23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but for the 2016 Buick Regal equipped with the 2.4L 4-cylinder, it’s an acceptable compromise between comfort, features, and a touch of understated luxury. This isn’t a sports sedan, nor is it a bare-bones economy car. The Regal caters to drivers who prioritize a refined experience over outright fuel efficiency, but still need a practical and reliable daily driver.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Regal 2.4L reveal a split personality. The 19 MPG city rating is unremarkable; stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration put a strain on the naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the 30 MPG highway figure is more respectable and reflects the Regal’s ability to cruise comfortably at sustained speeds. This split suggests the Regal is best suited for buyers who spend a significant portion of their time on the open road, perhaps commuting to the suburbs or taking longer weekend trips. The six-speed automatic transmission is geared for efficiency at higher speeds, contributing to the relatively strong highway number. For primarily urban drivers, the Regal’s fuel consumption might be a point of consideration.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Buick Regal 2.4L is estimated at $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s important to remember that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and your local fuel prices. However, this $1,900 estimate provides a useful benchmark for comparing the running costs of the Regal against other vehicles. Factors like aggressive driving, neglecting maintenance, and using premium fuel when it’s not required can all inflate that annual cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing results, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Drivers who consistently accelerate hard, carry heavy loads, or drive in hilly terrain will likely see numbers below the EPA estimates. Conversely, those who adopt a more conservative driving style and prioritize smooth acceleration can potentially achieve figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA ratings. Tire condition and proper inflation also play a role. Reading owner forums and online reviews can give prospective buyers a better sense of what to expect in everyday driving conditions.

How it compares

The 2016 Regal’s fuel economy positions it in a specific niche within the mid-size sedan segment. The Honda Accord, for example, in its 2.4L four-cylinder guise, achieves 27 MPG combined, significantly bettering the Regal. The Toyota Camry with its standard four-cylinder manages around 28 MPG combined. Even a V6-powered Nissan Altima can approach the Regal’s fuel economy in real-world driving. This difference matters to buyers who are particularly fuel-conscious and might be willing to sacrifice some of the Regal’s upscale features for improved MPG. More modern vehicles like the 2016 Mazda 6, with its impressive 28 MPG combined, offer similar levels of refinement with a greater focus on fuel efficiency. It’s crucial to visit REGAL MPG across all years to see how fuel economy varies across the entire model lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and anticipation are key to maximizing fuel economy in the 2016 Regal. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and try to maintain a consistent pace. Looking far ahead and anticipating traffic flow will allow you to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, conserving fuel.

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal fuel efficiency. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated, the engine is properly tuned, and the air filter is clean. These simple maintenance tasks can significantly improve fuel economy and reduce your overall running costs. Consider also consulting all Buick fuel economy data for fuel efficient options.

Reduce unnecessary weight to improve fuel economy. Remove any items from the trunk that you don’t need, as extra weight puts a strain on the engine and reduces fuel efficiency. The Regal is designed to carry passengers and cargo, but minimizing the load will help to maximize MPG.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and optimize fuel consumption. Cruise control helps to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking, which can significantly improve highway gas mileage. The Regal’s comfortable interior makes long highway drives even more efficient.