Buick Regal TourX 2018| Full Review | with Steve Hammes | TestDriveNow
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- Buick Regal TourX 2018 TestDriveNow Video Review By Auto Critic Steve Hammes. Available in 2 different 5-door bodystyles and in 3 distinct models, Buick has thoroughly reimagined the Regal. So if you have fond memories of riding around in your parents’ Buick wagon, you can reclaim some of that glory in the all-new Regal TourX.
MSRP as-tested: $41,600
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Welcome to TestDriveNow official CZcams channel! I deliver trusted, top-rated popular car reviews on cars like the Honda Accord, Audi s5, Dodge Durango, Subaru Crosstrek and more! TestDriveNow.com features Drive Time with Steve Hammes offering video program segments showcasing the newest vehicles and industry innovations coming to market.
Buick Regal TourX 2018| Full Review | with Steve Hammes | TestDriveNow
• Buick Regal TourX 2018...
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I just leased one a few days ago- a fully loaded Essence model with all possible options. Rioja Red and Shale leather. 1) got a huge discount using American Express Auto Purchase/Lease Program, $41,805 sticker, but paid $30,000 flat and got a complete absolution of the remaining few months of my current lease 2) amazing dealer experience, 3) loving the car. I’m only 40, attached, but no kids. Just wanted quiet and luxurious utility. Totally found it. Was skeptical at first but we’re having a great time with it. Best points-quiet, sophisticated, comfortable, practical, attractive. Low points-nice interior, but starting to agree with reviewers, materials could and should be higher quality for the price. That’s my only complaint. And for the record I did test drive the Volvo V60. With the exception of a few more hard plastics in the Buick, they’re both pretty much on par with each other. Final note, we live in LA. Just visited a friend who lives at UCLA and some kid and his girlfriend half my age walking up the street stopped, ogled and commented positively on the car (not knowing we could hear them from inside the house). I was surprised it had any appeal for people that age.
Any more input after 24 months?
I think it's a great looking wagon. Can't explain why but I've always liked wagons
@@h.r.puffnstuff8705 Extremely solid car. It’s aged well. With the exception of one electrical failure of all of the pre-collision devices and a battery replacement , which were covered under warranty, there have been no issues. Excellent AWD system. I’ve taken it repeatedly on ski trips and have total confidence on snow and ice. I purposely drove through a snow drift two feet high to show someone how the torque vectoring of the wheels worked and it was satisfying. Lol. The cheapish interior materials have admittedly held up fine. No interior issues. All around a totally fine car though a shame because they’re out of production now. It seemed like GM couldn’t give them away.
@@socalguy97 Shame, just about ready to let go of my Outback but in another year or so. Might have to look at a lease return, had my eye on these.
Hooray! this guy has it right. We bought one and we could not be happier....
To me Buick is the most dynamic branch of GM right now. I recently purchased a a loaded 2015 Buick LaCrosse with the magna ride suspension and it’s the best car I have ever owned. I appreciate your willingness Steve not to harp on the whole this is not your dads Buick line. Buick has transformed itself into a competitive and unique brand. Very impressive. From my experience with Buick they are very receptive to customer feedback and I bet they will make some of the changes you are suggesting.
Hoder Harris Buick is J. D. Power most reliable, mass produced brand right now. They pass up Toyota for top spot!
I got my college daughter a Encore, 2016. As soon as she found out it was 97% Chinese/Korean, it started her downward slop of dislike. That little car pretty much all but guaranteed that she will NEVER buy a Buick.
It is not Chinese made, nothing of this car (Encore) is made there. It is a fully built South Korean car, with quality and part design coming from the USA. The Encore is one of the most reliable car in its segment over the long haul according to Consumer Reports.
The Regal models are German made imports which provides an opportunity.
That is actually pretty good looking wagon lol
This is a very good station wagon that only a few knew
I wonder if someone can shed light on this. There are so many complaints in these reviews about the quality of interior materials on the TourX. I’ve seen the TourX in person, sat inside and examined carefully. I have no issue at all with fit and finish. I looked at a ton of other comparable vehicles at the same price point and couldn’t really tell the difference from one to the next. No, the dash isn’t draped in leather and hand stitching, but most everything was soft touch. The TourX cabin felt like a very nice place to be (and I’m incredibly picky). In a Buick, you’re certainly not sitting in a Toyota, Honda or Chevy. What am I missing here? What is everyone else observing that I’m not?
I have the exact same thought.
Greezy_Chef, I just broke down and leased a fully loaded Essence model a few days ago. I was skeptical at first going from a compact convertible to a crossover wagon, but I’m loving it.
@@socalguy97 I'm debating buying one. They're taking 10k off sticker
Greezy_Chef, Get this-if you have an Amex card, use one of your perks (Amex Auto Purchase/Lease Program). $41,805, got the a completely, fully loaded Essence for $30,330 flat. Awesome experience and I love the car. Buick made it so incredibly easy it was ridiculous. I was in and out of the dealership in one hour with my new TourX straight off the showroom floor.
@@socalguy97 Thtn go join buickforums and TourX Facebook page.
Someday I'm going to do a 3800 swap with this Regal wagon. And get rid of that ugly body cladding. It's such a beautiful car, it doesn't need cladding crowding up the exterior.
I LOVE WAGONS that's all my family drives
Such a good looking car. 360hp please.
Steve, I so agree with you about the cabin. I sat in the cabin and I was like this is a downgrade from the previous gen.
AutoRingMagazine, I sat in it too, but I disagree with you. I’ve read or watched several other reviews and they say the same thing about the interior as you. I’m just wondering what it is I’m apparently missing. I thought the interior was perfectly nice.
I wish it had a tow package
HA! I knew it. At first I thought someone spiked my drink with some sort of hallucinogen or something b/c @ 4:54 I swore I heard Rick Springfield's Jessie's Girl. I had to skip back a few times but I wasn't sure.
Then at @4:53, my suspicions were confirmed. So no, my drink wasn't spiked :)
Oh, yeah!
I already bought something but I wish Buick came out with this in a Hybrid form as well. I like it but it sits a bit low. It seems like a luxury wagon that Subaru doesn't have. I like it and might buy it but might shoot for the Buick Regal GS with AWD...let's see where the future leads
Nice Opel.
If my wife didn't work for Toyota I'd definitely drive a Buick, if not this unit. Is the Buick Verano my dream car? Perhaps, but the Roadmaster remains the greatest achievement of automotive engineering and cushioning of all time and symbolizes the Motown Magic of decades past.
In conclusion I'll give Steve's review an 11/10 and this Regal a 7.5 on account of the lack of Detroit DNA and having overly firm seats.
Them Apples,
No Pie
Nice summary!
We used to have a Verano 2.0T Premium. Quietest car I've ever owned or riden in.
Lack of Detroit DNA? The car was definitely designed in Germany by Opel since they used to control the midsize car segment for GM. However, for those who know, many parts come from American designs. Some come from Germany and nearly all are manufactured there, but some come from the USA still (some from Japan as well).
One of the few affordable (
Don't forget the Audi A4 allroad as well, but the dimensions are much smaller than the Regal TourX and Outback. The A4 allroad’s dimensions is probably similar to the VW Golf Alltrack.
Base on Motor Trend comparison the TourX is a clear winner over everything today!
Volvo V90 is a good competitor
Love that BMW 3 series touring except for the price and that they develop front end and suspension issues over time
Congratulations to Buick for giving this TourX a chance. Will wagons ever really make a comeback in the USA, who knows? What I do know is that they simply make so much more sense than a SUV/CUV in everyday driving conditions.
how come no one buys wagons in the USA????
this car will be dead pretty soon because OPEL was sold
Very true and very sad. I have this car's predecessor and I love it. I'm genuinely worried that PSA will spoil things. They're already cutting out little niceties in the latest versions of the last of the GM Vauxhalls / Opels.
Regals R being imported under a contract. A refreshed version is expected for 2021
Also Tour x has a steel plate protecting the oil pan and transmission where others use plastic plate which is no protection ! .
I came very close to buying this last year but couldn't get over the price and the lack of certain basic items- too many to list- so I ended up with a Highlander Limited Platinum. After my great deal with the Toyota dealership I got the price down to what the Buick's MSRP was. Still want a wagon, though- if Buick addresses the content on the car and add some features I would trade.
it drives me nut,s steve that they dont have a spare tire, that fix a flat with a side wall puncture is useless. i can live with the exhaust tips being passive , but no dummy spare , geeeesh. also a excellant review mr hammes..
I like it....a lot.
Another great review. I feel very badly. I think I’m one of those autowebjerks who will root for and rave about this car, but never buy it. If I’m going to buy something this big, it’s gonna have three rows. Otherwise, I’m gonna go smaller.
Thx Steve...GM needs to ditch the cladding and make a GS- (Tour)X wagen and fill the void created when Cadillac stopped the CTS (V) wagen...I agree with all others who say this car is over priced...starting at $29k is too high for what amounts to not much. I see most TourXs being mid and top tier models but even the mid tier still gets the crappy seats. If buick wants to own this market their prices need to come down 15-20%.
As nice as the TourX is, I'd still lean towards VW Golf sport wagen/Alltrack for long roof duties even with their less power.
They are around for better than 20% off MSRP with incentives. I'm not entirely sure that this German made GM is for you, at any price.
I own one, not understanding your logic. You get a lot for your money even without the massive discounts. Go test drive one.
Another excellent review. Two comments: the front seats look like they are vinyl and not leather, and what is up with the 6-button switch bank in front of the shifter with 4 blanks on a fully loaded car?? GM really needs top up its game for many vehicle interiors, especially considering the sometimes crazy asking prices.
Ben Haze Agreed, well stated! Even Avenir trim on the Enclave is a disappointment. Too much cost cutting combined with what often feels like price gouging feels insulting. I'd rather save a little longer and take advantage of European delivery on a V90 Cross Country.
Having some blank switchgear and lower end plastics is not that big of a deal. After all, the TourX is $30,000 cheaper than a comparably equipped V90. I'll take the TourX and buy a new in ground pool as well.
Because you cannot get a Tour X/Regal actually "fully loaded".
The missing buttons are automatic parking, start/stop system, and adaptive suspension control. You can get those as well as matrix LED headlights (illegal in the US) and higly praised seats in the parent model Opel Insignia.
I sat in one and yes they are vinyl
It's really a Holden Tour v look it up! The empty controls are loaded over seas and has peddle shifters v6 power.
Steve, will you test the Regal Sportback (standard or GS variant)?
Probably the GS before end of summer...I hope.
I love it!!
I want one before they're gone.
I'm going to get one made in Germany sold in America just what I'm looking for can't wait to drive it ...
Actually looks like a real nice car. It is a straight up European wagon though and you have to be totally willing to accept that you are driving a wagon. I bet it's a better drive than the Outback. Even if it does drive better the thing is the resale value is going to tank on this so you need to get a lot of incentive cash on the hood. A two year old one will be a great deal in 2020.To be honest I would easily rather have this TourX than a Honda CRV, or Ford Escape and the current Rav4. It's simply a lot nicer and the compact SUV market is the one Buick should go after with this. Outback people probably won't buy the TourX, but Honda CRV, Escape, Rav4 people might if they can get over that it's clearly a wagon.
That's what I'm waiting for. The 2-year depreciation and to see the 2-year reliability data. If this car dips under $20,000 in 2020 with 30k miles on it, it could be a great buy.
Great car. I would own one.
I still like the 2017 Buick Enclave Premium.....with a black exterior and black interior with the Sunroofs and DVD player! It is the ultimate family vehicle!!! And for the options you can get it’s very low priced... yes it may not have Apple CarPlay or android auto.... but people should want a good ride and a reliable car! But I think Smart Key should be standard on all trims, rather than having it on no trims!
What I thought it needed was more color in the interior and better gauges. If you get the light seats, you're stuck with nearly white carpeting in the trunk! Ultimately, they didn't have them in the showrooms soon enough for me to consider it. The infotainment is solid but the gauges looked lousy. A 19 or 20 inch wheel would look a lot nicer too, even at the cost of a bit of cushiness. It's a shame that GM still overprices their cars by about 5k only to then sell them with huge incentives. It makes dealing on one screwy and incentive-dependent. It's the same thing if you want to buy an Acadia. You can pay 51 in January, or 43 in February... why?
David Street Trucks and SUVs sales where they make $10,000's in profit and it gets passed on to the other GM cars that may need a boost to make production goals.
Trucks are marked down 10-13k right now and 7k off on an SUV is not at all uncommon. I think those days are on the wane. The singular reason that small cars were subsidized previously was to meet CAFE.
Yeah. I hate white or light carpeting in the rear of an SUV or wagon. Makes no sense because people have to throw stuff back there and it will inevitably get dirty looking. Black carpet in the cargo area is best no matter the color of
the seats.
I was disappointed at the ground clearance, only 5.7 inches. Sits way too low to have any real light duty aspirations.
Jim MacMurdo Amazing how we all got along fine with sedans and wagons for decades, but now suddenly everybody needs to drive through the woods.
Edit to add: An event I went to yesterday had parking in, literally, a corn field (No corn planted there yet, but still bumpy as heck with a lot of dried up stalks from last season). My car has 5.5 inches of ground clearance. Well wouldn't you know it, I was able to drive nice and easy and didn't have a single issue. Not driving like a moron will actually serve a person pretty well.
That’s the one stat that made the Outback win for me.
Coulda sworn I saw one in a great Green paint job. Maybe it was just the Sportback 🤔 Would really like a green wagon though
"Avoiding the term Wagon like the plague"
Europeans never called them wagons to begin with. They're "estate cars", and the manufacturers regularly refer to them as such.
I think estate is a stupid term for a car..lol
The Tour X feels like a $30,000 car bc it is a $30,000 car lol. Base price is $29,900 and I’m sorry, at that price this car has no equal. It’s stylish, powerful, and most likely reliable. At $40,000 I’ll admit is kind of a hard sell since you still don’t get things like adaptive cruise standard, but in its base form the Regal Tour X is a solid.
I agree the base for 30k seems good, 40k way to high!
A base VW golf Sportwagen is 22k.
I got the '15 SE Sportwagen for 27k and still love it and the Audi lite cabin is super nice, has great options and real exhaust tips..lol
thanks for the great review Steve. Always a great watch.
Thanks!
It looks good, inside and out but I would still buy a VW Golf Sportwagen for 10k less.
I have a '15 SE Golf Sportwagen bought new and still love it. Was 27k with 3 years free maintenance.
Have gotten 39mpg and the 1.8t with 6sp auto is really fast and powerful with 170hp, 200 torque, 3100 lbs curb weight, 700 less pounds than this Buick and reg fuel recommended. That must be a high pressure turbo getting 250 from a 2 ltr. Could be unreliable.
On the VW
Audi lite cabin with leatherette still looks new. Paddle shifters, 400 watt fender audio, pano sunroof, keyless entry, push start, sport mode, 17" alloys.
Great car for 27k back in '15
VW is discontinuing it for North America. Maybe the alltrack too.
Guess Subaru will keep selling tons of outbacks, yuk!
VW should of made GTI Sportwagens.
Cheers
GM has used basically this same 2.0 turbo engine since '07 beginning with the Solstice GXP, then in the Cobalt SS, Regal GS, ATS, and others. It's proven to be really rock solid reliable.
I've been eyeing these Regal's, some have been sitting on the lot - I've found one local for less than a Sportwagen SE (Essence Trim on the Buick, so well optioned), but I'm just torn. I'm a Volvo guy and just want a newer wagon to replace my P80 chassis V70, this seems to be a solid contender.
@@andrewerichsen9309
Check out both.
The Sportwagen 1.8 tsi will surprise.
Cheers
Looked at this at the local dealer while in for a test drive for something else. Very nice.
The comment, "Americans don't like wagons", requires examination. I don't get it either.
Americans USED TO like wagons and then something weird happened. Maybe the ever-increasing average *mass* of Americans has them convinced they need something taller like an SUV for picking up the kids and grabbing some groceries. They see a wagon and think, "gosh....it's already so low to the ground. What's going to happen when we all pile in?"
I drove a Dodge Magnum for 12 years and loved it... I have a family and would have loved to have a more modern wagon... this car WOULD have fit the bill... the problem is... for what you get... it's really nearly $10,000 overpriced from the competition of Crossover SUVs for a family car. You can either get a really nice family Crossover with similar features for a lot cheaper, or for the same price as the Tour-X, you can get a LOT MORE features, comfort and style for the money. This car is just severely overpriced compared to the competition (even the reviewer said it, if he danced around it). Base model STARTS at 30K, but if you want features, you're going to be paying 40K like what's in the review... heck, for 30K, you can get everything in a Crossover SUV the Regal offers for 40K... it's just insanely overpriced. I ended up buying a $30,000 Crossover SUV that offers as much (if not more) than the $40,000 beast the reviewer drove.
Good news! TourX is about $10,000-11,000 off MSRP if you have a competitor's lease.
i wish they had a wagon without all that cladding, like they have in europe. And also more lively colour options
GM should sell this in Australia
It drives with a pronounced sumptiousness....I want to experience that.
Apparently Buick is labeling this as a wagon now. www.buick.com/crossovers/regal-tourx-luxury-wagon . I think its a smart move to do so!
I would consider a TourX for $30k to go along with my Outback. I think wagons are making inroads, more and more mfgs. are getting on the bus. Some people want something other than a CUV or SUV. I have both Wagon and CUV and do enjoy.
Amen.
There will be used ones in a year. 30 k doesn't buy a nicely equipped CX5 anymore.
@@davids1816 it is now one year since TourX has been out. The discount on the new one is a better deal still.
I want one LOL
It's good because it's really a Saab
I loved my SAAB sport combi but it needed more attention than my Tour X has. The Buick suspension is a bit more fool proof.
How can a full review be 4 minutes long?
It’s called being succinct. No one wants to watch babble for 20-minutes.
The Roadmaster is back!!!
cedrick305 I don't know if it's the Roadmaster. (That thing was huge.) Maybe the old Century wagon perhaps?
Billy Sou
oh you’re right I forgot about that one.
those things were awesome
too bad that you cant turn off the auto start deal breaker for me
Nice, but I’ll keep my 96 collectors edition Roadmaster estate wagon.
The interior kills it for me. I love wagons and this one being affordable put it on my radar but Mazda and Kia offer better interiors than that. It's still possible a contender if I can get a loaded one for $10k off.
SS S The mid level trims on the TourX are $8,000 off MSRP. Plus they offer a longer warranty than does Mazda.
Neither Mazda nor Kia make a wagon.
The do just not in the U.S.
SS S you have to know with a Buick you get Wi-Fi internet on the go, sirusxm, and Onstar...plus it's bigger than a Subaru. Also you have to remember what he was driving was a tester at $40,000, it doesn't mean that's how much they start at lol
Nope but they make lots of hatchbacks (aka, crossovers). VW, Audi, Volvo, Ford, Fiat, Mini and Subaru, makes a wagon. Lots to choose from that are more popular with the current 20/30 something's who have a kid or two, like to trend and take ski trips. Just google it LOL.
My daughters like sitting higher then that.Why didn't they raise it up so the women would buy it?Seriously when I asked that is the response!
Because you can already buy eleven thousand crossovers, SUV, minivans and trucks, but less than a handful of proper station wagons for serious drivers?
Give him a V6 ...
The 2.0T has more torque at 295 lb-ft.
Looks👍
Premium fuel requirement👎
Phony exhaust caps👎
Price👍
“Exploding hood feature”👎
Can’t disable auto stop/start feature👎
Interior👎
Depreciation👎
Man, I love this. And it's a lot cheaper than the Volvo.
Steve Hammes New Car Reviews
ALOT cheaper?
I wouldn’t say that,and for the difference in price and probably less depreciation, the Volvo is a better buy.
Brian If you’re worried about the Buick’s reliability good luck with a Volvo 😉
Steve Hammes New Car Reviews
Didn’t mention reliability, but in that regard, I’m sure their both questionable.
I would never buy a car that required premium fuel, can't turn off auto shut off, explode hood release, fake exhaust tips.
My '15 VW Sportwagen has none of those issues..lol and was 27k for the nice SE.
I would actually buy one of these if Buick would put the same tow rating on it as the identical Opel Insignia wagon has in Europe (over 3000 lbs if memory serves). Instead, GM forces you to buy one of their larger crossovers or SUVs if you want to tow anything more than 1000 lbs here in the States. That's a no go for me. I'm not driving some massive rig around the city and on the freeway 300 days/yr just to pull a small boat 20 miles or so a few weekends during the summer... I guess Volvo and Subaru are more interested in earning my "touring" business.
Honestly, I'm wondering who the heck the market is for this car (it's too low to take on anything more than a gravel road, there isn't enough seating for an airport run to pick up family, it can't tow, it doesn't come from a manufacturer known for high quality, etc.). It's basically a nice car to sit around Buick showrooms collecting dust.
Agree about the towing, but I don’t tow anything myself, so not a deal breaker. Who is the market? Me. Bought one last month and still loving it (preferred trim - not a fan of leather and the cloth seats were more comfortable anyway). I loved my hatchbacks (last two cars were a Chevy sonic and Pontiac vibe), but I wanted something with more cargo space and more comfortable for my parents as they get older and I drive them more. This is just a bigger hatchback with a luxury upgrade without having to move into a bulky crossover or SUV (some of which have less cargo space than the tourx), so pretty much exactly what I was looking for. As for ground clearance, it’s 2 inches higher than the sonic; I’m just happy I don’t have to worry about bottoming out just pulling out of a business parking lot these days.
Sonja, Thanks for the highly coherent report on your latest vehicle choice. I think the base model is an astounding deal with its generous seating , huge cargo capacity and reasonable mpg. Let's hope the quality and reliability are there as well. Happy trails!
Another side effect of the SUV craze. The Ford Crown Vic used to be rated to tow 4000 lbs. Shortly after the Explorer was introduced, they changed the rating to 1000 lbs, despite no significant mechanical changes being made.
JH, It is an ugly trend across the industry to remove or diminish tow ratings for sedans etc. in order to increase the sales of bulkier vehicles.
Joshua Harazin It is frustrating. You see these vehicles towing caravans in Europe all the time, so they are certainly capable of limited towing here as well. Theoretically, I could probably tow an 1800lb trailer with the TourX just fine (considering the generous tow rating of the virtually identical Opel), but I don't want to live with the liability if I should get into an accident while hauling a boat or the threats from GM about voiding the warranty. Fortunately, some of the competition keeps its global tow ratings intact for domestically sold wagons (Subaru and Volvo) so there are still market options available at this time.
Gone after only two years.
..."because it's a gm car you know you're getting rock solid infotainment"??!! seriously? i had a 2015-16? impala rental for a month before they adopted apple play etc and my god, what a massive pos that was. constantly malfunctioned and crashed. made me long for the simple days of a cd player or tape deck
I’ll PASS 😉
The car I want, but won’t buy.
The 2018 models are in the low $20's right now in autotrader.
First!
It desperately needs the V-6.
don't like wagons? but you buy big hideous SUVs... a tall wagon
Buy a 508 RXH instead. Its like they stole the blueprints from Peugeot and made a crappy plastic uncomfortable knockoff.
It is now, but it wasn't when this car was built. It's GM. I wish it still was. My current Vauxhall could well be my last if PSA spoil the brand.@TheSushiraw
The 508 isn't sold in US, our loss.
Bose is mediocre? Oh no.
That price is crackpipe, for the same money for example you can get the new Acura RDX.
venom5809 Or they can get this and still be happy.
You can get a TourX that has much more interior and cargo room than a RDX AWD at almost $40K or the Regal is $8,000 off the top trims right now on Autotrader. The TourX will run rings around the Acura cuvs.
keri ellerbe Acura quality of late has taken quite a bit while Buick has surpassed Toyota for top reliable manufacturer.
Norm T lmao you are everywhere sharing you Honda hate 😂
Norm T but anyways the Acura has a way better interior and brand than Buick and GM reliability is questionable especially with all the recalls short term reliability doesn’t mean nothing it’s all about the long term and Honda is the most likely one to last the longest.