Full 2013 Buick Regal Review
What's New for 2013
The mild-hybrid eAssist powertrain becomes the standard powertrain for the three lower trim levels. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine remains an option.
Introduction
Going head to head with the world's best sport sedans is no small undertaking. Yet that's the goal for the 2013 Buick Regal. This midsize sedan's performance doesn't hit its mark, yet the Regal does have some good qualities that get your attention.
The story of the Regal really revolves around its engines. The Regal starts out with a 2.4-liter engine backed up by a mild hybrid system ("eAssist"), which has become familiar as a simple stop-start system for the engine. This boosts city fuel economy to a useful 25 mpg, while the 36 mpg achieved by this engine in highway mode makes the Regal superior to every other midsize sedan, though the acceleration definitely doesn't do anything for the car's personality.
The midgrade 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is a step up and still delivers good fuel economy, yet the acceleration is still underwhelming. It's only when you step up to the performance-oriented GS model and its 270-horsepower turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes that you get a sedan that prioritizes driving involvement.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2013 Buick Regal comes in two basic trim levels: base and Turbo. Each of these trim levels is eligible for different Premium option groups. The high-performance GS stands by itself.
The base Regal comes well-equipped with standard features that include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar), a power height-adjustable passenger seat, split-folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also standard are a customizable touchscreen interface, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, OnStar emergency communications, and a seven-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface and IntelliLink smartphone integration.
The Premium 1 Group adds rear parking sensors, keyless entry/ignition, remote ignition and an eight-way power passenger seat (with four-way power lumbar). Moving up to the Premium 2 trim level gets you xenon headlights, rear-seat side airbags and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.
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