The Impala has two engine options. The smaller 2.5-liter EcoTec Inline-4 makes 197hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard on base Impala LS and Impala LT. There is the option of upgrading to the 3.6L V6, which makes 305 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is standard on the Premier trim and is an option on the LS and LT trim and can be added at a price of $1,000. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic that manages and directs all the power to the front wheels as there is no other drivetrain option.
Models
|
Chevrolet Impala (Premier)
|
Nissan Maxima (S)
|
Toyota Avalon (XLE)
|
Dodge Charger (SXT)
|
MSRP
|
$37,495
|
$33,270
|
$33,500
|
$28,495
|
Engine
|
3.6 L V6
|
3.5L V6
|
3.5L V6
|
3.6L V6
|
Transmission
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
CVT Automatic
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Power
|
305 hp
|
300 hp
|
268 hp
|
292 hp
|
Torque
|
264 lb-ft
|
261 lb-ft
|
248 lb-ft
|
260 lb-ft
|
The most powerful of the above is the Chevrolet Impala (Premier) making 305hp. Following this is the Nissan Maxima, which makes 300hp. Dodge Charger takes the third spot with 292hp, and the least powerful of the above vehicles is the Toyota Avalon making 268hp.Â
Acceleration
The base Chevy Impala with the 2.5 liter Inline-4 making 197 hp does 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds and does the standing quarter-mile in 16 seconds and will achieve a top speed of 149 mph. When the 3.6-liter V6 powers the vehicle, then the Impala does the 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds and standing quarter-mile in 14.9 seconds.
It will continue to its top speed of 155 mph.Â
Models
|
Chevrolet Impala (Premier)
|
Nissan Maxima (S)
|
Toyota Avalon (XLE)
|
Dodge Charger (SXT)
|
0-60 MPH
|
6.1 sec
|
5.8 sec
|
6.1 sec
|
6.3 sec
|
Quarter mile
|
14.9 sec
|
14.3 sec
|
14.6 sec
|
14.7 sec
|
Engine
|
3.6 L
|
3.5L
|
3.5L
|
3.6L
|
Top Speed
|
155
|
145
|
130
|
155
|
The fastest in the 0-60mph sprint is the Nissan Maxima with a time of 5.8 seconds. Then come to the Chevrolet Impala and the Toyota Avalon with a time of 6.1 seconds each, followed by the Dodge Charger with a time of 6.3 seconds. In the quarter-mile, the order does not change much with the fastest being the Nissan, followed by the Toyota, Chevrolet Impala, and the Dodge.
Ride and Handling
Being a full-size sedan, the Impala's suspension and steering are tuned more for comfort. Hence, it feels cushy and quiet on any type of road at any speed. If you desire this quality, you will be happy with it as it will make you relax a bit while you drive. It will be perfect for driving to work and back.
That said, Chevrolet has also managed to inject a bit more sportiness into the steering and suspension when you have the bigger engine and put your foot down. Even though it is not rear wheel drive, the sporty suspension setup with front wheels drive will still manage to put a smile on your face.
Braking
The Chevy Impala comes with 12.6-inch brake rotors up front and 12.4-inch brake rotors at the back. These brakes are standard with both engine options and are big enough to manage the 3,867-pound large sedan to a stop in 120 feet from 60 mph. It comes with features like brake assist, ABS, and brake control.
Model
|
Chevrolet Impala (Premier)
|
Nissan Maxima (S)
|
Toyota Avalon (XLE)
|
Dodge Charger (SXT)
|
Brake Front(in)
|
12.6
|
12.6
|
11.7
|
12.6
|
Brake Rear(in)
|
12.4
|
12.1
|
11.1
|
12.6
|
Curb weight(lbs)
|
3867
|
3482
|
3461
|
3934
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
120
|
125
|
120
|
110
|
In terms of stopping distance, the shortest is the Dodge Charger, which has a distance of 110 feet. Following the Dodge is the Chevrolet Impala and the Toyota Avalon both having a distance of 120 feet, and then comes the Nissan Maxima with the longest of the above stopping distance of 125 feet.