2016 Buick Regal
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Eassist, 4dr Sedan Turbo/Gs
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,642–3,693 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints41 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 189 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Buick Regal is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,642 lb (4dr Sedan Eassist).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 35 highway), 7% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Regal — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Regal →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Oshawa, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Regal configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Eassist | 190.6 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 107.9 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,642 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/Gs | 190.6 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 107.9 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,693 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal eAssist Hybrid | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +7% | $2,400 | 312 |
| Regal | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -8% | $2,800 | 374 |
| Regal | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | -8% | $2,800 | 372 |
| Regal | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | -12% | $2,900 | 381 |
| Regal AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -16% | $3,050 | 407 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Buick Regal.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Buick Regal (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Malibu | 46 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (1)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Feb 24, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V108000 · 74 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21510.
Not every 2016 Buick Regal is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Buick Regal buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 10 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Buick Regal. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Regal years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Regal | 26 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 Regal | 26 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2018 Regal | 26 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 33 |
| 2017 Regal | 24 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 20 |
| 2015 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 33 |
| 2014 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 38 |
| 2013 Regal | 29 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 86 |
| 2012 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 79 |
| 2011 Regal | 24 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 238 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →