Best Car Reviews - Large Cars Chevrolet Impala

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Introduction

This review covers the 2014 Chevrolet Impala V6, identified by its 3.6-litre SIDI flex-fuel engine, six cylinders and front-wheel-drive layout. Redesigned for 2014, this large sedan targeted buyers wanting generous passenger space, a large trunk and V6 performance without moving to a premium brand. It stands out from the previous Impala through its more modern proportions, significantly upgraded cabin and available advanced safety equipment.

Design and Exterior Features

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala has a long, low four-door-sedan profile, measuring about 201.3 inches in length with a 111.7-inch wheelbase. Its wide grille, swept-back headlamps, sculpted sides and short rear deck give it a more contemporary appearance than the outgoing model. The redesign also brought a more upscale look, with larger available alloy wheels and more integrated exterior detailing.

Large sedan body with a 201.3-inch overall length
Available 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheel designs
Dual-outlet exhaust on V6 versions
Available HID headlamps on upper trims
18.8-cubic-foot trunk for strong everyday practicality

Interior and Comfort

The Impala’s cabin is one of the strongest reasons to consider this generation. It offers a broad dashboard, supportive front seats and ample room for five occupants. Higher trims added leather-appointed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting and premium audio. Soft-touch materials improved the atmosphere over earlier Impalas, though some lower-trim plastics and aging infotainment graphics reveal the car’s age.

Front legroom of about 45.8 inches
Rear-seat legroom of about 39.8 inches
Available heated and ventilated front seats
Available leather-appointed upholstery and power passenger seat
Large trunk with useful hidden storage areas

Performance and Handling

The V6 model uses a 3.6-litre direct-injection SIDI engine producing 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Chevrolet quoted a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds for the V6, giving the Impala confident highway passing performance. The supplied fuel-consumption figure is 13.523 L/100 km; actual consumption depends heavily on whether gasoline or E85 is used. Gasoline V6 models were rated at 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, approximately 12.4 and 8.1 L/100 km, respectively.

3.6-litre SIDI V6 with 305 horsepower
264 lb-ft of torque
Front-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission
Gasoline or E85 flex-fuel capability
Quoted 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds for the V6

Technology and Connectivity

Technology was competitive for its era, particularly on better-equipped Impalas. Chevrolet MyLink offered touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB input, available navigation and satellite radio. The system is less current than modern smartphone-focused interfaces, so used-car buyers should confirm the exact equipment fitted to an individual vehicle.

Available Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen infotainment
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio connectivity
USB and auxiliary audio inputs
Available navigation and Bose premium audio
Available remote start and keyless access with push-button start

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment included antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags. The 2014 Impala earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. IIHS gave the 2014-2020 Impala Good ratings in moderate-overlap front, side, roof-strength and head-restraint evaluations. Available driver-assistance features included forward collision alert, collision-mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-zone alert, lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

Five-star overall NHTSA safety rating
Good IIHS ratings for moderate-overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints
Standard stability control, traction control and multiple airbags
Available forward collision alert and collision-mitigation braking
Available blind-zone alert, lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert

Pricing and Variants

The 2014 Impala started at $26,860 USD when new for the base LS. The V6 was offered in 2LT and 2LZ configurations, with the V6-equipped LT beginning at about $30,085 and the V6 LTZ at about $35,905. Other choices included the four-cylinder LS and LT and eAssist mild-hybrid variants. Main large-sedan competitors included the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse; the Impala offered especially strong V6 power and interior space, while some rivals offered more up-to-date premium features or all-wheel-drive availability.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong 305-horsepower V6 performance
Spacious cabin with comfortable seating
Large 18.8-cubic-foot trunk
Handsome redesign compared with earlier Impalas
Strong crash-test results and available active-safety technology

Cons

Fuel use can be high in urban driving, especially on E85
Front-wheel drive limits all-weather traction compared with AWD rivals
Infotainment technology now feels dated
Some advanced safety features were optional rather than standard
Used examples require careful inspection for electrical and steering concerns

Maintenance and Common Issues

RepairPal estimates average annual repair and maintenance costs for a 2014 Chevrolet Impala at about $579 USD, although mileage, location, service history and repair-shop rates can change the real cost substantially. Common owner-reported concerns include transmission pressure-control-solenoid faults that can cause harsh or erratic shifting, ignition keys becoming stuck because of shifter-related faults, electrical warnings or intermittent accessory failures, rear side-detection-system faults, and loss of electric power-steering assist. Check the VIN for completed recalls and have warning lights, steering operation and transmission shift quality inspected before purchase.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.0/10. Design: 8.5/10. Comfort: 8.5/10. Performance: 8.0/10. Technology: 7.0/10. Safety: 8.0/10. The V6 Impala remains an appealing large sedan because it combines useful space, strong acceleration and a substantially improved cabin, though ownership condition matters more than trim level in the used market.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the Impala’s ride comfort, roomy cabin, trunk capacity and V6 passing power. Criticism most often focuses on fuel consumption, the aging infotainment system and potentially expensive electrical, steering or transmission-related repairs on neglected higher-mileage cars.

Owners often appreciate the quiet ride and comfortable front seats
Many value the large trunk and practical rear seating space
The V6 is frequently praised for effortless highway acceleration
City fuel economy is a common complaint
Buyers advise checking service records, recalls and electronics before purchase

Best Cars in This Category

2014 Toyota Avalon
2014 Chrysler 300
2014 Buick LaCrosse
2014 Ford Taurus
2014 Hyundai Azera

Summary

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala V6 is best suited to drivers who want a comfortable, spacious and powerful large sedan at a typically accessible used-car price. Its 305-horsepower flex-fuel V6, roomy interior and large trunk give it genuine everyday appeal. A well-maintained example with documented recall work can represent strong value, but buyers should prioritize a pre-purchase inspection and verify the condition of its steering, transmission and electrical systems.