2012 Buick Regal vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.6 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Aug 26, 2011

The current Buick Regal has a narrow set of competitors, what with its premium price tag and less than huge interior room.

The Acura TSX is big in its targets, and the Regal has comparable space and handling, with the boost of turbocharging on its side, not to mention much better styling.

The VW CC is closest to it, spec for spec, but has even less sporting intent.

The Nissan Maxima has grabby styling, but it also has a CVT, an unappealing transmission with few virtues outside of simplicity and fuel economy.

Volvo's S60 is a wedgy Swedish delight, and offers all-wheel drive to go with its turbo boost.

Finally, much less expensive Hyundai Sonata and its close kin, the Kia Optima, offer even more space and better gas mileage than the Regal, but don't cut as finely honed a shape, and don't have the premium interior materials the Regal has, either.

2012 Buick Regal Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Hyundai Sonata Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Volkswagen CC Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Volvo S60 Get FREE Price Quote	2011 Acura TSX Browse Used Listings	2011 Nissan Maxima Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.6 A new GS flavor rounds out the 2012 Buick Regal menu, and leaves an even sweeter taste in our mouths.	8.6 After more than a decade on the market, the latest Hyundai Sonata's an overnight success--thanks to great gas mileage, grabby styling, and exceptional value for the dollar.	8 Value-minded sedan shoppers who are willing to sacrifice a little practicality in the name of style will find a lot to like in the 2012 Volkswagen CC.	8.4 The 2012 Volvo S60 family shows that sport sedans can feel edgy without giving up their leading edge in safety, design, and interior interior comfort.	8.2 The 2011 Acura TSX is the essence of what the brand should be: compact, light, efficient, and user-friendly—not to mention fully equipped.	7.8 The 2011 Nissan Maxima is no longer primarily a sport sedan; think of it as comfortable and refined first, with its sportiness a bonus, and you’ll be happy.
MSRP From
$27,055	$19,795	$28,515	$31,300	$29,610	$31,750
Gas Mileage
18 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas/Ethanol I4	Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I5	Gas I4	Gas V6
EPA Class
Midsize	Large Cars	Compact	Compact	Compact	Mid-Size
Style Name
4dr Sedan Base	4dr Sedan 2.4L Man GLS	4dr Sedan Man Sport	FWD 4dr Sedan T5	4dr Sedan I4 Man	4dr Sedan V6 CVT 3.5 S
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	4	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Automatic w/manual shift	Manual	Manual	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Manual	Continuously Variable