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2016 Buick Regal

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Buick Regal
Pictured: 2020 Buick Regal Sportback (United States) front view (cropped). Photo: AJM STUDIOS, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Eassist, 4dr Sedan Turbo/Gs
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
28 combined · 24 city / 35 hwy
Length
190.6 in
Curb weight
3,642–3,693 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints41 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 189 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Buick Regal is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,642 lb (4dr Sedan Eassist).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 35 highway), 7% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Regal — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Regal →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–2.0L turbo 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Premium IILeatherGS

Built in: Oshawa, Ontario

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Regal configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Eassist190.6 in73.2 in58.3 in107.9 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,642 lb58/42
4dr Sedan Turbo/Gs190.6 in73.2 in58.3 in107.9 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,693 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Regal eAssist Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 35 / 28+7%$2,400312
Regal2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24-8%$2,800374
Regal2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 24-8%$2,800372
Regal2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23-12%$2,900381
Regal AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22-16%$3,050407
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.2 MPG2016 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Buick Regal.

Similar 2016 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Buick Regal (this car)28 MPGNot rated1
2016 Toyota Corolla34 MPGNot rated1
2016 Honda Civic35 MPGNot rated5
2016 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated4
2016 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated3
2016 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated1
2016 Chevrolet Malibu46 MPGNot rated10

Recalls (1)

Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Feb 24, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V108000 · 74 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.
Risk
A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21510.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Buick Regal is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

41Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
27,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering10
Electrical System6
Unknown Or Other5
Power Train5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Engine5
Exterior Lighting4
Visibility/Wiper3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/01: 120/10: 121/01: 121/03: 121/04: 121/06: 221/07: 121/08: 121/10: 121/12: 122/01: 222/02: 122/04: 122/05: 222/10: 222/12: 123/01: 123/06: 123/08: 124/04: 124/05: 224/09: 125/02: 125/06: 120/0121/0321/0721/1222/0422/1223/0824/09max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Buick Regal buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 10 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Buick Regal. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Regal years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Regal26192.9 inNot rated26
2019 Regal26192.9 inNot rated320
2018 Regal26192.9 inNot rated333
2017 Regal24190.6 inNot rated020
2015 Regal28190.6 inNot rated033
2014 Regal28190.6 inNot rated238
2013 Regal29190.6 inNot rated686
2012 Regal28190.6 inNot rated779
2011 Regal24190.6 inNot rated4238

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →