many Buick fans will enjoy this sedan’s European styling. One of this car’s most unique features is its hatchback design, which rewards you with class-leading cargo space. Standout reliability is yet another highlight for the new Regal Sportback.

With the discontinuation of last year’s Preferred II trim, the 2020 Regal Sportback lineup now features five trims. Let’s see what differentiates one trim from the next.

Compare the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback (1SV) vs Preferred Trims.  What is the Difference?

The base Regal Sportback (1SV) is a strong value. Like most of the lineup, it comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Total output is a fulfilling 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque for front-wheel-drive models. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard. Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg in traffic and 32 mpg on the freeway.

All-wheel drive can be added as an option. Not only does the AWD-equipped Regal Sportback boast 295 pound-feet of torque, but it also uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. With all-wheel drive, fuel economy drops to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the open road.

While the base 1SV trim offers affordability, it still has an attractive appearance. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels and automatic headlights come standard. During the colder months, the sedan’s heated mirrors will prove their worth. In terms of overall style, the Regal Sportback 1SV stacks up well against the upper trims.

A good number of creature comforts are found on the base Regal Sportback 1SV. For 2020, dual-zone automatic climate control is now included on every new Regal Sportback. A height-adjustable driver’s seat also comes standard. Meanwhile, rear air vents allow folks sitting in the backseat to experience greater comfort.

There are enough high-tech features inside the 1SV trim to satisfy most people. Buick’s next-generation infotainment system includes a 7.0-inch touch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll also receive GM’s superb OnStar communications system. Aside from providing real-time emergency assistance, OnStar can also be used to obtain turn-by-turn driving directions. A built-in Wi-Fi hotspot allows families to browse the internet at 4G speeds. Some of the other key features include three USB ports, keyless ignition, and a seven-speaker stereo system.

When buying the 1SV trim, you will not be able to enjoy accident-avoidance technologies like forward collision alert. Nevertheless, a standard rearview camera helps prevent parking lot disasters. Traction control also helps you to remain secure on slippery roads.

Stepping up to the Regal Sportback Preferred allows you to experience just a bit more luxury. It replaces the manual driver’s seat with a powered version. An auto-dimming rearview mirror helps prevent you from being blinded by the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver’s seat are also featured on the Preferred trim.

The Preferred trim also opens the door for you to receive more safety features. A Driver Confidence I package is optional. Blind-spot warning makes traveling on multi-lane roads safer. Rear cross-traffic alert is built into the blind-spot monitor. Rear parking sensors and LED headlights are also included in the Driver Confidence II package.

Compare the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback Preferred vs Essence Trim Levels.  What is the Difference?

Like the lower trims, the Regal Sportback Essence comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain. All-wheel drive remains an option. Buick does spruce up the sedan’s exterior appearance by adding fog lights and a larger set of 18-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, the Regal Sportback Essence sets itself part the most. When stepping inside the cabin, you’ll immediately notice its leather-trimmed interior. Buyers also enjoy cold-weather amenities liked heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Meanwhile, remote engine start allows you to set the cabin temperature before hitting the road. An air ionizer helps keep the interior smelling fresh. Other niceties include a power-adjustable passenger seat and an upgraded driver information screen.

The Essence trim also benefits from an upgraded infotainment system. A larger 8.0-inch touchscreen replaces the standard display. Music fans can enjoy satellite radio. Buick’s Driver Confidence I safety package remains an option.

If you desire more entertainment on the road, opt for the Essence trim’s Sights and Sounds package. It equips the sedan with an eight-speaker Bose premium sound system with HD radio. Along with the package also comes navigation, which makes road trips more enjoyable.

You can also get the Essence trim with a more comprehensive Driver Confidence II package. Many drivers will enjoy the package’s Following Distance Indicator, which helps you to maintain a safe space between you and the next vehicle ahead. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection is just as helpful. Lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control are also included in this package.

New for 2020 is the Essence trim’s optional ST Appearance package. It gives the sedan a noticeably sportier look. Glossy black wheels and a blacked-out grille bolster the Regal Sportback’s curb appeal. A rear spoiler gives the car a sleeker profile.

Compare the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback Essence vs Avenir Trims.  What is the Difference?

The Regal Sportback Avenir is especially nice. It comes outfitted with some special touches. Quilted-leather seating surfaces enable the Regal Sportback Avenir to rival the luxuriousness of a much pricier sedan. Buick also equips the Avenir with exclusive 19-inch wheels. While the Driver Confidence II safety package remains an option, the Driver Confidence I package is standard on the Regal Sportback Avenir.

The same turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the Avenir trim. However, Buick does not offer the Regal Sportback with all-wheel drive. During the winter, this could be an issue for folks who routinely travel in the snow.

Compare the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback Avenir vs GS. What is the Difference?

Atop the Regal Sportback lineup sits the GS trim. It is engineered to deliver a higher level of performance. Driving enthusiasts will definitely enjoy its stronger powertrain. To give the Regal Sportback GS a more potent punch, Buick equips it with a larger V6 engine. Output rises to a more exciting 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. In comparison to the other trims, expect the Regal Sportback GS to offer a little more passing power.

This is the only trim in the lineup that features standard all-wheel drive. In terms of fuel economy, the EPA rates the V6-powered Regal Sportback GS to return 19 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the interstate.

On the street, you can also expect the Regal Sportback GS to perform more like a sports sedan. An adaptive suspension with performance-tuned springs comes standard. An Interactive Drive Control allows you to adjust the sedan’s suspension stiffness and steering feel. Upgraded Brembo performance brakes are featured on the Regal Sportback GS as well.

To give the GS trim the look of a serious performance sedan, Buick gives it a few race-inspired exterior treatments. Its aggressive stance is enhanced by a unique set of 19-inch alloy wheels. This trim is also decked out with a mesh grille. Sportier lower rocker panels further distinguish the GS trim.

The GS trim continues to display its sportiness on the inside. A flat-bottom steering wheel and digital gauges help create a fun atmosphere. You’ll also take notice of the aluminum pedals. While the Regal Sportback GS is geared towards performance enthusiasts, it’s equally as luxurious. Sports seats with memory settings come standard. Aside from providing extra support, these seats also include ventilation and massage functions

Before choosing the GS trim, be aware that certain features don’t come standard. Upgrades, like the Driver Confidence II package, remain an option. You’ll also have to pay extra for the nicer Bose sound system. Other optional features include wireless smartphone charging and a color head-up display.

Which Trim to Choose?

With a sticker price of less than $25,500, the base Regal Sportback 1SV is a seriously good value. You’ll definitely appreciate the base model’s energetic powertrain. Its turbocharged four-cylinder delivers a punchy performance. Remember, opting for all-wheel drive will increase the sedan’s total cost.

When buying the base Regal Sportback 1SV, you’ll get a great deal of equipment for the money. Buick’s latest infotainment system works very feel. You’ll also enjoy a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is typically an extra cost for many of the Regal Sportback’s competitors. This year, Buick has made the base model more appealing by adding dual-zone automatic climate control.

Upgrading to the Regal Sportback Preferred requires you to spend about an extra $2,500. Some people may find its upgrades to be worth it. However, others will be simply wasting their money. You can probably live without a power driver’s seat. On the other hand, the Regal Sportback Preferred does open the door for you to get some nice options. The Driver Confidence I package, which features safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors, gives the sedan a more secure feel. Other available goodies include a Bose sound system, larger wheels, and remote start.

Moving up to the Regal Sportback Essence allows you to experience a greater sense of luxury. Its leather-trimmed interior could ultimately win you over. A heated steering wheel and heated front seats ensure greater comfort during the winter. You can also take advantage of the optional Driver Confidence II package. You won’t regret having automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Folks seeking a more exciting look shouldn’t hesitate to get the Essence trim’s newly available ST Appearance package.

Although the Avenir trim does not offer all-wheel drive, it does boast a few high-end features. Nevertheless, is quilted-stitched leather seating necessary? If not, save your money and stick with the Essence trim. Remember, Buick does not offer the Avenir trim with all-wheel drive.

For drivers looking to have fun, the decision to buy the Regal Sportback GS should be a no-brainer. It's easily the most exciting trim in the lineup. Although its V6 engine may not be quite as efficient, Buick tunes it to use regular unleaded. You will need to feed the turbocharged four-cylinder engine premium gas. An adaptive suspension also allows the GS model to offer sportier handling and excellent ride comfort.

On the outside, the Regal Sportback GS turns heads with its more menacing appearance. Its interior also benefits from exclusive upgrades like sports seats with massaging functions and digital gauges. When considering the GS trim’s driving fun and luxurious interior, it proves to be well worth Buick’s MSRP. Prices start at a little more than $39,000. However, you still must shell out additional money for the highly recommended Bose sound system and a head-up display. The Driver Confidence II safety package is also extra.