Used 2018 Chevrolet Impala

Family-friendly and fuel-efficient, the 2018 Chevrolet Impala is a comfortable and spacious full-size 4-door. It’s Chevy’s largest sedan, offers class-leading trunk space and has a low starting price around $29,000. Three trim levels are offered, LS, LT and the luxurious Premier, which gets a standard 3.6-liter V6 packing 305 horsepower. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is standard in the LS and LT, but the V6 is optional. With 197 horsepower the 4-cylinder is powerful enough for most buyers and features start/stop, which shuts off the engine at red lights to save fuel. All Impalas are front-wheel drive. Standard luxuries include onboard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, keyless entry and 18-inch wheels. The new Impala competes with the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Kia Cadenza, Hyundai Azera and Ford Taurus.

Some still remember the V8-powered Impalas from the 1960s and 1970s and associate the nameplate with those bloated, gas hogs that handled like the Andrea Doria. Forget all that. Although large at over 200 inches long, the 2018 Chevy Impala is spry and easy to park. This is a luxurious, comfortable and quiet sedan with a ride that’s plush without being floaty. And its handling, thanks to its front-wheel drive and standard 18-inch wheels and tires, is more than enough for most. Visibility is excellent. The Impala’s upright seating position gives you a commanding view of the road, and its steering isn’t too heavy. Our LT test car packed the optional 305-horsepower V6 from the Chevy Camaro, a serious value for just $1,100, and it was properly quick. Pin the gas pedal and the Impala will screech its front tires and shoot to 60 mph in about 6.0 seconds.

Step inside the Impala’s interior and you’re met with serious square footage, modern design and impressive fit and finish. This full-size sedan seats five comfortably and there’s a generous amount of rear seat legroom. You won’t have any problem carpooling members of the high-school basketball team, while the Impala’s massive 18.8 cubic feet of trunk space will swallow the marching band’s instruments. Well, at least the tuba. The front seats are supportive, and all of the audio and climate controls are simple and easy to use. The Impala’s standard 8-inch touch screen is large for the class and quick to respond.

No longer a wallflower sitting on rental lots, this latest-generation Impala full-size sedan is striking. Its taut sheet metal hides its 201.3-inch length well without looking over-the-top. Even the grille — an element that gapes on many other cars — is well-proportioned. The long and powerful hood leads into a nicely swept windshield and sweptback roof, while the sides gently flex with creases running just below the windows. The trunklid appears short but hides plenty of space inside. Wheel sizes range from 18 inches on base LS and mid-trim LT models, while Premier Impalas ride on 19-inchers, with 20s optional.

CHEVY MYLINK
With quick response, an intuitive interface and detailed graphics, Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system is one of the best. The system comes with onboard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice activation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a large 8-inch screen. An easily programmed navigation system is available and standard on the Premier.

ACTIVE SAFETY FEATURES
Many active safety systems are standard on the Premiere model and optional on the LT with the V6, including Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert and Rear Park Assist that warns when your bumper approaches objects. Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Alert are available.

The least expensive Chevy Impala, the LS, includes 8-way-power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, Bluetooth, a large 8-inch color touch screen, a rearview camera, Chevrolet MyLink Radio with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and an auxiliary input. Like all GM vehicles, the Impala is equipped with a subscription-based OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. For about $2,000 more, we recommend the mid-grade LT trim, which includes dual-zone climate control, remote engine start and additional USB inputs. Safety features include 10 airbags, stability/traction-control systems, and OnStar emergency assist. New Impalas include two years/24,000 miles (two visits) of complimentary maintenance.

The top-line Impala Premier model comes loaded with features that are optional on other trims, including the V6 engine, 19-inch wheels, leather, the suite of active safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, power passenger seat, heated front seats, navigation, and rear park assist. Other options include active cruise control, driver memory seat, ventilated front seats, 11-speaker Bose audio system and a sunroof. The Impala Premier also gets standard wireless phone charging and a 120v power outlet. The Midnight Edition Appearance package adds black wheels, black bow-tie badge, blacked-out grille, rear spoiler and other accents. Also available are 20-inch wheels.

Two engines are available in the 2018 Chevy Impala. Standard on base LS and mid-grade LT trims is a smooth 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 197 horsepower, while the more recommendable 3.6-liter V6 is optional on those trims and standard on the 2018 Impala Premier model. The 4-cylinder engine is the fuel-sipper of the two, featuring a start/stop system that turns off the engine at red lights to save gas. The V6, which is shared with the Chevy Camaro, boasts 305 horsepower and gives the Impala significantly more thrust. With the V6 the sedan is capable of 0-60-mph acceleration in about 6.0 seconds. Both engines are connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission, and all Impalas are front-wheel drive.

2.5-liter inline-4
197 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
191 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg

3.6-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg