The 2018 Buick Regal TourX AWD, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 24 MPG. It won’t win any hypermiling competitions, but it’s a reasonable compromise for those who value cargo space, all-weather traction, and European-inspired driving dynamics in a wagon.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates put the Regal TourX AWD at 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects urban driving’s stop-and-go nature, where the engine’s turbocharger can increase fuel consumption as it spools up and down. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps to mitigate this somewhat, choosing the right gear to optimize efficiency.

On the highway, the TourX settles into a more economical cruise, and the wagon body style’s relatively low drag coefficient helps it achieve the favorable 29 MPG rating. These ratings suggest the TourX owner can do better than the combined 24 MPG rating if they favor highway trips and use cruise control.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Buick Regal TourX AWD at $2,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It is a useful benchmark for comparing running costs with other vehicles in its class, but individual fuel expenses will vary depending on driving habits, location, and gas prices. Fluctuations in fuel costs can significantly impact the true cost of ownership beyond the EPA’s average.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized comparison, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Drivers who accelerate quickly will likely see lower numbers, especially in city driving. Conversely, those who prioritize fuel efficiency and practice smooth acceleration and braking can often exceed the EPA highway figure.

The Regal TourX boasts all-wheel drive for added security in bad weather, but that security comes at an MPG cost. Regular maintenance, including tire inflation and filter replacements, also influences fuel efficiency. A TourX owner who regularly hauls cargo will see their MPG drop, and conversely, someone who drives alone on smooth, flat highways will usually see figures closer to 30 MPG.

How It Compares

Compared to other all-wheel drive wagons and SUVs, the 2018 Buick Regal TourX’s fuel economy is competitive but not class-leading. For example, the Subaru Outback 2.5i, a perennial favorite in the wagon segment, achieves 28 MPG combined with its standard engine.

A similarly sized SUV like the Honda CR-V AWD achieves an EPA combined rating of 29 MPG with its 1.5L turbocharged engine. However, these comparable models often offer less cargo space than the TourX. The Volvo V60 Cross Country, a more premium offering, achieves about 25 MPG combined, mirroring the TourX but with a higher price tag. The Volvo V90, another premium wagon and physically larger than the TourX, also achieves 24 MPG combined despite its upgraded engine.

These numbers are critical to the TourX’s target buyer, who is practical enough to need a wagon, but still appreciates the driving dynamics and equipment levels of the Buick.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The turbocharger in the Regal TourX’s 2.0L engine delivers ample power, but it can also impact fuel economy if driven aggressively. Smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will minimize the need for sudden bursts of boost, thus conserving fuel. Keep an eye on the boost gauge and try to stay out of the boost as much as possible.

Tire pressure is an important factor in fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check the recommended tire pressure on the driver’s side door jamb and maintain it regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Excess weight in the vehicle reduces fuel economy. Removing unnecessary cargo and equipment can have a noticeable impact, particularly in a vehicle like the TourX that is already carrying the weight of an all-wheel-drive system. Evaluate what you are hauling and reduce weight whenever possible.

The Regal TourX’s eight-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy at highway speeds. Using cruise control on long trips helps maintain a consistent speed and minimizes unnecessary gear changes, leading to improved MPG. Using cruise control on flat stretches of highway will return the best fuel economy.

All Buick fuel economy data and REGAL MPG across all years provide context, but the 2018 Buick Regal TourX AWD’s fuel economy must always be considered within the context of its mission: a spacious, capable, and comfortable wagon for those who need practicality without sacrificing some driving enjoyment.