26 MPG combined is acceptable for the 2018 Buick Regal 2.0L, but it won’t be the main reason to buy this sedan or hatchback. Shoppers prioritize practicality, comfort, and understated luxury over maximizing fuel economy. This isn’t a commuter car. It’s a comfortable, stylish way to travel, and the fuel economy reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Buick Regal 2.0L are 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city number is typical for a car of this size and power, due to stop-and-go driving and the engine’s increased workload when accelerating. The highway number is more impressive, showing the benefits of the Regal’s smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission and aerodynamic design at cruising speeds. Drivers who spend a lot of time on the highway will find the Regal’s highway MPG rewarding.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Buick Regal 2.0L at $2,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is only an estimate. Your actual fuel costs may change based on your driving, the fuel you use, and current gas prices. It is a benchmark for comparing the Regal’s fuel costs to other vehicles. For some, the $2,250 cost is worth the car’s premium features and sporty handling.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy varies. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and heavy loads can negatively affect fuel efficiency. Smooth driving and proper maintenance can help you reach or exceed the EPA estimates. Drivers who want to save fuel and actively try to conserve can expect figures close to the EPA’s estimates. A REGAL MPG across all years depends greatly on driver behavior.

How it compares

In the mid-size sedan market, the 2018 Buick Regal’s fuel economy is like its competitors, but some offer better numbers. The Honda Accord 1.5T can achieve up to 30 MPG combined, because it prioritizes fuel savings with a smaller engine. The Toyota Camry gets an EPA-estimated 32 MPG combined in its hybrid configuration. The non-hybrid Camry XLE with its base 4-cylinder engine reaches 32 MPG on the highway. Some buyers might also consider the Mazda6, a sportier car that can achieve up to 35 MPG on the highway; however it only gets 26 MPG combined. These vehicles offer better city and highway MPG. The Buick Regal appeals to buyers because of its comfort and style and its design and features.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The Regal’s nine-speed automatic transmission is programmed for efficiency. Allow it to work properly by avoiding hard acceleration and letting the car shift smoothly. Speeding burns fuel without improving your travel time.

Keep your Regal’s tires inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes acceleration and deceleration, which improves fuel economy. Disengage cruise control in heavy traffic or inclement weather where you need more control of the vehicle.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo adds weight, forcing the engine to work harder. Remove unneeded items to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency.

Regular maintenance is critical. Keep the engine tuned, change the oil and filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and fix mechanical issues promptly. A maintained engine runs more efficiently and burns fuel more cleanly, saving money and reducing emissions. Take a look at all Buick fuel economy data for more information.