IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
Impala delivers modern-day refinement and high-tech features with traditional big-car space, and the broad range of models and options means it’s relatively simple to equip one to fit your tastes and budget.
BUT…
The steeply sloped roofline cuts into rear-seat headroom and the rear roof/door pillars compromise over-the-shoulder visibility.
WORTH NOTING:
On some models, the Impala’s infotainment-system touchscreen powers up to reveal a hidden storage cubby in the dashboard.
WHAT IS IT?
The Impala is Chevrolet’s mainstream flagship sedan. It is available in base LS, mid-line LT, and high-end Premier trim levels. Both 4-cylinder and V6 engines are available, but unlike the Buick LaCrosse, Impala is not available with all-wheel drive. Among Impala’s many available features are Apple CarPlay functionality, wireless device charging capability, remote start, active noise-cancellation technology, and voice command. The extensive list of available safety features includes blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigation braking.
WHAT’S NEW?
Impala sees a minor shuffling of standard and optional equipment for 2018. A rearview camera and keyless entry and starting are now standard across the line, and the base LS model gets a MyLink infotainment interface with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.
FUEL ECONOMY
EPA-estimated figures are 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway for the V6 and 22 city/30 highway for the 4-cylinder. All Impalas run on regular-grade gas. In Consumer Guide® testing, an Impala Premier averaged 21 mpg in a slight majority of city driving.
VALUE IN CLASS
Impala strong points include one of the most powerful V6s in the class, good passenger room, a pleasing ride, and a high level of quiet. The availability of a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine is a plus for shoppers more interested in fuel economy than power. The best value probably comes from the mid-level LT; even when loaded up with options, it still comes in a few hundred dollars below the starting price (with delivery) of a Premier.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $27,895 – $36,420 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-Door Sedan |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 196-HP, 2.5-Liter 4-Cyl.; 305-HP, 3.6-Liter V6 |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Front-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | USA |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 19-30 MPG |
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