2018 Chevrolet Impala

About that interior: it’s too busy. By our eye, the dash crests and falls in too many places and we’re stuck wondering just what we should look at. It’s compounded by Chevy’s use of a few different materials that cut the look up too much. Chevy’s overall idea is a winner, it just falls down in execution—we’d prefer less drama.

Outside, the sedan makes good for those transgressions. It’s a good looking collection of panels that mix crisp lines with good-looking shapes. By our eye, the grille manages to crib some of the better moves from Honda, especially with its clean lines.

Around back, the Chevy Impala stamps on the throttle with complex shapes that help sculpt a racier roofline, but an intersection of clean corners pulls it all together into a smartly pressed crease. It’s one of GM’s best efforts, even if it brings together different brands’ identities into a single Chevy.

Its ride earns one point above average, and that’s about all we can say. The Impala earns a 6 out of 10 on our metric for performance. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Like last year, the Chevy Impala comes equipped with a 6-speed automatic and a choice between a 2.5-liter inline-4 or a 3.6-liter V-6.

The 6-speed isn’t a smooth customer, but manages to keep the Impala settled into long cruises. Because the torque converter's set up to lock up more often in the name of fuel economy, a jumpy foot can trigger what feels like half-shifts as the converter unlocks. It's still ready to react quickly to the right amount of pedal.

Base Chevy Impala LS models and mid-range LT models are fitted as standard with a 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes 196 horsepower. In our drives, the inline-4 is better suited for mid-range hauls than off-the-line acceleration, which we suppose is the point.

Active noise cancellation quells some of the harsher noises made by the raspy inline-4, but it’s not as swift as the badge might imply.

Chevy Impala Premier models pack more under the hood by way of a standard 3.6-liter V-6 that makes a more satisfying 305 hp, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds. In addition to the bellowing exhaust, the V-6 also provides a more satisfying feeling that the premium sedan should impart. It has a big flat torque curve with a responsive—without jittery—throttle response. The bigger V-6 is available as an option on all grades.

The Impala’s suspension hints at a more focused mission than as a soft, wallowy full-size sedan.

Front struts and a rear multi-link setup are aided by digressive damping that swallows big bumps and bounces through small ones. The Impala’s 3,800-pound weight is kept on a short leash with promising rebound springs.

The Impala rides on stock 18-inch rubbers, but is upgradable to noisy 20-inchers shod with Bridgestone Potenzas.

A natural steering setup is complemented by a solid steering weight and repeatable tracking. It’s comfortable without being lazy, and improves by a measure over the Taurus, Azera, and Avalon.

By the numbers, the 111.7 inches between the wheels of the Impala and its 201.3-inch span bumper-to-bumper can rival bigger SUVs. Despite its impressive shadow, the Impala is in line with other sedans in its class, such as the VW Passat and Toyota Avalon.

Four adults should fit comfortably in the Impala, and five will work in a pinch. Very tall rear-seat riders may get a little cramped for leg room, but most body types should fit just fine. Up front, the two positions are good enough for the Lakers’ frontcourt.

For 2018, Chevy skipped the base cloth on LS models in favor of the cloth/synthetic leather trim found on LT models. Premier models do the best with leather seats that not only feel better, but also are more adjustable.

The Impala’s cargo room is just as impressive with 18.8 cubic feet, just a hair shy of the Taurus’ immense 20 cubes. The Chevy’s room is a little shallow, but the trunk floor is flat and extends well below the rear glass.

Interior storage cubbies abound, with long bins and bottle holders on every door, and the center console is wide and deep enough to swallow a shoebox.

All models now feature a motorized 8.0-inch touchscreen that covers a hidden storage bin for valuables or phones.

Base and mid-range Chevy Impala LT models use active noise cancellation to quell bad vibrations from the 2.5-liter inline-4 with good effect; the Impala is a relatively quiet ride.

We give it a 6 for safety, given its crash scores.  (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Chevy made standard this year a rearview camera that was desperately missing from earlier base models.

On top of a standard rearview camera, all models get a standard complement of airbags, traction and stability control systems, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitors.

Above our average, we give the Impala a point for a good infotainment system and another point for good base equipment. Optional extras aren’t anything out of the ordinary, so the Impala gets a 7 out of 10 on our scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

All Impala sedans have power features, air conditioning, cruise control, and 18-inch wheels. Base LS models swap cloth for cloth/synthetic leather this year, which is better for entry buyers, and they include an 8.0-inch motorized infotainment screen that reveals a small storage pocket at the press of a button.

Now that LS models are trimmed better, we have a hard time justifying the price to move up to LT models, which add a remote starter and LED running lights.

Moving up to Premier this year adds 19-inch wheels, power adjustable front seats, sunroof, Bose premium audio, leather seats, navigation, and wireless cellphone charging.

With all the options—power tilt/telescoping steering; navigation; 20-inch wheels; Bose audio; adaptive cruise control; and ventilated seats—an Impala Premier can cost more than $40,000.

MyLink offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility—it can mirror some smartphone functions on the car's touchscreen display—and wireless charging for cell phones, as an option.

Those numbers are lower than direct rivals with a V-6 such as the Toyota Avalon and Dodge Charger. We’ve seen up to 20 mpg in V-6 models and 25 mpg in inline-4 models, in our drives.