2014 Chevrolet Impala

SAFE TO SECURE VALUABLES
Behind the Impala's optional 8-inch color touchscreen is an area similar to a hotel-room-style safe. When you use a 4-digit code to lock the safe, it not only locks the screen in the lowered position but also locks out your address book and other private info you might have entered into the Chevrolet MyLink system.

MYLINK INFOTAINMENT
Ford has gotten a lot of mileage out of its SYNC system, but several of us like the Chevy MyLink system better. Among the niceties of MyLink are big icons, 3-D map presentation, and the ability to store 60 "favorites" – radio stations, contacts, songs and points of interest among them.

Active noise cancelation in 4-cylinder versions is just one example of the lengths Chevy product planners have gone to offer Impala customers a luxury-like experience. A quick look inside reveals attractive, upscale materials in an appealing design, and, like some of our editorial staff, the interior looks even better in the dark. Ice-blue cabin lighting and chrome trim with "bleed-through" lighting add to the sophisticated feel, and the instrument panel features multi-dimensional gauges and a 4.2-inch screen with configurable colors. We found the seats, some of which are covered in leather and sueded microfiber, to be both comfortable and attractive. And the climate and infotainment (radio) controls on the center stack are big, clearly marked and easy to use.

Under the supervision of John Cafaro, the Chevy design team has drawn an Impala with a long, long hood, highly sculpted front end and a roof so lengthy you might call it a semi-fastback. Chevy pulled out the stops in the front by offering upscale low-profile projector-beam headlights, and the top-of-the-line LTZ trim level has HID headlamps and LED daytime running lights, taking a further step upscale. The overwhelming sense in the new Impala is one of contemporary luxury, and that is enhanced by an array of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels. Though the trunklid is exceptionally short, trunk space has not been compromised, offering a substantial 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

While three powertrains will eventually be offered in Impala, at this writing we have only had the opportunity to experience one of them – the top-of-the-line 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Its 264 lb-ft torque number won't bowl you over, but it felt strong during our 200 miles at the wheel, abetted by the 6-speed automatic transmission. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder will become available later in the model year offering 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Arguably the most interesting engine choice is the 182-horsepower 2.4-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder that gets the benefit of eAssist. With a little help from its electric friend, the 2.4-liter engine will enable the Impala to deliver 35-mpg highway fuel economy.

2.5-liter inline-4
196 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 mpg

2.4-liter inline-4 w/eAssist mild hybrid
182 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
172 lb-ft of torque @ 4.900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/35 mpg

3.6-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29 mpg

The pricing of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala starts lower than its domestic competitors from Ford and Chrysler since it is offered with a base 4-cylinder engine. The Ford Taurus is V6-only, while the Dodge Charger offers V8 versions to supplement its V6-powered models. In terms of suggested retail price on a similar-equipment basis the Impala is right there with its domestic competitors. When the time comes to sell it as a used car or trade it in, we expect the new Impala to maintain its value somewhat better than the competitive models from Dodge and, especially, Ford. To find out what consumers are paying right now, please look at the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price.

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