2019 Chevrolet Impala

Apr 14, 2024, 2:35pm ET

Between its limo-sized interior, clever infotainment system, and tastefully understated styling, the Impala appeals to those in search of a cushy, feature-packed four-door.

Overview

Pop open a door, and the Impala's greatest asset immediately becomes apparent: a cavernous and well-equipped interior. Passenger room is abundant, especially in the palatial rear seat area, and there's also impressive material quality to go with the spatial quantity. Available perforated leather upholstery, suede microfiber, contrast stitching and soft-touch materials give the cabin a decidedly upscale feel.

All Impalas except the base model come standard with Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, which controls the sound system and navigation system (when equipped) and offers access to smartphone-based apps like Pandora radio and Stitcher radio. Compatible with Apple CarPlay, the system can connect to up to 10 Bluetooth devices and store as many as 1,000 contacts, and it is accessed through an eight-inch touchscreen that allows iPad-like swiping, flinging and clicking. An available wireless charger keeps phones and other mobile devices juiced-up on the go.

Redundant dashboard knobs and steering wheel controls give users alternate options for controlling MyLink, and there's also a voice recognition system for hands-free calls, destination entering, song selection and more. Its "natural language" capability can recognize a staggering number of phrases - effectively eliminating the need for the clunky and cumbersome memorized commands.

An effective voice command system would be wasted in a noisy cabin, but thankfully the Impala provides a library-quiet environment with triple-sealed doors, acoustic laminated front windows and even a noise-canceling system to quell drivetrain din on four-cylinder models.

Other interior highlights include a configurable 4.2-inch driver information screen mounted in the instrument panel, an available Bose surround sound system and a novel "vault" area behind the eight-inch MyLink that protects valuables with a four-digit code.

Onstar with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot comes standard.

Technical specifications

The Impala is offered with a four- or a six-cylinder engine. Both send power to the front wheels through a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level four-cylinder is a direct-injected 2.5-liter unit that produces 197 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque and comes equipped with an active noise cancellation system to minimize interior noise. The 2.5-liter comes standard with a fuel-saving start/stop system that bumps the Impala's city mileage to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg.

The range-topping engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque - enough for a zero-to-60 mph sprint in the mid-six-second range. Mileage is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Though its suspension lacks the effective HiPerfront strut suspension and adaptive damping system seen on more expensive full-size GM sedans, the Impala nonetheless manages to strike a commendable balance between ride comfort and well-controlled body motions.

Standard and optional features

The Impala is available in LS, LT, and Premier trim levels.

Standard features include the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in addition to power windows and locks, A/C, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system with AUX and USB input, SiriusXM radio and HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a 4.2-inch color infotainment display, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a power-adjustable driver's seat and 18-inch steel wheels with hubcaps.

Options include adaptive cruise control, a Bose surround sound system, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Occupant safety

All Impala models are fitted as standard with no less than 10 airbags - including dual front, front knee, front side, rear side and full-length side-curtain units. Traction and stability control systems and a tire-pressure monitoring system are also including.

Impala LTZ models come equipped with a forward collision warning system that alerts the driver if it detects an impending collision and can apply the brakes automatically to mitigate crash damage. They also feature a lane departure system that notifies the driver if the Impala begins to wander into an adjacent lane, a rear cross-traffic alert system that chimes when it detects cars, pedestrians or other obstacles in the car's path during backup maneuvers, and a blind spot warning system.

Key competitors

As a full-size, front-wheel-drive sedan, the Impala counts the Ford Taurus and the Toyota Avalon as its primary rivals. The rear- or all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger is also worth a look as a more performance-oriented alternative.