Buick Regal
26 MPG The 2020 Buick Regal is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–2020 run it averages 21.2 MPG, improving by 7.2 MPG over 30 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 26 MPG | 22 | 32 | $2950 | 343 | 1 |
| 2019 | 26 MPG | 22 | 32 | $2950 | 345 | 1 |
| 2018 | 26 MPG | 22 | 32 | $2950 | 344 | 1 |
| 2017 | 23.5 MPG | 20 | 29.5 | $2950 | 380 | 2 |
| 2016 | 23.7 MPG | 20 | 29.7 | $2633 | 376 | 3 |
| 2015 | 23.7 MPG | 20 | 30 | $2633 | 375 | 3 |
| 2014 | 23.7 MPG | 20 | 30 | $2633 | 375 | 3 |
| 2013 | 22.6 MPG | 18.9 | 28.6 | $2771 | 396 | 7 |
| 2012 | 22.6 MPG | 18.9 | 28.6 | $2771 | 394 | 7 |
| 2011 | 22.7 MPG | 19 | 29.7 | $2750 | 393 | 3 |
| 2004 | 20.5 MPG | 17 | 27 | $3400 | 434 | 2 |
| 2003 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 26 | $3575 | 456 | 2 |
| 2002 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 26 | $3575 | 456 | 2 |
| 2001 | 20.5 MPG | 16.5 | 27 | $3400 | 434 | 2 |
| 2000 | 20 MPG | 16.5 | 26 | $3500 | 445 | 2 |
| 1999 | 20 MPG | 16.5 | 26 | $3500 | 445 | 2 |
| 1998 | 20 MPG | 16.5 | 26 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 1996 | 21 MPG | 17.5 | 26.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 1995 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 3 |
| 1994 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 1993 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 3 |
| 1992 | 19.7 MPG | 16.7 | 25.3 | $3167 | 452 | 3 |
| 1991 | 20 MPG | 17 | 27 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 1990 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 26.5 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 1989 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 27.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1988 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 1987 | 18.3 MPG | 15.8 | 22.3 | $3625 | 487 | 4 |
| 1986 | 18 MPG | 15.5 | 22 | $3675 | 494 | 4 |
| 1985 | 19.4 MPG | 16.8 | 23.8 | $3525 | 476 | 8 |
| 1984 | 18.8 MPG | 16.4 | 23.3 | $3611 | 501 | 9 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Buick Regal ranks 88 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Kia Spectra (26.5), Alfa Romeo Giulia (27), BMW 528i (27), BMW 530i xDrive (27), BMW X2 sDrive28i (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 343 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Buick Regal get?
The 2020 Buick Regal is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 22 city and 32 highway. Across all 30 model years in the database it averages 21.2 MPG, ranging from 16 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Buick Regal cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2020 model is $2950.
Has the Buick Regal become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 18.8 MPG in 1984 to 26 in 2020 — an improvement of 7.2 MPG, or 38% across 30 model years.
Is the Buick Regal efficient for its class?
It ranks 88 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 1.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.