2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ
Miles Driven: 452
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
Real-world fuel economy: 21.0 mpg
Base price (2LTZ): $35,770 (not including $810 destination charge)
Price as tested: $39,510
Quick Hits
The great: High-end interior, quiet cabin
The good: Luxury-car ride
The not so good: Middling fuel economy with V6 engine
What’s new for 2014
About the only thing the redesigned Impala shares with its predecessor are its trim-level designations. The 2014 Impala will reprise base LS, mid-line LT, and high-end LTZ variants.
The LS comes with 18-inch steel wheels and wheel covers, cloth upholstery, projector-beam headlamps, power mirrors, air conditioning, 8-way power driver seat and 2-way power power passenger seat, AM/FM/CD/satellite radio with a digital-media connection, and a USB port. To this the LT adds painted alloy wheels, cloth-and-vinyl seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, and MyLink radio with hidden lockable storage behind the 8-inch sliding screen. LTZ equipment includes extra exterior bright trim, 19-inch machined alloy wheels, perforated-leather seats, high-intensity headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, exposed dual exhaust outlets with chrome surrounds, an 8-way power passenger seat, and keyless access and push-button starting. V6 LTZs also come with a standard power sunroof.
LS options are confined to a single convenience package that includes rear-obstacle detection. LTs can be ordered with a choice of five packages that include a variety of safety features, navigation, audio enhancements, and/or 19-inch wheels. The sunroof is a stand-alone option for the LT. One package for the LTZ brings features like a heated steering wheel and power-adjustable steering column, while the other delivers an 11-speaker audio upgrade. Navigation, 20-inch wheels, and adaptive cruise control are indvidual LTZ options—though the wheel and cruise-control options are restricted to V6-powered cars.
A 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 powers 2LT and 2LTZ models, while a 196-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder will serve the LS, 1LT, and 1LTZ. Cars with the 2.5-liter employ grille shutters and modified underbody panels to change airflow in order to reduce mileage-sapping drag.
Damon Bell
In top-line LTZ trim at least, the all-new Impala is a pleasant, comfortable cruiser and a solid class competitor. This tester’s $39,510 sticker price may seem steep, but that number is in step with like-equipped rivals. However, I’d forgo the optional 20-inch wheels–in my book, the style upgrade is not worth the diminished ride quality.
Jack Stewart
The new 2014 Chevrolet Impala is striking both inside and out. It’s also comfortable and has good performance. This is one of the strongest contenders in the increasingly competitive large sedan class.
Tom Appel
Impala is probably the best market-focused Chevy I’ve ever driven. It is very much a large car, with a smooth ride, good power, lots of space, and decently attractive trappings. Our nicely blinged LTZ looked great on the street, too. Our LTZ tester came to $40,000, though decently a decently equipped LT can be had for less than $35,000. This new big Chevy doesn’t diminish the appeal of Toyota’s excellent Avalon, but does a great job of matching it.
Don Sikora
The new Impala is big, comfortable, and nicely trimmed inside. Ride quality is good, and the smooth V6 is strong. There’s a lot here to like if you’re looking at big sedans. Enough so that this Chevy might be more tempting than competitors from more “prestigious” brands.
Ed Piotrowski
As with the Malibu and Equinox before it, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala goes from rental-fleet darling to a must-see motor for those who want something more than your typical midsize sedan. The available V6 engine delivers plenty of smooth power, and the cabin is quiet and refined. At $39,500 as tested, this loaded LTZ seems pricey, but it’s actually cheaper than several of its competitors, including the new Kia Cadenza.
Test Drive: 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring
2014 Chevrolet Impala
