2020 Buick Regal Sportback Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

When shopping for an entry-level luxury sedan, take the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback into consideration. Aside from the Regal Sportback’s dependability, it also provides a lot of room for passengers and cargo. If you’re looking to add more excitement to your daily commute, check out the performance-focused GS model. Let’s find out if the new Regal Sportback is right for you.

What’s New for 2020?

The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback received a few enhancements. Dual-zone automatic climate control was added to the sedan’s list of standard equipment. A sporty ST Appearance package has arrived as well.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Buick Regal Sportback – The Pros

1. Quick and Responsive Performance

Although some drivers may prefer the V6 engine’s extra punch, even the standard powertrain delivers a responsive performance. Resting under the hood is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower. A precise, nine-speed automatic transmission also helps the Regal Sportback to accelerate strongly. With a tested 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, the turbocharged Regal Sportback is only a few ticks slower than the V6-powered GS trim. Fuel efficiency tops out at 32 mpg on premium gas.

2. Performance-Focused Regal Sportback GS

Buick engineers the GS trim to perform more like a sports sedan. Its V6 powertrain pushes out an engaging 310 horsepower. You can also feed the V6 engine regular unleaded fuel. While the Regal Sportback GS may not be much quicker in a straight line, driving enthusiasts will enjoy its tighter handling. A sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers helps limit body lean on twisty roads. Activating the sedan’s GS driving mode ensures maximum responsiveness. Meanwhile, race-style pedals and sport seats give the interior a more exciting character.

3. Excellent Amount of Passenger and Cargo Space

You’ll definitely appreciate this sedan’s practicality. Whether sitting in the front or rear, passengers will have an excellent amount of head- and legroom. While the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback is great for everyday use, it’s also comfortable enough for 800-mile road trips. Because of this car’s hatchback design, you’ll enjoy SUV-like cargo space. With more than 31 cubic feet of cargo space, the Regal Sportback has no problem swallowing travel bags and large flat-screen TVs.

4. All-New ST Appearance Package

Available on the Essence trim, the all-new ST Appearance package is destined to be a popular option. This package is especially great for drivers who desire a meaner look. On the front, a blacked-out grille helps give the sedan a more aggressive nature. To enhance the Regal Sportback's sleek profile, Buick adds a rear spoiler. Meanwhile, larger 18-inch alloy wheels promote a meaner stance. All of the paint options are available.

5. Very Reliable Car

Like automakers like Toyota and Honda, Buick takes pride in producing dependable automobiles. This is one of the reasons why Buick has one of the industry’s highest owner satisfaction ratings. During J.D. Power’s latest dependability study, the Regal Sportback received a four out of five rating. Even after the sedan’s original warranty has passed, you can still ride with confidence. Owner’s rarely report any major mechanical failures. Low maintenance costs also give the Regal Sportback an advantage over its German competitors.

6. Attractive Pricing

In comparison to some of the other cars in the segment, the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback proves to be more affordable. Buick lists the new Regal Sportback with a starting MSRP of less than $25,500. Very few cars in the class offer greater value for the money. You’ll receive more than enough standard equipment. This year, every trim now benefits from dual-zone automatic climate control with remote start. Some of the other big features include a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, a touchscreen, and three USB ports.

7. Standard OnStar Communications System

OnStar is featured on every new 2020 Buick Regal Sportback. This award-winning communications system has long remained one of the best on the market. When using OnStar, you’ll always have an extra sense of protection. In the event of an accident, automatic crash notification helps emergency personnel to pinpoint your specific location. This system will also make traveling more enjoyable. By simply pressing a blue button, turn-by-turn driving directions can be sent directly to your car.

8. Teen Driver Gives Parents More Control

Teen Driver is yet another one of the Regal Sportback’s standard features. It’s a great asset for parents who will by sharing their car with a new driver. This technology actually helps promote better driving habits. You can even restrict your teenager from traveling over a certain speed, which aids safety and helps prevent costly speeding tickets. GM also designed the system to compile a driving report card. All of the information can be easily viewed on your smartphone.

9. Intelligent AWD is Optional

If you live in a state that doesn’t have rough winters, the sedan’s standard front-wheel-drive system will get the job done. On the other hand, folks living in snowy regions of the country will need Buick’s AWD system. This is a feature that you can’t get on a Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord. When the snow starts to fall, you’ll enjoy enhanced traction.

10. Upgraded Seating Available

The standard seats in the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback are quite comfy. However, some luxurious options are available. Upper trims offer four-way lumbar adjustment for both front seats. If you really want to unwind, step up to the Regal GS. Not only do its sport seats provide heating and ventilating functions, but you can also take advantage of the massaging modes.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Buick Regal Sportback – The Cons

1. European Competitors Offer Better Handling

Don’t expect the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback to handle as well as its European counterparts. The sedan’s standard suspension is more geared towards comfort. Even the sporty GS trim may not be agile enough for some driving enthusiasts. If you desire more performance, take a look at the new Kia Stinger GTS. Like the Regal Sportback, it features a spacious rear hatch.

2. Modern Accident-Avoidance Features Don’t Come Standard

Aside from a Stabilitrak traction control system, the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback doesn’t come standard with any modern accident-avoidance technologies. While most trims offer blind-spot monitoring, you won’t find this feature on the base Regal Sportback. To get safety technologies like forward collision braking and adaptive cruise control, you must step up to at least the mid-level Essence trim.

3. Annoying Engine Stop-Start Feature

To help save fuel, Buick equips the Regal Sportback with an engine stop-start system. When sitting in traffic, it momentarily shuts off the car’s engine. Unfortunately, some drivers may find this feature to be more of an annoyance. While waiting to merge onto a busy highway, the auto-stop system could prove to be more worrisome. Buick does not give drivers the ability to deactivate it.

4. Fuel Economy Just Decent

The federal government rates the Regal Sportback to return 22 mpg in town and 32 mpg on the highway. While this isn’t poor fuel economy, some cars are better on gas. Furthermore, Buick tunes the sedan’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine to run on premium fuel. All-wheel drive also forces you to spend more money at the pump.

5. Nice Interior, But Not Premium

The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback has a nice interior. This is especially true for the Avenir trim, which has quilted-stitched leather seating. However, its overall refinement doesn’t match that of a BMW 3 Series.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

2020 Audi A5

The 2020 Audi A5 also features a hatchback design. While the A5 has a remarkably plush interior, expect the Regal Sportback to feel just a bit more spacious. You also can’t ignore the A5’s much steeper MSRP. Regal Sportback buyers won’t have to spend nearly as much money.

2020 Kia Stinger

When it comes to overall performance capabilities, the 2020 Kia Stinger has the edge. A twin-turbo V6 ensures very strong acceleration. However, there’s more cargo space in the Regal Sportback’s hatch. A softer highway ride also gives the Regal Sportback an advantage.

2020 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has received plenty of accolades. It’s a practical family car that offers ample performance. However, you can’t get the Accord with an AWD system. This drawback limits the Accord’s traction in the snow. In comparison to the Accord, the Regal Sportback provides nearly twice as much storage space.

Conclusion

The 2020 Buick Regal Sportback is a very strong competitor. Its hatchback design will especially appeal to drivers who need to haul around extra stuff. European styling also gives this sedan a refined appearance. When traveling in the new Regal Sportback, no one will complain about a lack of comfort.

While the Regal Sportback is a highly recommend car, it prioritizes comfort over razor-sharp handling. However, stepping up to the sportier GS trim can help solve this problem. You should also take the sedan’s fuel economy into consideration. To optimize performance, drivers will need to use premium unleaded gas. Remember, no advanced safety tech is available for the base model.