Used 2016 Chevrolet SS

Although its sporty appearance isn’t as flashy as some, the 2016 SS sedan from Chevrolet is not to be trifled with. That’s because beneath this 5-passenger family sedan’s sleek hood resides a Corvette-derived 6.2-liter V8. Based on the Australian Holden Commodore, this rowdy bow-tie bearer may not turn heads like the Ford Taurus SHO or Dodge Charger SRT, but once people get a glimpse at the SS’s performance potential, we imagine a down payment won’t be far off. Serving a small but fanatical audience, the 2016 Chevy SS performance sedan allows those with a need for four doors to enjoy what their Corvette and Camaro-owning buddies have, while still being able to accommodate their spouse and kids.

There’s really only one reason to demand putting a 2016 Chevy SS in your driveway, and that is its 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine. The SS’s V8 sends a whopping 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque to the car’s rear wheels by way of either a 6-speed automatic or Tremec 6-speed manual. A limited-slip differential distributes the torque. On dry pavement our SS test car hit the 60-mph mark in just 4.7 seconds, faster than most coupes we’ve tested. On the track, the SS’s direct steering and an adaptive suspension worked to keep our test car pointed in whatever direction we chose. Push the SS to its limits, however, and you’re rewarded with slight but manageable understeer. Beyond the V8’s thirst for fuel, we found the performance suspension rather punishing in daily driving, even with the Magnetic Ride Control dampening doing its best to smooth things out.

The Chevy SS pursues performance but never forgets it’s a people-carrying sedan. This is evident in the interior, which offers generous legroom for all. The front seats are supportive and offer ample headroom, though headroom is more limited in back. Leather trim and suede-like material add visual and tactile interest to the otherwise simple layout. Controls for audio and climate functions are easy to identify and operate. A dial below the gear selector allows the driver to toggle suspension settings. The 16.4-cubic-foot trunk is generous, but with fixed rear seats, oversized cargo is limited to whatever can fit between the pass-through.

The 2016 Chevy SS is subtle about the mammoth power that lies beneath its sheetmetal. Yes, prominent fender vents, large grille openings, a rear lip spoiler and standard 19-inch forged aluminum wheels all hint at the performance waiting to be unleashed, but as a whole, the SS flies under the radar. This is perfect if you want a sleeper, not so much if you’re about boy-racer or testosterone-laden looks. Out back, you’ll find a good-sized trunk but, due to the strange lack of an exterior release, accessing it requires reaching in your pocket to operate the key fob.

LONG LIST OF STANDARD FEATURES
Beyond its performance credentials resides a modern, well-equipped sedan. From the standard MyLink navigation system to the ventilated front seats and color head-up display, the SS pampers as well as it thrills.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
A car like the SS screams for a cog-changing manual transmission and the SS’s Tremec TR6060 is one of the best. Mated to an aggressive 3.70 axle ratio, it’s a feature not available on the Dodge Charger, Ford SHO or Nissan Maxima.

Unlike most vehicles, the Chevy SS is sold as a single trim. As we mentioned in Favorite Features, it’s one very well-equipped trim, which means you don’t have to spend extra on stuff that would be optional in other vehicles. Standouts include heated and cooled front seats, 9-speaker Bose audio system, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Chevy’s MyLink infotainment with 8-inch touch-screen display and navigation, rearview camera and in-car Wi-Fi connectivity. Safety features and driving aids include blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning and a system that automatically helps parallel park. Two years/24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance are also included.

A 6-speed manual transmission is available as a no-cost option in lieu of the 6-speed automatic. The only other options — which do cost extra — for Chevy’s 2016 SS sedan are a power moonroof and a full-size spare tire that replaces the standard tire sealant and inflator kit.

The 2016 SS sedan’s sole engine offering is a big and thirsty 6.2-liter V8 with tremendous power. You can now choose between a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual control or a traditional 6-speed gear shifter and three pedals on the floor. All Chevy SS sedans are rear-wheel drive. Premium unleaded gasoline is recommended but not required.

6.2-liter V8
415 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
415 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22 mpg (manual), 14/20 mpg (automatic)