DecodedCars2020 Buick Regal
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Sportback, Tour X Wagon
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic, 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 192.9–196.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,096–4,295 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints6 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Buick Regal is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,096 lb (Sportback).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 6% worse than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the tires.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Regal — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Regal →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Russelsheim, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportback | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,096 lb | 58/42 |
| Tour X Wagon | 196.5 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 111.4 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,295 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -6% | $3,150 | 343 |
| Regal AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -13% | $3,400 | 365 |
| Regal TourX AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -23% | $3,400 | 365 |
| Regal AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -20% | $3,050 | 411 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Buick Regal.
Similar 2020 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Buick Regal (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2020 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › Software · Jun 30, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V465000 · 23,734 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."
- Risk
- A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the EBCM software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Buick's customer service at 1-800-521-7300.
Seats · Oct 24, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V762000 · 341 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
- Risk
- Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 26, 2019. Owners received a second notice and the recall began February 20, 2020. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N192278300.
Not every 2020 Buick Regal is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Buick Regal buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Tires — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Immobilizer/Proximity › Key/Sender — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Immobilizer/Proximity › Sensor — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Buick Regal. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Regal years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 2016 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 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 →