Luxury Meets Practicality: The 2017 Buick Regal for Families
The 2017 Buick Regal continues to offer sophisticated styling with sporty handling, making it an attractive option for smaller families seeking a premium mid-size sedan. While carrying over most features from the 2016 model, our updated car seat evaluation reveals important considerations for parents.
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Key Safety Findings
- Accommodates two child seats comfortably in the second row
- Rear-facing infant seat requires front seat adjustment
- Improved LATCH anchor accessibility compared to previous models
- Excellent safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS
Detailed Car Seat Assessment
Our certified child passenger safety technicians conducted thorough testing using industry-standard equipment to evaluate the 2017 Regal's family-friendliness.
Test Methodology
We installed three types of child restraints in the second row:
- Infant seat: Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 (rear-facing)
- Convertible seat: Britax Marathon (forward and rear-facing configurations)
- Booster seat: Graco TurboBooster (high-back mode)
Front seats were positioned for a 6-foot driver and average-height passenger (5'8") to simulate real-world conditions.
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Rear-Facing Infant Seat Compatibility
The most significant challenge emerged with rear-facing infant seat installation. Unlike the 2015 model that earned top marks, the 2017 Regal required compromise:
- Front passenger seat needed forward adjustment
- Legroom reduced for passengers over 5'8"
- Knee clearance became tight against the dashboard
- This 2-inch difference in tester height changed our assessment from an "A" to a "C" rating, highlighting how body dimensions affect real-world usability.
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Forward-Facing Seats and Booster Performance
The Regal performed better with forward-facing configurations:
- Convertible seats installed securely with both LATCH and seat belt methods
- Ample headroom and shoulder space for growing children
- Easy access to top tether anchors behind the seatback
- Booster seat fit well with proper seat belt routing
Three Car Seat Configuration Test
Attempting to install three across the second row presented challenges:
- Center position lacks dedicated LATCH anchors
- Seat belt installation required for middle position
- Booster seat occupant could reach buckles with difficulty
- Shoulder room became cramped for older children
We recommend the 2017 Regal primarily for families with two children in safety seats.
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LATCH System Evaluation
The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system showed improvements:
- Clearly marked anchor points in outboard positions
- Reasonable 65-pound weight limit (child + seat combined)
- Easy-to-access top tether anchors on seatbacks
- Deep seat cushions occasionally obscured lower anchors
Safety Considerations for Parents
Important factors to consider when using the 2017 Regal with child seats:
- Always check vehicle and car seat manuals for specific guidance
- Remember that seat belt installations are equally valid when LATCH weight limits are exceeded
- Consider your family's height when evaluating rear-facing seat compatibility
- Test install your specific car seats before purchase
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Comparison to Competitors
How the Regal stacks up against similar luxury sedans:
- Lexus ES: Slightly better rear legroom but similar infant seat challenges
- Acura TLX: More accommodating for rear-facing seats
- Lincoln MKZ: Comparable space with easier LATCH access
Final Recommendations
The 2017 Buick Regal works best for:
- Families with one or two children in forward-facing seats
- Parents under 5'8" using rear-facing infant seats
- Those prioritizing luxury features with adequate safety provisions
Families expecting to frequently transport three children or needing extended rear-facing use should consider crossovers with more rear seat space.
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Additional Safety Features
The 2017 Regal includes several family-friendly safety technologies:
- Standard rearview camera
- Available forward collision warning
- Optional blind spot monitoring
- Ten standard airbags
