2020 Buick Regal Pros vs Cons

Now in its sixth generation, the Buick Regal is the company's standard-bearer. The upscale mid-size sedan has been around for nearly half a century. During that time, it has been connected to various types of consumers. In the earliest years, it was the population of older adults.

Today, those who look at the Regal aren't segmented into one group. It's design, features, and pricing appeal to a wider variety of individuals. Does the 2020 model year version do the same?

What's New for 2020?

There are a few changes to the 2020 Buick Regal. The one consumers will probably admire the most is the addition of dual-zone climate control as a standard in all trims. In recent times, the ability to have different temperatures between the driver and passengers has become important.

The other changes are related to design and optional packages. First, the Preferred II trim is no longer available. Second, a sporty appearance package is now available for the Regal's Essence trim.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Buick Regal – The Pros

1. Still Going Strong Decades After Its Introduction

There aren't many car brands on the market that still exist from the 1970s. Thus, it says something that the 2020 Buick Regal is part of a long legacy.
Granted, the design has changed immensely since the vehicles early days. Back then, the car resembled a smaller version of a battleship. Today’s design has been shortened and smoothed out for a cleaner ride.

2. All-Wheel-Drive Available

You wouldn't expect an upscale sedan like the 2020 Buick Regal to have all-wheel-drive (AWD) as a drivetrain option. It's not like the consumer is going to take it off-road. However, the AWD option is logical. It allows the vehicle to maintain control on snow-covered roads.

3. Easy Storage Access

The design of the 2020 Buick Regal gives the back storage area a hatchback-like liftgate. It allows for easy and quick access to the trunk area. Not only manually but also through remote access via the key fob.

4. A Quiet Ride in Any Environment

With extra insulation in the frame and dashboard, as well as a sound-absorbing windshield, the interior cabin of the 2020 Buick Regal is quieter than similar sedans on the market. On the highway, the sounds of speeding cars, trucks, and environmental events like wind are greatly muted. In turn, the ride is comfortable for all passengers.

5. Powerful Engine Options

A 2-liter turbocharged engine isn't what consumers normally find in upscale mid-size sedans. Yet, that's the standard for the 2020 Buick Regal. It produces 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in front-wheel-drive (FWD) styles. The torque increases to 295 pound-feet with AWD.

Consumers who want a little more power need to select Regal's GS trim. That comes standard with a 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine. The enhanced drivetrain produces 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. In translation, the sedan could tow 3,000 pounds of material if necessary.

6. Roomy Cabin for a Mid-Size Sedan

Consumers who consider mid-size sedans tend to believe the interior cabin will be a bit cramped for them and their passengers. This isn't the case for those who review the specifications on the 2020 Buick Regal. There's as much head and leg room here as there is for a minivan or SUV.

Overall, everyone in the car gets 37 inches of head room and over 3.5 feet of space for their legs. Both rows of seats provide 55 inches of shoulder and hip room. Therefore, there’s still room to move in the back row when it’s occupied by three adult-sized individuals.

7. Strong Infotainment and Connectivity Package

When a base trim of a vehicle comes with enhanced infotainment and connectivity, buyers know the company is serious about getting drivers behind the wheel. This is true of the 2020 Buick Regal.

The base trim comes standard with a built-in 4G LTE hotspot for quick connection and streaming. Also standard is compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay -- tools that permit the driver to pull up their smart device apps on the Regal's infotainment screen. Other additions include a seven-speaker sound system and charging-only USB ports.

8. Longer Warranty than Other Manufacturers

The 2020 Build Regal, along with the company's other vehicles, come with a warranty that is longer than those of other companies. Instead of a two-year/24,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, it is stretched to three years/36,000 miles. Rust-through coverage is six years or 100,000 miles. In addition, consumers get one complimentary service appointment and roadside assistance for five years or 50,000 miles.

9. Good Value for Trims

Upscale sedans can be pricey, even if the only thing that ups the price is the company's emblem. The 2020 Buick Regal is not like that. Truth be told, its starting MSRP is lower than some other companies.

This is why some consumers forego the base trim Regal and move up to the Preferred. With only a $2,000 price difference, they invest in the next level to get some of the additional standards. Even the top trim, the AWD GS, is only in the high $30,000. Not bad for a vehicle that features everything the other trims do and more.

10. Teen Driver Package Across All Trims

One of the most important safety packages created over the last few years has been the Teen Driver module. The reason for its importance is it minimizes the adolescent driver's risk of injury to themselves and others around them. The good news is it comes standard across all trims of the 2020 Buick Regal.

The customizable feature allows the vehicle's owner to set certain requirements the teen must fulfill in order to move forward. It may be as simple as buckling their seat belt. No matter what happens, the owner of the Regal receives a report card after each session detailing the teen's operation of the vehicle.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Buick Regal – The Cons

1. Lack of Driver Assist Aids

While the Regal has basic safety equipment like ABS and numerous airbags, it lacks driver assist aids. Tools like Lane Assist and Blind Zone Alert are available as upgrades. However, consumers must go up to the GS trim to get these aids as standards.

2. Lackluster Fuel Economy

Mid-size sedans tend to have a fuel efficiency profile that is better than a full-size model and a little less than a compact. While the Regal's combined 26 mpg is okay, it falls short of similar sedans. Furthermore, with a 16-gallon tank, the loss of fuel efficiency means more stops at the gas station.

3. Only Takes Premium Unleaded

This can be a deal breaker for many consumers. Particularly when fuel prices increase. Premium unleaded can be as much as 20-30 cents more than Regular in some locations. Not only does this mean drivers pay more, but they have to fill up frequently due to the smaller gas tank.

4. Sub-par Interior for an Upscale Sedan

The interior is roomy and has the latest technology. However, it doesn't stop some consumers from noticing how average its design is. The materials and fabrics employed seem to be on the lower end of the scale. As does the way they are set into the cabin. It can be a total contrast for those who are impressed by the Regal's clean exterior lines.

5. Engine Stop-Start is not Configurable

For those who have driven newer cars, the engine's stop-start option can be frustrating. While some models have the ability to shut this off, it seems this is not the case with the 2020 Buick Regal. In turn, drivers have gotten frustrated with this feature, particularly when it shuts down during the heart of summer or winter.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition

When the 2020 Buick Regal is compared to a similar sedan like the Chevy Malibu, it might be hard to tell the difference at first. Both are made from the same body structure. Once inside, consumers will notice a more modern infotainment setup than the Regal's. However, the Buick wins in roominess and cargo space.

Put the Regal up against the Ford Fusion and it's somewhat of a tie. The Regal wins again in roominess and tech features. On the other hand, the Fusion scores points for its safety aids and better handling.

Conclusion

In the end, the 2020 Buick Regal will most likely please those who have owned this vehicle, or another Buick, in the past. On the plus side, it has more power than other mid-sized sedans on the market, multiple trims, and a lower price point. The Regal's interior roominess and ease of storage are also bonuses.

On the other hand, it lacks some features, especially driver assist aids, that are standard in other models. Add the fact that it has a small fuel tank that requires premium unleaded, and the Regal can be a costly choice for the consumer.

What will determine the purchase is a careful examination of all trims and a test drive. Once this is done, and their budget is reviewed, they'll have a better sense to see if the Regal is the right mid-size sedan for them.