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:
For 2015, the Impala is one of the few North-American-market vehicles to offer an engine capable of running on compressed natural gas (or CNG).
WHAT IS IT?
The Impala is Chevrolet’s mainstream flagship sedan. It is available in base LS, mid-line LT, and high-end LTZ variants. It was redesigned last year on a larger platform shared with the Buick LaCrosse, which moved it from our midsize-car class to the large-car category. Unlike the LaCrosse, Impala is not available with all-wheel drive.
Among Impala’s many available features are remote start, active noise-cancellation technology, voice command, and extensive safety features such as blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation braking.
WHAT’S NEW?
For 2015, Impala adds a bi-fuel model that can run on both gasoline and compressed natural gas, a fuel-saving start/stop feature on 2.5-liter four-cylinder models, and 4G LTE Internet connectivity with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot for the OnStar communication system.
FUEL ECONOMY
EPA estimated figures are 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway for the V6; 21 city, 31 highway for the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder; and 25 city, 36 highway for the bi-fuel-capable V6. All Impalas, V6 or 4-cylinder, run on regular-grade gas. In Consumer Guide® testing, an Impala LTZ 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, which, when optioned to the gunwales, still comes in a few hundred dollars below the starting price (with delivery) of an LTZ.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $26,910 – $39,635 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-DOOR SEDAN |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 196-HP, 2.5-LITER 4-CYL.; 305-hp, 3.6-liter V6; Bi-Fuel 3.6-liter V6 (260 HP on Gas, 230 on CNG) |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Front-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | USA |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 19-35 MPG |
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