Chevrolet Impala LTZ 2014

Although the Chevrolet Impala is well known because of its iconic name and significant presence in rental fleets, the previous-generation car wasn't exactly a hit with everyday consumers. It was an anonymously styled sedan with little to offer beyond its spacious interior, and we took issue with its cut-rate cabin materials and soggy handling. The fully redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala is a vastly better car, however, and worthy of consideration if you're shopping for a large sedan. The 10th generation of Chevy's big sedan is built on a new platform shared with the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac XTS. Not only is the 2014 Chevy Impala roomy, it finally has the composed ride and precise steering you expect in a modern sedan. Perhaps more importantly, the new Impala sheds its old personality -- which was about as dynamic as a sweater vest -- for bigger curves, bolder lines and a bit more length. Inside, designers have brought the Chevrolet Impala into the 21st century with a new dash and center stack design, quality materials and a touchscreen infotainment interface now expected of cars in this class. Remember, the previous Impala didn't even come with a navigation system. Initially, all new Impalas will come with a V6 engine, and that 305-horsepower six-cylinder provides competitive acceleration and fuel economy for this class. Later on, Chevrolet will also offer two four-cylinder engines on the Impala: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.4-liter eAssist mild hybrid option. The Chevy Impala eAssist, which uses a small electric motor in some conditions to save fuel, is expected to achieve 35 mpg on the highway. But we also expect it to be rather slow; this same engine drags the similarly sized Buick LaCrosse from zero to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. Overall, though, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala's transformation puts it right back in the competition with the rest of the full-size sedan class. A Toyota Avalon will cost you a bit more but has arguably become the standard-bearer in this segment. The Hyundai Azera is also worthy of consideration, benefitting from more favorable pricing and a generous warranty. On the home front, the Ford Taurus is a key domestic rival, as is the stylish rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300. But with its striking new looks, contemporary cabin and stout road feel, the Impala is finally a legitimate contender among full-size sedans.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on all three trim levels of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. It's rated at 195 hp and 187 pound-feet of torque. A 3.6-liter V6 rated at 305 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque is optional on the LT and LTZ models. The mild hybrid Impala eAssist has a 182-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a small 15-hp electric motor that operates in certain conditions to save fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive. In Edmunds performance testing, the V6 Impala accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is about average for a large sedan. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city/28 mpg highway), which is slightly below average for this class. The 2.5-liter earns an estimated 25 mpg combined (21 city/31 highway), while the more frugal 2.4-liter comes in at 29 mpg combined (25 mpg city/35 mpg highway).

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala's list of standard safety features includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Also standard is GM's OnStar service, which includes automatic crash notification, an emergency assistance button, remote door unlock and stolen vehicle assistance. Rear parking sensors are optional on the LS and LT. A rearview camera is also optional for the LT, as is a Safety package with a forward collision alert system, a lane departure warning system, rear cross traffic alerts and blind spot monitoring. All of the above items are standard on the LTZ.