2018 Chevrolet Impala

Overview

Since the nameplate’s introduction way back in 1958, the Chevrolet Impala has offered large-car spaciousness at an affordable price, and this current generation is no different. A large trunk, plush seats, and a smooth ride are Impala trademarks that continue to define Chevrolet’s full-size family sedan. Performance is adequate, and the Impala hides its heft well, driving much like the mid-size Chevrolet Malibu. Its expansive cabin, while comfortable, is starting to show its age, but the Impala’s handsome exterior styling, intuitive infotainment system, and vast cargo capacity keep it in the hunt.

What's New for 2018?

Chevrolet’s largest sedan receives only a few changes for 2018, starting with three new exterior colors: Nightfall Gray Metallic, Graphite Metallic, and Cajun Red Tintcoat. Passive keyless entry and push-button start are now standard across the lineup, and LED daytime running lights are now standard on the midrange LT trim. A heated steering wheel is now part of the LT Convenience package, and the LT model also receives a new Sunroof and Spoiler package.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Impala’s powertrains get the job done without fuss or excessive excitement. While the Impala is only offered with front-wheel drive, there are two available engines. A lethargic 197-hp 2.5-liter inline-four is standard, while a punchy 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is optional. Both send their power through a six-speed automatic transmission.The optional V-6 is the one to buy. It's both smooth and powerful, delivering excellent pep around town and making quick work of highway merging and passing. The Impala's comfort-tuned suspension doesn’t completely eliminate driving fun, and the optional V-6 moves the large Chevy with zeal. It feels composed on the road, absorbs bumps easily, and offers a hushed ride. It handles most driving scenarios gracefully, and from behind the wheel the Impala doesn’t feel as large as its dimensions suggest.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Impala’s spacious interior makes for an ideal family car, as riding in the back seat is anything but a punishment. Interior materials range from almost luxurious to a bit cheap. Compared with its rivals, the Chevy’s interior is dated. Soft-touch materials are in most key areas, but our Premier test vehicle’s faux-wood trim missed the mark, appearing cheap and tacky rather than upscale. The white leather seats with tan piping, however, projected an air of richness, and their pleasantly plush cushioning provided good support and comfort. Upgrading from the base Impala to the midrange LT trim level adds dual-zone automatic climate control and adjustable lumbar support for the front-seat passenger. The Premier model comes with perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power passenger seat. The Premier Convenience package adds memory settings for the driver’s seat, a power-adjustable steering column, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. There's a generous amount of cargo room in the trunk, as well as numerous cubbies and bins for interior storage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system is intuitive, minimally distracting to the driver, and very quick to respond to commands. A plethora of other standard technology features, including a six-speaker audio system, round out the Impala’s tech offerings. The 11-speaker Bose audio system, which is optional in LT models and standard in the Premier, is unimpressive; we found its tones to be muddy and indistinct. The Bose stereo is part of the Entertainment package in the LT model and comes bundled with features such as navigation, ambient interior lighting, and a CD player. All Impala models include an 8.0-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Three USB ports are standard, including one hidden in a bin behind the infotainment screen. Navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates is optional on the LT model, as part of the Entertainment package, and standard on the Premier.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

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.