The 2019 Buick Regal Sportback is the automotive equivalent of a mullet: business in the front, and party in the back. With its sleek sedan-like profile, you’d be forgiven for underestimating what it’s packing—until you discover the hatchback that reveals a cargo space ready for a weekend getaway. This Buick is not just an American in Paris—it’s an American with a European pedigree, inspired by the Opel Insignia. And while it might not have inherited all the agile charm of its European cousin, this under-the-radar Regal offers a compelling blend of style, space, and value, making it a serious contender in the race between mainstream family sedans and European luxury hatchbacks. Can you handle the surprise?
Read on to learn more about the 2019 Buick Regal Sportback.
The interior design of the 2019 Buick Regal Sportback leans more towards the practical side, exuding an aura of a spacious family sedan rather than a luxury car. The cabin materials, although durable, lack a premium feel which is noticeable, especially in the more expensive Essence model. Despite this, the Regal Sportback does not compromise on comfort or space. Both front and rear-seat passengers are treated to ample room and pleasing seat comfort. The straightforward layout of the Buick's interior is a noteworthy feature, with logical button placement and user-friendly infotainment and climate controls. However, some of the more luxurious amenities, such as heated seats, are absent in the less expensive models, which can be a letdown considering its price range.
The exterior of the 2019 Buick Regal Sportback is all about understated elegance, with a blend of sleekness and strength. It sits low and wide, giving it a bold presence on the road. The body lines and grille add a refined touch, while the sloping roofline adds a sporty silhouette that seamlessly flows into the hatchback. The 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED headlights are both classy and modern. Basically, the 2019 Buick Regal Sportback's exterior is a perfect mix of style and function, making it a standout in its segment.
The engine of the 2019 Buick Regal Sportback is quite impressive, boasting a powerful 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers quick response and smooth operation. Standard models feature front-wheel drive and a silky nine-speed automatic transmission, which ensures reliable gear shifting and enhances the overall driving experience. For those who require more traction, there's an all-wheel-drive variant available, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the eight-speed can be a bit more sluggish and hesitant to downshift, it still provides the power and performance that most drivers will find satisfactory. Despite some concerns over fuel economy and the automatic engine stop-start system, the engine performance of the 2019 Buick Regal Sportback stands as one of its strengths.
With its 2.0L Turbo engine, the Sportback offers an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. This is relatively competitive with other vehicles in its class. However, the performance-oriented GS model, equipped with a V6 engine, sees a slight dip with an EPA-rated 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. While it may not lead the pack in fuel economy, its unique blend of power, spaciousness, and style compensates for the modest gas mileage.
The 2019 Buick Regal Sportback has yet to be subjected to comprehensive crash testing by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A key point to consider is that vital driver-assistance attributes like forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking are not standard. To access these features, customers need to choose at least the Essence model and purchase two distinct Driver Confidence packages. This seems rather inconvenient when competitors like the base-model Accord are offering many of these features as standard. Key safety features of the 2019 Buick Regal Sportback include available automated emergency braking, available lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control.
The 2019 Buick Regal Sportback is quite a fascinating car. It boasts the stylish charm of a European hatch, the reliability of an American sedan, and the versatility of a utility van with its ample cargo space. Inside, the cabin is spacious and thoughtfully designed, though it leans more towards a cozy and practical vibe rather than a luxurious one. While you may not be indulging in opulence, you'll certainly have plenty of room for all your road trip essentials. Under the hood, we've got a spry turbocharged four-cylinder that won't shy away from the open road. However, its fuel economy plays hard to get, and we're less than impressed when compared to its competitors. As for safety, it's a mixed bag. Yes, you get the basics, but the big-ticket driver assistance features require you to shell out for the Essence model and additional packages.
So, do we recommend the 2019 Buick Regal Sportback? Well, if you're someone who values space, style, and solid performance over opulent interiors and fuel efficiency, then yes, this could be your ride. But if you're looking to lead the pack in gas mileage or expecting standard safety features without the extra spend, you might want to keep shopping. Let's just say, it's not a one-size-fits-all kind of car. It's more of a "you might like it if you're into that sort of thing" kind of car.
