The 2012 Buick Regal is a refined and stylish upgrade from its predecessor, offering enhanced performance and a more striking design. Regal has heard all the buzz, listened to the critics, and come out of its shell with a touch of sophistication and a whole lot of confidence. But hey, this ain't your average Buick—it's the Regal GS version, ready to take on those sport sedan rivals head-on. It's like Buick took the boring out of the pencil sharpener and wrote itself a love letter with bold, confident strokes.
Read on to learn more about the 2012 Buick Regal.
The 2012 Buick Regal's interior design presents an appealing blend of comfort and sophistication. The cabin showcases an attractive sweeping arc on the dash, giving the interior a sleek, modern feel. The standard front seats are designed to provide ample support, whether you're indulging in dynamic driving or embarking on a long journey. However, the rear seatbacks may seem a tad flat, and taller passengers might find the headroom slightly limited. The car's unique, sloping roof line could lead to reduced rearward visibility for some drivers. Despite being narrow, the trunk offers a respectable capacity of 14.2 cubic feet, although it's worth noting that the eAssist Regal models have a slightly reduced trunk space due to the battery packs.
With its captivating exterior design, the 2012 Buick Regal seamlessly combines elegance and athleticism. The sleek roofline and bold front grille enhance its sporty personality, while the aerodynamic silhouette adds to its overall allure. The signature "waterfall" grille, adorned with the Buick emblem, offers a distinctive visual appeal that sets the Regal apart. Refined details such as chrome accents, integrated turn signal mirrors, and automatic projector beam halogen headlamps lend the vehicle a sophisticated charm. Its well-proportioned body, coupled with 18-inch alloy wheels, delivers a robust road presence. The Regal's thoughtful exterior design extends to its practicality as well, with ample trunk space that aligns with its function as a family sedan.
The base model is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. This ensures consistent performance for everyday driving. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 19 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. For those prioritizing fuel economy, the optional eAssist light hybrid powertrain is a compelling choice. It combines the same 2.4-liter engine with an 11-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, boosting mileage to an impressive 25/36/29 mpg. The six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control complements this model.
If power is your priority, the Regal Turbo offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, delivering a robust 220 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional manual version available. The Turbo model achieves 18/29/22 mpg for the automatic and 20/32/24 mpg for the manual transmission. Lastly, power enthusiasts can opt for the Regal GS, which utilizes the same turbo engine but with enhanced turbo boost and a free-flowing exhaust. This model boasts an impressive 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GS comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and an automatic option is also available. The manual GS is expected to achieve 19/27/22 mpg.
The 2012 Buick Regal offers impressive fuel efficiency, especially in the eAssist model which is designed with advanced technology to conserve fuel. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the base model of the Regal gets an estimated 19 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. However, the eAssist model, equipped with a light electrification system, significantly improves fuel economy. It delivers an estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city and a stellar 36 miles per gallon on the highway. This makes the 2012 Buick Regal a cost-effective choice for both city commuters and long-distance drivers.
The 2012 Buick Regal doesn't compromise on safety, boasting an array of features that ensure a secure ride for all occupants. Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, traction control, and stability control. The vehicle is also equipped with OnStar, front seat side-impact airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags to provide additional protection in the event of a collision. Notably, rear-seat thorax airbags are standard on the Premium 2 and above trim levels, demonstrating Buick's commitment to passenger safety. Furthermore, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2012 Buick Regal the highest score of "Good" in its frontal-offset, side-impact, and roof strength tests. These results underscore the Regal's robust safety credentials and its capacity to provide peace of mind on every journey.
In sum, the 2012 Buick Regal is a bit of a mixed bag. Its elegant interior design and roomy front seats make it feel like you're driving in luxury - until you realize the lack of headroom in the back and the trunk that's just not quite wide enough for your golf clubs. It's a bit like being promised a five-star meal and finding out the steak is perfectly cooked, but the side vegetables are a tad underdone. The engine options are plentiful and decently efficient, especially if you opt for the eAssist light hybrid powertrain. It's like having your cake and eating it too - power when you need it, but with an eco-friendly cherry on top. Safety features are robust, almost like having a personal bodyguard in the form of airbags and stability control. Unfortunately, it does seem to have a few blind spots, notably in terms of rearward visibility.
So, would we recommend the 2012 Buick Regal? Like a good piece of jazz music, it's got rhythm and style, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea. If you're after a comfortable ride with a bit of punch under the hood and you don't often have tall adults in the back, then the Buick Regal could be the perfect match for you. But if you're after sporty acceleration, or need a car to transport your golf clubs or a rear seat to house your tall friends, you might want to continue your car search.
