The five-seat Buick Regal midsize sedan sees a number of updates for the 2014 model year, including subtle exterior styling changes, revamped interior controls, a new turbocharged engine and available all-wheel drive. The Regal competes with the Acura TSX, Audi A4 and Volvo S60, and the 2014 model hits dealerships in fall 2013.
ExteriorThe Regal’s exterior updates for the 2014 model year are subtle and don’t dramatically alter the sedan’s appearance. The taillights see the biggest changes with new elements that extend into the trunklid. Though different than the 2013 Honda Civic’s taillights, they take after them. Exterior features include:
Standard 17-inch alloy wheels; 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels available
New grille styling
Available xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and LED daytime running lights
LED taillights
Unique styling, lowered ride height and available summer tires (GS)
InteriorBuick fixed the element of the Regal that was most in need of improvement by revamping the center control panel as part of the car’s updates for 2014. In the process, it dramatically simplified the interfaces for the audio and climate systems compared to the grid of buttons that dominated the dashboard of the previous Regal. Interior features include:
IntelliLink entertainment system with 8-inch touch-screen
Instrument panel with 4.2- or 8-inch (GS) screen
Available Bose premium audio
Under the HoodThe Regal’s base drivetrain is a mild-hybrid system that consists of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and a six-speed automatic transmission. Total output is 182 horsepower.
Turbo and GS trims come with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that results in a horsepower gain for the Turbo model — but a loss for the GS. The engine is rated at 259 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque. Turbo and GS trims also have a six-speed automatic, and the GS is available with a six-speed manual. Mechanical features include:
Interactive Drive Control system with different modes, Brembo-brand brakes, adaptive suspension dampers (GS)
Safety Standard safety features include six airbags, an electronic stability system, traction control, antilock brakes and a backup camera. Available safety features include:
Rear-seat side-impact airbags
Blind spot warning
Lane departure warning
Forward-collision warning, with available automatic braking
Rear cross-traffic alert
Lane Change Alert, which warns of distant but fast-approaching cars in the next lane
