2018 Buick Regal TourX Road Test and Review

2018 Buick Regal TourX exterior hero ・ Photo by General Motors

We’re going to cut straight to the chase in this review and bypass waxing poetic about how “this ain’t your grandpa’s Buick” or even quoting the automaker’s long-running #ThatsABuick campaign. The jokes are getting stale and it’s time to get over the stigma — Buick is making great cars these days. As a matter of fact, Buick’s current lineup only includes one traditional “old man sedan”: the LaCrosse, which thanks to recent updates, is far from looking old-fashioned itself. The other models are crossovers, a hatchback, a convertible, and now the lovely and luxurious Regal TourX, a brand-new station wagon.

If you enjoy creature comforts in your car while still expecting it to be a workhorse, we suggest looking outside the SUV box and adding the Regal TourX to your shortlist. We have a lot to say about this sharp and very stylish wagon.

“Attainable Luxury”

First things first, buyers should be aware that Buick wants to be known for having “attainable luxury.” With the wide gap between mainstream car brands and luxury marques, price differences can be staggering. Buick aims to fill the gap and bring well-appointed vehicles to the marketplace for less money, and it definitely succeeds here with the TourX. This wagon, loaded with just about every modern convenience and amenity available in the top trim level, the TourX comes with a price tag just under $40,000.

Photo by General Motors

But why a wagon?

Oh, wagons — loved passionately by few, hated by many. They say it’s because of all of the Gen Xers who grew up riding in the back of large wood-paneled ones — so to differentiate between themselves and their parents, they all started buying crossovers once they grew up. Will the kids today follow in the footsteps of their parents and drive Tahoes and Highlanders? Maybe not now that the TourX exists.

The TourX has twice the appeal. A cavernous cargo area that can haul just as much (if not more) than your average crossover, with handling that feels more like a nimble car. While not quite offering the ride height of a crossover, the TourX still has enough ground clearance to handle more primitive roads, should you decide to leave the concrete jungle. It's also a whole lot easier to access the roof rails to load up on top than it is on an SUV or crossover. Really, a wagon is just perfect if you need to haul people and lots of stuff comfortably.

Photo by General Motors

Exterior Styling

Here’s where it’s most tempting to use the “#ThatsABuick” hashtag, because this car is a real looker. At first glance, you might not know what brand it is, but it’s so striking that you’re inclined to think it’s got to be expensive. The long, stretched profile of the Regal TourX further implies that this is a luxurious wagon, but the subtle cladding around the wheel wells hints at a younger, more active spirit. It’s too pretty to be a Subaru, but it’s not so mature that you’d mistake it for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

We watched people circle the TourX in a parking lot, wondering what it was. We think the TourX is the perfect balance between handsome and sporty, and that is what makes it different from most of its competitors.

Photo by General Motors

Lap of Luxury

One of the things we love most about this wagon is the contrast between its dynamic and sporty exterior looks and its serene and sophisticated interior. Once you’re seated inside the TourX, you’ll be ready to stay awhile. The buttery leather seats we sat in were comfortable (and adjustable); the soft, sweeping dashboard with the slick 8-inch color touchscreen was clean and intuitive to use; and the cabin is incredibly quiet.

We’re not using the term “quiet” loosely here; Buick has actually incorporated “QuietTuning” technology inside the TourX by using triple door sealing, acoustic laminated windshield and front side glass, and specific suspension tuning to keep outside noise to a minimum. You don’t realize what a luxury the quiet is — until you saddle into another car.

Photo by General Motors

On the Road

From a size perspective, the TourX is a big wagon. When looking back from the front seat, you can see it, but behind the wheel, you don’t feel it. We found the TourX to be quite spirited, despite its smooth and quiet vibe on the road. It handled well, and the steering is just firm enough to be engaging without feeling like you’re overworking. When we took the TourX off the paved roads in Sedona, Arizona, the ride was anything but rocky. It’s definitely a car worthy of long road trips — it’s a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers, one that can pamper you for many miles in one day.

Photo by General Motors

Technology

The TourX has plenty of technology available, thanks to its place in the General Motors family. Along with OnStar, which acts as your own personal concierge, roadside assistance center, or emergency alert system, the car also can serve as your personal Wi-Fi hotspot, with 4G LTE service for up to seven devices. Additionally, wireless charging is available, and smartphone integration is standard via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You can even order your favorite coffee and doughnut from Dunkin’ Donuts, one of many vendors that offer in-car ordering using OnStar’s in-app marketplace.

Photo by General Motors

Safety

The technology rolls over into the TourX’s notable suite of safety features, too. With all the latest in driver assistance features, the TourX is available with front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist. And should you opt for GM’s OnStar service, which is available on any GM vehicle, OnStar can provide an automatic crash response in case of an emergency or other services such as roadside assistance for further peace of mind.

Photo by General Motors

The TourX vs. the Competition

The competition in this segment is a little more difficult to compare; while many vehicles share the “wagon” body style, they’re all not necessarily in the same category. Larger wagons like the Volvo V90 and V90 Cross Country, or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon, are astronomically expensive in comparison. Luxury wagons like the Benz and Volvo can cost well over $70,000 with options and packages, while the TourX tops out at just over $41k. Yet the TourX is much more luxurious than the Subaru Outback or even the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. Buick has really identified its space in the market by offering both a utilitarian and luxurious wagon all in one.

Final Thoughts

After falling in love first with the TourX’s handsome design, we found it incredibly comfortable, completely capable, and amazingly quiet during a two-hour drive from Phoenix to Sedona. We enjoyed the drive — and the looks we got as fellow onlookers tried to determine what it was that we were driving. We love the versatility of the wagon and think it’s a worthy substitute for another lumbering SUV; the luxuries available inside feel like the TourX is more of a splurge than a practical choice. Overall, we think it’s a perfect fit for many types of buyers — active families, adventure-seekers, and luxury lovers.

Photo by Buick