2018 Buick Regal TourX Video: 5 Ways It's Better Than an SUV

buick's rebirth in recent years has been powered by the debut of all-new suvs, but the new 2018 regal tourx gives the premium brand something different. with standard all-wheel drive, a higher ride height and extra body cladding, it adopts some suv attributes but remains quite clearly a wagon. and you know what? that's ok; it makes the tourx better than an suv in certain ways. here are five of them.



1. easier entry and exit

among the things that make suvs so popular are the commanding views their high driving positions provide, but a downside is difficult entry and exit for shorter drivers. the regal tourx rides about a half-inch higher than its sibling, the regal sportback, but it's still easy to get in and out of. it has a very carlike feel overall, though that does mean you give up that high driving position.

2. easier loading and unloading

the car's lower ride height provides similar benefits when it comes to loading or unloading cargo. a low lift-over height means you don't have to lift heavy luggage as high to get it into the cargo area — so you can give your back a break.

3. better handling

suvs have come a long way in recent years as automakers have put greater emphasis on on-road performance as opposed to off-road capability, but at the end of the day, physics won't be denied. the tourx's comparatively lower center of gravity contributes to its stable, confident cornering and overall poise, and that's readily evident in everyday driving.

4. superior gas mileage

gas mileage is another plus. all trim levels of the tourx are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder used engine that works with an eight-speed automatic transmission. the combination produces decent epa-estimated gas mileage of 24 mpg combined, but that's better than the 22 mpg combined that the smaller and heavier buick envision suv gets with its available turbo 2.0-liter used engine .

5. better looks

while i'm not about to tell you what to think of the tourx's design, i think it looks pretty good. low and sleek, it's as classy as the luxury wagons from brands like audi and volvo.

watch the video above for more of my review of the 2018 buick regal tourx.

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