For the first time in the Impala’s illustrious 50-year history, Chevrolet has made the 2014 model more upscale. They’ve even added a 4-cylinder engine. All this might sound counterproductive, however, after some quality time in a Crystal Red 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT with the Ecotec 2.5L 4-pot I’m here to report that the formula works brilliantly.
It works mostly because no engine could detract from the essential goodness that has been baked into each and every one of these new-generation Impalas. The 2014 Chevy Impalas are super smooth, super quiet, and super commodious and comfortable, and all that in a stylish package.
The formula also works because the “four” in question is great. Chevrolet upgraded the direct-injection Ecotec for 2014 with intake-valve lift control for better fuel efficiency, and more noise-cancelling engineering for even greater refinement.
I think most drivers will be pleasantly surprised by how well this “smaller” engine drives and works in this “bigger” Impala. Drivers will obviously appreciate the fuel efficiency (9.9L/100km city; 6.3L highway). It is definitely something you should experience and consider before automatically going with the V6 in your next mid-to-full-sizesedan purchase.
What is the Chevrolet Impala?
Impala is Chevrolet’s largest and most expensive sedan ($28,445 to $39,645), now built on the extended-length version of the front-drive Epsilon II platform, just like the new Cadillac XTS. The new length and up-market positioning give the Impala better market separation from the midsize Malibu in Chevrolet’s portfolio.
2014 Chevrolet Impala Price and Specs
My Impala LT tester is positioned dead-centre in the LS-LT-LZ Impala model hierarchy, with a base price of $31,445. Major highlights of the LT level include aluminum wheels, dual exhaust, dual zone HVAC, and the infotainment system packing an 8” touchscreen, MyLink (the new-generation version), USB ports, and Bluetooth.
There are also loads of options on this baby pushing the as-tested (pre-tax, pre-PDI) price to $37,910.
The most compelling features on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT option list are 19” aluminum wheels, surround sound, navigation, rear camera, remote start, and an advanced safety package with lots of “alerts” (blind spot, rear cross-traffic, forward collision, etc.).
Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT
The first, and most overwhelming, impression you get when driving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala is how quiet it is, overall. The Ecotec engine (good for 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque) coupled with GM’s popular and well-loved 6-speed automatic transmission is wonderfully smooth. The 2014 Chevy Impala is also soundproofed like a recording studio; nothing above a whisper is needed when conversing in the cabin on road trips.
While having a less sophisticated suspension system than its Cadillac and Buick platform mates, the Impala is nonetheless able to provide the right amount of steering zip, body control, and ride comfort. The electric power steering is designed to constantly deliver the right amount of resistance in your hands over a myriad of conditions, and while it works as advertised feedback is minimal.
The Ecotec engine has no problem motivating the 2014 Impala to family-sedan standards. The only time I found it wanting was for super-brisk highway passing maneuvers.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT
While the styling is a bit “Chevrolet generic,” the extra length of the Impala enables it to have elegant and aerodynamic lines, and a great stance. I like how it looks, and so did everyone on my street who strolled by to have a look-see.
Inside, the 2014 model is unlike any recent Impala with an attractive design and great materials. The new between-the-gauges info display is particularly crisp and dynamic.
The extra curves on top of the dash panel seem a bit overdone for my taste, and are just an excuse to show off more faux stitching, which seems to have replaced faux woodgrain as the go-to look to instantly imbue a cabin with a luxury feel.
The dash in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala has just enough old-school dials to keep you from always searching for stuff on the touchscreen. The up-level seat material -- called “sueded microfiber” -- is particularly fetching and inviting.
The primary beneficiary of the Impala’s newfound length is the rear seating area, which features above-average legroom. The rear seats also fold 60/40 for great utility and cargo-carrying capacity. The trunk capacity is already a stellar 532 litres.
Overall, it is a very comfortable and serene cabin that gives you a great sense of well-being each time you slide into the driver’s seat of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.
Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Impala
From out of nowhere, the Impala has vaulted to the front of the category for large, front-drive sedans, which includes the Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, and the new Kia Cadenza. To a lesser extent, the Impala also competes with the rear-drive Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.
Among them, only the Ford has a 4-cylinder offering -- a 2.0L EcoBoost that’s more about power and performance. This makes the 4-pot Impala unique, and a great option for large-car buyers who don’t need (or even want) something with more than 200 horsepower.
It works mostly because no engine could detract from the essential goodness that has been baked into each and every one of these new-generation Impalas. The 2014 Chevy Impalas are super smooth, super quiet, and super commodious and comfortable, and all that in a stylish package.
The formula also works because the “four” in question is great. Chevrolet upgraded the direct-injection Ecotec for 2014 with intake-valve lift control for better fuel efficiency, and more noise-cancelling engineering for even greater refinement.
I think most drivers will be pleasantly surprised by how well this “smaller” engine drives and works in this “bigger” Impala. Drivers will obviously appreciate the fuel efficiency (9.9L/100km city; 6.3L highway). It is definitely something you should experience and consider before automatically going with the V6 in your next mid-to-full-sizesedan purchase.
What is the Chevrolet Impala?
Impala is Chevrolet’s largest and most expensive sedan ($28,445 to $39,645), now built on the extended-length version of the front-drive Epsilon II platform, just like the new Cadillac XTS. The new length and up-market positioning give the Impala better market separation from the midsize Malibu in Chevrolet’s portfolio.
2014 Chevrolet Impala Price and Specs
My Impala LT tester is positioned dead-centre in the LS-LT-LZ Impala model hierarchy, with a base price of $31,445. Major highlights of the LT level include aluminum wheels, dual exhaust, dual zone HVAC, and the infotainment system packing an 8” touchscreen, MyLink (the new-generation version), USB ports, and Bluetooth.
There are also loads of options on this baby pushing the as-tested (pre-tax, pre-PDI) price to $37,910.
The most compelling features on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT option list are 19” aluminum wheels, surround sound, navigation, rear camera, remote start, and an advanced safety package with lots of “alerts” (blind spot, rear cross-traffic, forward collision, etc.).
Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT
The first, and most overwhelming, impression you get when driving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala is how quiet it is, overall. The Ecotec engine (good for 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque) coupled with GM’s popular and well-loved 6-speed automatic transmission is wonderfully smooth. The 2014 Chevy Impala is also soundproofed like a recording studio; nothing above a whisper is needed when conversing in the cabin on road trips.
While having a less sophisticated suspension system than its Cadillac and Buick platform mates, the Impala is nonetheless able to provide the right amount of steering zip, body control, and ride comfort. The electric power steering is designed to constantly deliver the right amount of resistance in your hands over a myriad of conditions, and while it works as advertised feedback is minimal.
The Ecotec engine has no problem motivating the 2014 Impala to family-sedan standards. The only time I found it wanting was for super-brisk highway passing maneuvers.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT
While the styling is a bit “Chevrolet generic,” the extra length of the Impala enables it to have elegant and aerodynamic lines, and a great stance. I like how it looks, and so did everyone on my street who strolled by to have a look-see.
Inside, the 2014 model is unlike any recent Impala with an attractive design and great materials. The new between-the-gauges info display is particularly crisp and dynamic.
The extra curves on top of the dash panel seem a bit overdone for my taste, and are just an excuse to show off more faux stitching, which seems to have replaced faux woodgrain as the go-to look to instantly imbue a cabin with a luxury feel.
The dash in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala has just enough old-school dials to keep you from always searching for stuff on the touchscreen. The up-level seat material -- called “sueded microfiber” -- is particularly fetching and inviting.
The primary beneficiary of the Impala’s newfound length is the rear seating area, which features above-average legroom. The rear seats also fold 60/40 for great utility and cargo-carrying capacity. The trunk capacity is already a stellar 532 litres.
Overall, it is a very comfortable and serene cabin that gives you a great sense of well-being each time you slide into the driver’s seat of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.
Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Impala
From out of nowhere, the Impala has vaulted to the front of the category for large, front-drive sedans, which includes the Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, and the new Kia Cadenza. To a lesser extent, the Impala also competes with the rear-drive Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.
Among them, only the Ford has a 4-cylinder offering -- a 2.0L EcoBoost that’s more about power and performance. This makes the 4-pot Impala unique, and a great option for large-car buyers who don’t need (or even want) something with more than 200 horsepower.
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