Used 2020 Chevrolet Impala

The rise of the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) has spelled doom for many full-size passenger cars, but the 2020 Chevrolet Impala marches on, oblivious to the oblivion it may soon face. For those who still love the comfort and safety of a full-size sedan, the Impala makes a compelling argument. It comes standard with a potent V6 engine, a spacious interior and a velvety-smooth ride.

While not as technically advanced as the Toyota Avalon, the Impala also isn’t as expensive, and it allows buyers the choice of adding driver assists, a nice perk for those who don’t care for such systems (they are standard on the Avalon). The base LT trim comes very nicely equipped, and the top-line Premier achieves near-luxury-car levels of equipment.

Chevrolet’s Impala nameplate has been around, on-and-off, since 1958 and while it remains a full-size sedan, measuring over 200 inches nose-to-tail, it doesn’t have much in common with those bloated boulevard cruisers of decades past. First launched for the 2014 model-year, the latest-generation 2020 Impala features a stylish, coupe-like roofline while still offering plenty of interior space and great visibility.

With its standard V6 engine, the Impala is impressively quick, with ample power for passing and merging even on steep grades. Chevrolet claims the Impala can sprint to 60 mph in a mere 6.0 seconds, and after a day pushing our test car to the limit, we believe it. Despite its mass, the 2020 Chevrolet Impala has an unexpected spryness to its handling, but it’s just as comfortable as those classic versions were in decades past.

Chevrolet may bill itself as a brand for the “masses,” but you might not know that if you slipped inside without first spotting the familiar bow-tie badge. The first thing you’re likely to note is just how well equipped and finished the latest Impala can be. The entry-level LT is nicely appointed and the top-line Premier downright posh.

Then you’ll be impressed by the sedan’s cavernous interior space. Even with five adults, no one will be jostling one another, especially with the Impala’s supportive seats keeping you firmly in place. Heading out for a long weekend, or just a golf outing, the 18.8-cubic-foot trunk will swallow everything you need.

No longer a wallflower sitting on rental lots, this latest-generation Impala full-size sedan is striking. Its taut sheetmetal 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 the LT to 19- and optional 20-inch wheels on the Premier.

CHEVROLET INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
With its bright icons, rapid response and intuitive interface, the Chevrolet infotainment system standard in the 2020 Chevrolet Impala is in a class all its own. The 8-inch touch screen isn’t as large as some competitors, but does house controls for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and, on Premier trims, voice-activated navigation.

ACTIVE SAFETY FEATURES
While most competitors make these systems standard, not everyone wants this type of technology, which is why Chevrolet makes features like blind-spot monitor, lane-change alert and rear park assist optional on the LT and standard on the Premier. The Premier also offers the option of forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.

The entry-level 2020 Impala LT comes nicely equipped including a V6 engine, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and remote start. Standard amenities include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, 4.2-inch driver-information screen, AM/FM 6-speaker audio with 8-inch color display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and multiple USB ports. An 8-way-power driver’s seat with lumbar control is also standard, along with dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, rear defroster, rearview camera and a hidden storage spot behind the 8-inch touch screen.

Move to the Premier trim and you’ll get navigation, wireless phone charging, single CD/MP3 player, leather seating, Bose audio and additional driver assists (See Favorite Features section).

Optional packages for the LT trim include the LT Convenience Package (heated front seats, heated steering wheel, premium carpeted floormats), and the Driver Confidence Package (rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, lane-change alert and blind-spot monitor). Stand-alone options include 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, rear spoiler and numerous dealer accessories.

The Premier offers the Premier Confidence Package (forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and 20-inch wheels) and the Premier Convenience Package (heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescopic steering column, memory settings for the driver’s seat and steering column plus driver’s-side auto-dimming outside mirror). Stand-alone options on the Premier include a dual-pane sunroof, automatic emergency braking and 20-inch wheels.

The 2020 Chevrolet Impala offers only one engine choice this year: a 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is the same engine offered in the Chevrolet Camaro, and it makes the big Impala sedan perform like an SS-badged car. The front-drive Impala is capable of 0-60-mph acceleration in about 6.0 seconds.

3.6-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg