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- Highs Smooth and composed ride, feels smaller than its size, intuitive infotainment controls.
- Lows Base four-cylinder is weak, dated cabin design, some cheap-looking interior trim pieces.
- Verdict The Impala, with its roomy interior, smooth ride, and cavernous trunk, is a solid choice for buyers who prefer a traditional large sedan.
Overview
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size family sedan that delivers big when it comes to cabin room and cargo volume. Rivals like the Toyota Avalon and Kia Cadenza might offer a higher degree of luxury, and the Dodge Charger brims with four-door muscle car attitude when fitted with an optional Hemi V-8. But what the Impala does, it does very well. The ride is smooth, the seats are comfortable no matter where you sit, and the infotainment system is easy to master. While many might overlook the Impala in the rush to buy all things SUV, this Chevy is a solid bargain and cuts a stylish path through traffic with its conservatively handsome exterior.
What's New for 2017?
The Chevrolet Impala is relatively unchanged from the previous model year. Android Auto is now standard, along with Apple CarPlay which was added onto the 2016 Impala.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- LS: $28,375
- LT: $30,640
- Premier: $36,720
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The front-wheel-drive Impala comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-four that delivers a meager 197 horsepower. Avoid it. A much better choice is the optional 3.6-liter V-6 that provides 305 horsepower and way more refinement in every type of driving scenario. Each engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission that operates seamlessly in the background. Particularly when fitted with the V-6, the Impala gets down the road quickly and feels like a smaller mid-size sedan from the driver’s seat. Granted, this isn’t what we’d call a sporty ride, though the Impala deserves credit for balancing steering agility and comfort with a suspension that doesn’t turn to mush when the road ahead is curvy.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Impala is proof you don’t always need an SUV to get copious amounts of passenger space and plenty of room for luggage. Adults will be comfortable no matter where they’re seated, and the front or rear seat cushioning is supportive over long drives. You can upgrade from cloth to leather seating surfaces and add niceties like heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable front passenger seat. Still, even in range-topping Premier trim, the Impala is more blue-collar mainstream than luxury cruiser in the design of its dashboard and the cheap-looking materials used throughout the cabin. To be honest, the dash is starting to look dated, though the controls are nicely arranged, and everything is within easy reach. There are a generous number of storage spaces in the cabin, and the Impala’s trunk measures a yawning 18.8 cubic feet in capacity.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Impala’s infotainment system is user-friendly, for even the most tech-averse driver. The 8.0-inch touchscreen has quick reaction times and comes standard with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a total of four USB ports. One is hidden behind the screen itself, in a small dash-mounted cubby that’s ideal for hiding valuables from prying eyes. Optional tech touches include navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chevrolet Impala’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.