Today's Impala delivers what you expect in a full-size American car: abundant passenger room, a stress-free ride, and overall running smoothness. What sets the current model apart from its ancestors is its dramatic exterior design and smorgasbord of tech features.
What's New for 2016
The MyLink infotainment interface receives several updates, including Apple CarPlay capability. A black-out Midnight Edition package is now available on V6 models.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Impala
The front-drive Impala does an impressive job of accommodating five adults and feels downright lounge-like with only four onboard. The vacation-friendly trunk comes in at nearly 19 cubic feet, and that's before you fold down the rear seat for long loads.
The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 195 horsepower and delivers 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The available 3.6-liter V6 provides a massive boost to 305 horsepower, although mileage drops to 22 mpg combined. Both engines are hooked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, there's also a bi-fuel version of the V6 than can run on compressed natural gas (CNG) in addition to gasoline. The Impala is one of very few passengers cars available with CNG capability.
As usual for Chevrolet, the Impala is available in LS, LT, and LTZ trims:
All V6 Impalas are available in Midnight Edition trim with an all-black exterior, special wheels, and sport pedals.
The faux suede seating available on the LT feels a lot like the real thing and adds interesting punch to the interior. The four-cylinder engine is indeed efficient, but feels like economy overkill in a car of this size. Most buyers will feel much more at home with the powerful V6.