2020 Buick Regal Sportback Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The shapely yet utilitarian Regal belongs to a genre that few buyers are even aware of—the hatchback sedan. Hinged at the leading edge of...

The shapely yet utilitarian Regal belongs to a genre that few buyers are even aware of—the hatchback sedan. Hinged at the leading edge of the rear window, the hatch enhances the Regal’s cargo-area versatility through improved access and folding rear seats. Though several similar models are available from Audi, those cost thousands more than this unique Buick.

Buick implemented only minor changes to the Regal Sportback for 2020, including eliminating the Preferred II trim from the lineup. All trims now include dual-zone climate control.

Five trims are available: base, Preferred, Essence, Avenir, and GS. GM’s turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in front-wheel-drive (FWD) Regal Sportbacks—base, Preferred, FWD Essence, and Avenir—and 250 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Essence. Among 2.0-liter-powered Regal Sportbacks, FWD trims use a 9-speed automatic while AWD versions are paired with an 8-speed automatic. The Regal Sportback with moves, however, is the GS, which comes exclusively equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 310 hp and 282 lb-ft of torque driving all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The base Regal Sportback starts at $25,370, not including destination, and comes with keyless ignition, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 4G LTE hotspot capability. Seventeen-inch wheels and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat are also standard. The Preferred package adds a leather steering wheel, 8-way power driver’s seat, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Essence trims further enhance the amenities with leather seating, remote engine start, a 40/20/40 split-folding backseat, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and 18-inch wheels.

In addition to the Sportback line’s most powerful engine, the Regal GS adds a torque-biasing rear differential, which distributes torque to the tires with the most grip, aiding in handling and improving slippery-condition driving. Adaptive dampers, Brembo front brake calipers, and 19-inch wheels round out the GS trim’s driver-oriented equipment.

Although available only on higher trims, the Regal Sportback offers advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors.

Like most Buicks, the Regal Sportback is positioned between full luxury brands like Audi or Mercedes-Benz and mainstream brands like Chevrolet. Aspiring to offer the full-breadth luxury experience, the Regal instead uniquely serves those who simply want something different. And it does so at a reasonable price.