This Buick is eager to please
Buick is bringing products to the market that are exciting and different. The 2014 Regal is just another example of cars that are attractive to several demographics. Add to the fact that the midsized sedan market is overflowing with contenders, Buick has its work cut out for them.
New for 2014 is a 2.0L Turbo engine pumping out 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque making this sedan lightning quick out of the gate. The power is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and planted to the road via a full-time automatic all-wheel drive system. This AWD system can tailor torque distribution to maximize traction in any given weather situation.
Outside the Regal incorporates wing-shaped LED lighting up front and thin, L-shaped LED tail lamps that provide a unique and stylish appearance as the vehicle drives away. Dual exhaust pipes peek from under the rear bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels are at all four corners.
I found the interior to be an extremely pleasant place to spend time. The seats are comfortable and supportive, the steering wheel is smaller than most but is comfortable. The wheel is also heated in this trim level, and given the weather we’ve been facing recently it was a welcome option. The dash board houses a large touch screen that will display everything you need from the radio station, to your phone info, to the navigation directions and map. These are becoming commonplace in most vehicles and Buick’s IntelliLink is very easy to use. Below are the heating and cooling controls but not too many that you are confused, it’s designed very well. The interior as a whole is laid out well and clean.
Interior space is adequate for four adults and I was able to fit both my two-year-old’s car seat and our newborn’s car seat base in the back with plenty of room for my wife and I to sit comfortably up front. The trunk is deep and has enough room for golf clubs, hockey equipment and other larger luggage bags.
The ride is remarkably quiet and smooth. The bumps are felt but muted well by the suspension and there are no unnecessary rattles or noises from the interior. The acceleration from the new 2.0L Turbo is strong and confident applying the torque as soon as you request it. The turbo is very good at on-ramp entrances or off-the-line acceleration when needed. The area I found where the transmission lacked refinement was climbing long hills or downshifting in 40-50 mph traffic. There seems to be a hesitation or fumbling when you press the pedal looking for that quick downshift. Sometimes it misses the gear you need all together but manages to find it quickly.
I had the opportunity to drive the Regal in some treacherous weather conditions and ran the all-wheel drive through its paces. The car is equipped with all-season tires that were good enough to get around in heavy snow and ice but you still need to be careful entering corners and applying power. A set of winter tires would make this car a full-fledged snow eating machine.
Overall, the Regal is a great midsized car with luxury refinement but still remains a blast to drive. Adding AWD gives it an edge when you live in a bad weather climate.
Buick claims a combined mpg of 22 but I only managed 18 mpg during my time. The standard vehicle price is $35,935, add the driver confidence packages 1 & 2 and the bottom line grows to $40,445.
The Good — Quality, refinement and driving dynamics
The Bad — Sticker price, gas mileage and so-so stereo.