Against 399 other V6 cars rated 2018–2020, the Regal beats their 21.7 mpg average by 2.3 mpg, about $170 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.4L 4-cyl (2012–2016), does 28.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (1986–1987), 18.5: $714 a year apart.
Every Buick Regal engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 24.2 / 35.2 | 2012–2016 | $1,362 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.4 / 31.2 | 2011–2020 | $1,524 | |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 20 / 29 | 1984–1985 | $1,670 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 19 / 27 | 2018–2020 | $1,745 | |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 18 / 26.5 | 1984–1985 | $1,829 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 18 / 26.5 | 1988–1989 | $1,829 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 17.3 / 26 | 1990–1997 | $1,892 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 17 / 26.1 | 1986–2004 | $1,901 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 15.5 / 22 | 1986–1987 | $2,076 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 37.1 mpg, the Toyota Prius 56 mpg and the Hyundai Elantra 40.5 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2020 Regal. The Regal costs the most of them to run: $914 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2020) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2018–2020 | −$170 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,986 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2020 Buick Regal gives up 9 mpg in town: 29.5 on the highway against 20.5 in the city, $571 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2020) | 20.5 mpg | $1,873 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29.5 mpg | $1,302 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Regal changed over the years
The Regal peaked in 2013 at 29 mpg (25 city, 36 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 18.5 — 10.5 mpg apart, or $752 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2020 car does 24. The biggest single-year change came in 2017: 28 to 24 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2019 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2018 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2017 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2016 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2015 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2014 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2013 | 25 / 36 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2012 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2011 | 20 / 31 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2004 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2002 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1997 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1996 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1994 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1992 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1991 | 17 / 28 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1990 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1989 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1988 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1986 | 16 / 22.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1985 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 38 EPA ratings of the Buick Regal — 9 engines across 1984–2020. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,986. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2020 Buick Regal get?
24 mpg combined, 20.5 city and 29.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 22 to 26. Across every year since 1984 the Regal has averaged 22.2 mpg.
Is the 2020 Regal more efficient than the 2019?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which Regal year has the best gas mileage?
The 2013, at 29 mpg combined (25 city, 36 highway).
Does the Regal get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 24 mpg for the 2020 Regal against 37.1 for the 2021 Toyota Camry, about $565 a year more to run.
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