2018 Buick Regal TourX Review

The TourX is last of 3 new Buick Regal variants that will be making landfall at the end of 2017. Where the Regal Sportback and GS cater to everyday commuting and performance respectively, the Regal TourX gives the Regal range a go-anywhere, take anything edge. Regal TourX models will be available solely in AWD trim, paired with a station wagon body and lifted suspension, plus some body cladding, to create a wagon-cum-SUV model in the same mold as the Subaru Outback, Volvo V60 Cross Country, and its most direct rival, the Audi A4 Allroad.

Interior

Inside, you get the exact same package as the standard Regal Sportback. That means as standard a 7-inch IntelliLink infotainment display, with an optional 8-inch unit taking centre stage on a dash angled towards the driver for a completely driver-focused environment. The materials are all of a high standard, genuinely premium in quality with leather and other soft touch claddings throughout the cabin.

The Regal TourX seats 5 occupants very comfortably, with plenty of headroom compared to Sportback variants. But where the TourX differs vastly from the Sportback is in cargo space. With a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase, even with the rear bench in place, cargo space measures in at 32.7 cubic feet. Drop the 2nd row of seating, and that figure leaps to a class-leading 73.5 cu ft. The cabin can be made to feel even more spacious with the optional moonroof in Preferred and Essence trims.

Driving (Ride and Handling)

As a crossover between a wagon and an SUV, the Regal TourX needs to do two things. 1) Provide the safety and impressive handling dynamics of a regular wagon/sedan, and 2) have enough ground clearance to be capable on most surfaces buyers will take it on. The TourX does both, and though body roll will be slightly more pronounced, levels of grip will still be high – mainly thanks to the trick AWD system. It’s the same system you’ll find on the Sportback and GS models, featuring the GKN twin clutch pack for mechanical torque vectoring on the rear axle.

That extra grip, along with the ride height, is likely to come in handy on dirt roads, where the TourX proves once again that these allroad type wagons really are the perfect compromise between sedans/hatchbacks and SUVs.

Performance (Engine and Transmission)

Like the Regal Sportback, there’s only one engine on offer – a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder gasoline motor. Unlike the Sportback though, the TourX offers only one power and torque output – 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All wheel drive is standard with all models – no front- or rear-driven options are available – and all models feature an 8-speed automatic gearbox. At a later date, the 8-speed is likely to be phased out in favor of GM’s family 9-speed automatic found in FWD Regal Sportbacks.

Equipment and Safety

The Buick Regal TourX gets several extra bits of kit standard, including roof rails and rugged body cladding. In addition, optional extras include a hands-free tailgate, remote start, and 8-way power adjustable heated seats. Navigation is available as part of the Sights and Sounds package. Connectivity is guaranteed with standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi inbuilt to every Regal TourX.

From a safety aspect, ABS and traction control are standard, as is a reverse camera. Driver Confidence packages add blind spot monitoring, rear park assist with rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision alert. The TourX has not yet been crash tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

Verdict

With more cargo space than the A4 Allroad, V60 Cross Country, or Subaru Outback and with a trick AWD system and turbo power, the Buick Regal TourX combines practicality and performance in a stylish wagon-shaped box. This just proves that the crossover trend is overrated – long live the wagon.