Used 2017 Chevrolet Impala

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.

One of the best traits about the 2017 Chevy Impala is its comfortable and quiet ride. This is a superb choice if you want a big sedan that prioritizes wafting over lanes vs. shrieking around corners. Our engine of choice is the optional 3.6-liter V6, which pairs the Impala’s stately ride with effortless acceleration and passing power. For roughly $1,100 more, it’s a good value and still attains respectable fuel economy — up to 28 mpg. The standard 2.5-liter is adequate in terms of power and is rated up to 30 mpg. Note that it has an auto start/stop feature that switches off the engine at stoplights; it’s pretty smooth, but we’d like the option to disable it. Whichever powerplant you choose, it’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that goes about its business much like the Impala itself — with quietness and confidence.

The rebirth of Chevy’s biggest sedan brought with it a roomy interior that’s even more appreciated than its sharp suit. This is most true in mid-level LT and top-line Premier trims, the latter with perforated leather seating (base models have premium cloth, mid-grade mixes cloth and Leatherette). This 5-passenger sedan has generous legroom even for rear-seat passengers. And Chevy deserves kudos for its supportive front seats and easy-to-reach buttons and knobs to control audio and climate functions, in addition to the 8-inch touch-screen display found in LT and Premier grades. At 18.8 cubic feet, the 2017 Impala’s trunk is huge.

No longer a wallflower sitting on rental lots, this latest-generation Impala full-size sedan is striking. Its taut sheet metal 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 base LS and mid-trim LT models, while Premier Impalas ride on 19-inchers, with 20s optional.

CARPLAY & ANDROID AUTO INTEGRATION
More and more cars are on the leading edge of adopting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and the 2017 Impala is one of them. So whether you have an iPhone or an Android-based phone, it will play nice.

ACTIVE SAFETY FEATURES
The least-impactful accident is the one avoided altogether, and this full-size Chevy sedan offers features to help do just that. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and forward-collision alert are included in the Driver Confidence Package. For $595 on LT trims, it’s a deal. On Premier models, it’s standard.

The least expensive Chevy Impala, the LS, includes 8-way-power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry and 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with USB input, Bluetooth streaming and auxiliary input. Like all GM vehicles, the Impala is equipped with a subscription-based OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. For about $2,000 more, we recommend the mid-grade LT trim, which includes dual-zone climate control, 8-inch touch-screen display with Chevrolet MyLink Radio with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, upgraded seat material and additional USB inputs. Safety features include 10 airbags, stability/traction-control systems, and OnStar emergency assist. New Impalas include two years/24,000 miles (two visits) of complimentary maintenance.

The top-line Impala Premier model comes loaded with features that are optional on other trims, including the V6 engine, leather interior, the suite of active safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rearview camera, power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, push-button start, and rear park assist. Other options include radar-based cruise control, navigation system, driver memory seat, ventilated front seats, 11-speaker Bose audio system, sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and remote garage-door opener. The Impala also offers a wireless charging system for select devices. The Midnight Edition Appearance package returns with 19-inch wheels, black bow-tie badge, blacked-out grille, rear spoiler and other accents.

Two engines are available in the 2017 Chevy Impala. Standard on base LS and mid-grade LT trims is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, while the more recommendable 3.6-liter V6 is optional on those trims and standard on the 2017 Impala Premier model. The 4-cylinder engine is the fuel-saver, featuring a start/stop system that turn offs the engine at idle. The V6, on the other hand, boasts 305 horsepower and makes the Impala feel swifter. Both engines are connected to 6-speed automatic transmissions, and all Impalas are front-wheel drive. The bi-fuel Impala model that could run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) has been discontinued. As with other 2017 cars, the Impala’s fuel economy ratings are slightly lower this year due to a change in EPA testing.

2.5-liter inline-4
197 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
191 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg

3.6-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.

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