2018 Chevrolet Impala

Is the Chevrolet Impala a Good Car?

There's no doubt that the Chevy Impala is a good car. The Impala offers a fuel-efficient base engine and a powerful V6 option. Its ride is smooth and comfortable, even on rough pavement. Tall passengers will find plenty of room to stretch out in both rows. Additionally, the Impala’s infotainment system is very user-friendly.

Should I Buy the Chevrolet Impala?

The Impala’s low starting price, comfortable interior, and refined ride make it a compelling value in the large car class. Still, there are alternatives you should consider first, like the Toyota Avalon and Kia Cadenza. Both rate higher for predicted reliability and come standard with fuel-efficient V6 engines. They also have spacious, upscale interiors. Keep in mind that both come with a higher sticker price, however.

Compare the Impala, Avalon, and Cadenza »

Should I Buy a New or Used Chevrolet Impala?

The Chevrolet Impala was last redesigned in 2014. Changes for 2018 include a newly standard rearview camera and the availability of the MyLink infotainment system in the base model (previously optional). If you want to save money and you're open to driving a used car, consider shopping for an older 2016 or 2017 Impala. The only real difference between these two model years is that trim names were changed and compressed from LS, 1LT, 2LT, and LTZ to LS, LT, and Premier. 

To research some other models in this generation, read our 2015, 2016, and 2017 Chevrolet Impala reviews. If you decide an older model is right for you, check out our Used Car Deals page for savings and incentives on used vehicles.

Compare the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Chevrolet Impala »

We Did the Research for You: 40 Reviews Analyzed

We’ve analyzed 40 Chevrolet Impala reviews, as well as fuel economy estimates, reliability ratings, crash test results, and more, to give you all the information you need to make a smart car-buying decision. This 2018 Chevrolet Impala review incorporates applicable research for all model years in this generation, which spans the 2014 through 2018 model years.

Why You Can Trust Us

Our team has 75 years’ worth of combined experience in the car industry, and we’ve been ranking cars since 2007. In that time, we’ve produced thousands of vehicle reviews that shoppers can check for unbiased information before they hit the dealership. To ensure our reviews remain objective, our editorial staff doesn’t accept expensive gifts or trips from automakers, and all advertising on our site is handled by a third party.

How Much Does the Chevrolet Impala Cost?

The 2018 Impala has a starting price of $27,895, which is lower than the base price of nearly every class rival. In addition to the base LS, there are two higher trims – the Impala LT and the Impala Premier. The Premier is the most expensive and has a starting price of $36,620, but it also comes well-equipped. A fully loaded Impala will cost you around $40,000.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Chevrolet dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Chevrolet deals page.

Chevrolet Impala Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Chevrolet Impala or Buick LaCrosse?

Like its Impala cousin, the Buick LaCrosse has a spacious interior with similar standard and available features. Both sedans offer powerful V6 options and efficient four-cylinder engines. The Buick’s four-cylinder hybrid offers better fuel economy and pep than the Impala’s. The Buick is also available with all-wheel drive. Its cabin materials have a higher-quality look and feel, and it rates higher for predicted reliability. Go with the Buick.

Which Is Better: Chevrolet Impala or Toyota Avalon?

The Toyota Avalon ranks at the top of the large car class. While the base Avalon costs more than the Impala, it offers a lot in return. The Avalon comes standard with a potent V6 engine, as well as far more active safety features, such as forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Avalon also sports better-quality interior materials and rates higher for predicted reliability.

Compare the Impala, LaCrosse, and Avalon »

Impala Interior

How Many People Does the Impala Seat?

The Impala seats five. Both rows of seats provide plenty of head- and legroom, giving even taller adults enough space to stretch out. There’s also good visibility for the driver.

Impala and Car Seats

There are two full sets of LATCH car-seat connectors in the Impala. The lower anchors are set deep in the seats, so they can be difficult to use.

Impala Interior Quality

You might not confuse this Chevy for a luxury sedan, but it still has a well-built interior. The cabin looks fairly good, and the quality of materials is generally high. Leather-appointed seats are available.

Impala Cargo Space

At nearly 19 cubic feet, the Impala has one of the largest trunks in the class. That space is enough room for several sets of golf clubs or roughly 14 carry-on bags.

Impala Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

Standard features in the Impala include three USB ports, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and the MyLink infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, which is one of the easiest-to-use systems on the market. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OnStar with 4G LTE, and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot are also standard. Available features include dual-zone automatic climate control and an 11-speaker Bose sound system.

Unlike some of its competitors, the Impala comes standard with connectivity features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The MyLink infotainment system also comes standard (this is a change for the 2018 model year).

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto? Then, see the Best Cars With Apple CarPlay and Best Cars With Android Auto.

Read more about interior »

Impala Performance

Impala Engine: The V6 Is Worth the Money

There are two engines to choose between in the Impala. The base engine is a 197-horsepower four-cylinder, and a 305-horsepower V6 is available. The four-cylinder feels weak, but the V6 delivers plenty of power and good acceleration. Almost every buyer will be better off with the larger engine.

Impala Gas Mileage: Efficient, for a Large Car

With the base engine, the Impala gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Those are good ratings for a large car. Mileage drops to 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway with the V6.

The base four-cylinder Impala will cost you about as much in gas money each year as the Buick LaCrosse – another large car with great mileage ratings. The Impala’s base engine will save you about $50 per year compared with the Toyota Avalon. On the flip side, the Buick’s and Toyota’s standard V6 engines are more efficient than the Chevy’s optional V6.

Impala Ride and Handling: Smooth Sailing

This Chevrolet comes standard with front-wheel drive. It lacks the agility of some class rivals, but it remains poised around turns and has sharp steering. The ride is smooth over most road surfaces.

Read more about performance »

Impala Reliability

Is the Chevrolet Impala Reliable?

The 2018 Impala has a below-average predicted reliability rating of 2.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

Chevrolet Impala Warranty

The Impala is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. These warranty terms are similar to those of many other large cars.

Read more about reliability »

Impala Safety

Impala Crash Test Results

From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2018 Impala received the highest rating of Good in four crash tests. It earned an Acceptable rating, the second-highest score possible, in the small overlap front test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2018 Impala a perfect five-star overall rating.

Impala Safety Features

A rearview camera is the only standard active safety feature. Forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are available.

Read more about safety »

Which Chevrolet Impala Model Is Right for Me?

The Chevy Impala comes in three trims: LS, LT, and Premier. The LS and LT come with the four-cylinder engine, while the Premier comes with the V6. The V6 is optional in both lower trims. All Impalas are front-wheel drive. Updates for the 2018 model year include the addition of more standard features in all models. Now, every Impala comes with a rearview camera, the MyLink infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Some buyers will be perfectly happy with the LS trim, which is the most affordable trim and now comes standard with a nice set of tech features. The Premier trim is the most expensive, but it also comes standard with an abundance of comfort and convenience features, so you may not need to add anything further. Still, most buyers should probably go with the LT trim. It’s reasonably priced and offers several options packages, meaning you have the freedom to choose – and pay for – only the features you want.

Chevrolet Impala LS

The Impala LS has a base price of $27,895. It comes with the four-cylinder engine and features such as the MyLink infotainment system, satellite radio, and a rearview camera. You can upgrade to the V6 engine for $1,095. The only other available feature of note is remote start, which you can add for $325. There are also a variety of upgrades related to styling, wheels, and more.

Chevrolet Impala LT

The Impala LT starts at $30,220. In addition to the LS’ features, the Impala LT comes with remote start and dual-zone automatic climate control. The LT offers several options packages.

The LT Entertainment package ($835) adds an upgraded MyLink system that includes navigation. The LT Leather package ($1,195) adds leather upholstery and a power-adjustable passenger seat. The Driver Confidence package ($495) adds rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Finally, the Sunroof and Spoiler package ($1,275) adds a power sunroof and a rear spoiler.

Chevrolet Impala Premier

The Impala Premier has a starting price of $36,620. The Premier comes standard with the V6 engine. In addition to the LT’s features, the Premier comes with leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, several additional driver assistance features, and more. Really, the Premier comes with almost every feature the Impala offers. The only notable options package is the Premier Confidence package. It costs $1,275 and adds adaptive cruise control, 20-inch wheels, and forward collision warning. You can add the power sunroof individually for $1,050.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Chevrolet dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Chevrolet deals page.

See 2018 Chevrolet Impala specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2018 Chevrolet Impala has a few more standard features than the 2017 model, but it otherwise sees no major changes. That’s a good thing, because the Impala was already a pretty good car. The Impala has a spacious cabin, a large trunk, good fuel economy, user-friendly tech features, and great crash safety ratings. That said, its below-average predicted reliability rating is a concern.

The Impala has a spacious cabin, a large trunk, good fuel economy, and user-friendly tech features. There are not a lot of reasons to dislike this car, and it deserves consideration from every large car shopper.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "As you'd expect from a large domestic sedan, the 2018 Chevrolet Impala has a smooth ride quality, a spacious interior with plenty of room for rear-seat passengers, and a trunk that's one of the largest available in any sedan. It's also quiet at highway speeds and has plenty of power when equipped with the optional V6 engine." -- Edmunds
• "The 2017 Chevrolet Impala offers an impressive combination of spaciousness, comfort and value for families and individuals seeking a full-size sedan. Substantial yet stylish, the Impala still looks fresh from a recent revamp that transformed Chevy's biggest sedan from staid to standout. While demand for full-size sedans is declining, the Impala remains relevant thanks to modern safety and tech features, a choice of 4- or 6-cylinder engines, and the largest trunk in its class. Starting around $28,000, the Impala buys a lot of car for the money, though unlike the Toyota Avalon, Kia Cadenza and Dodge Charger, a V6 is extra. Still, the Impala has impressed us enough to win the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award for its class two years in a row." -- Kelley Blue Book (2017)
• "The world of the full-size sedan can sometimes be a little gloomy – and for years, that gloom included the Chevrolet Impala, which was a mediocre also-ran in a segment without many highlights. But that all changed in 2014, when the Impala was fully redesigned with an emphasis on just about everything: style, technology, fuel economy, equipment and even driving experience. Two years later, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala is still one of the stars of the segment – and we think it's finally worthy of wearing the Impala name that recalls some of the automaker’s most stylish 1960s sedans and coupes." -- Autotrader (2016)