If you find yourself wanting a Chevy Impala, then you better act fast because 2020 will be the last year for this historic car. Indeed, the last 2020 Chevy Impala already rolled off the production line back in February. While it is always possible that the Impala will return in the future (it has already been discontinued and then reintroduced twice over its 62-year history), it is impossible to predict when or even if this will happen.
However, the Impala is not quite dead yet, and new models can still be found at Chevrolet dealerships across America. Currently, the Impala sits at the top of Chevrolet’s sedan lineup, towering over the smaller (and younger) Malibu, Cruze, and Sonic. If you want a roomy ride with some luxury features and a decent engine without having to resort to one of the ever-growing numbers of midsize SUVs, then the 2020 Chevy Impala is definitely a car that you should have on your list.
V6 Power and Amazing Performance
The heart of a car is its engine, the full-size 3.6L V6 that powers the 2020 Chevy Impala is something of a rarity these days when even BMWs and Mustangs are moving to the smaller and more fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinders. But while these new engines can put up some decent numbers, they do not match the feel of a naturally aspirated V6. And with 305 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, this V6 will let the 2020 Chevy Impala keep up with nearly anything on the road short of an actual sports car.
Moving on from the engine, the Impala comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. While perhaps somewhat dated by today’s standards, this transmission is still a solid choice and does have a manual mode for extra control. The base trim comes with 18” aluminum wheels, while the higher trim has 19” or 20” wheels. All of these attributes contribute to the strong performance offered in the 2020 Impala.
Inside the Impala
On the inside, the 2020 Chevy Impala is spacious, and with nearly 40” of rear legroom, it can comfortably accommodate adult passengers in its rear seats. The trunk is also cavernous, with some 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space. And if you do need to carry something larger than what will fit in the trunk, you can use the rear seats as they are 60/40 folding.
The standard interior features on the 2020 Chevy Impala are quite good for a non-luxury brand. No matter which trim you choose (and for 2020, there are only two trims available – LT and Premier), you will find keyless entry and push-button start. For those of you in colder climates, you will also be happy to know that a remote car starter is also a standard feature. Once inside, the 2020 Chevy Impala has standard dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an electronic push-button parking brake, and an 8” touchscreen operating Cherolet’s excellent infotainment system.
This infotainment system includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to adapt to whichever operating system you prefer. It also includes SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE wireless hotspot, and Chevrolet Connected Access (On Star). For charging electronic devices, the 2020 Chevy Impala includes no fewer than three USB ports. If you opt for the top Premier trim of the car, then the infotainment system will also have built-in navigation as well as a handy wireless charging station for your phone in the center console.
Advanced Safety and Other Options
On top of having excellent infotainment, the 2020 Chevy Impala has a good collection of modern electronic safety systems. Indeed, the Impala’s available crash prevention equipment has won it the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) top “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
To get this equipment, you will have to opt for the Premier trim with the $2,210 Premier Driver Confidence Package. If you do so, you will find automatic emergency braking, forward collision and lane departure alerts, and adaptive cruise control. Together, these systems will make for not only a safer but a more relaxing driving experience. But even if you do not believe you need the optional safety equipment, the Premier Driver Confidence Package is probably still worth selecting as it also includes a power tilt and telescoping steering column with a heated steering wheel, vented front seats, auto-dimming mirrors, and 20” wheels, While these features can be had without the advanced safety equipment, that option costs $935 and does not include the 20” wheels, making the full package a deal.
Even if you do not choose to purchase the optional equipment, the Premier trim of the 2020 Chevy Impala comes standard with blindspot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. And although these do not provide the level of additional safety that the optional equipment does, they could still help you avoid fender benders or the embarrassment of backing into something when parking.
The base LT trim of the 2020 Chevy Impala does not come standard with any advanced safety features beyond its ten airbags, electronic traction control, and electronic stability control. However, the standard equipment for the Premier trim can be added by selecting the LT trim’s Driver Confidence Package. As with the Premier trim’s package, this upgrade is well worth considering as it only costs $1,370 and also includes conveniences such as heated seats and steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear mirror, and a 120-volt power outlet for running large electronics.
Which Trim is Right for You?
If you choose the optional package for the LT trim, it will still be missing some features found on the Premier trim. Probably the most important of these is that while the Premier trim has powerful HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights, the LT trim only comes with standard Halogen lights. And as every driver knows, good headlights are crucial to safe nighttime driving. However, both trims do have standard LED daytime running lights.
The other two features only found on the Premier trim are comforts rather than safety equipment. The first is an optional dual-pane power sunroof that costs $1,050. If you live in a sunny climate, this feature alone might be enough to tip you towards the Premier trim. The LT trim also does not get the fantastic sound system that the Premier trim has. It is an excellent Bose 11-speaker set up, so if you like listening to music when you drive (and really, who does not?), then the Premier trim wins hands down.
The only question is whether the Premier trim is worth the additional cost. The LT trim on the 2020 Chevy Impala starts at $32,495, while the Premier trim starts at $37,595. Optioned with their respective packages, those price tags increase to $33,865 and $40,855. Is it worth a $7,000 premium to enjoy advanced safety systems, Bose 11-speaker audio, a power sunroof, and vented seats? Well, only you can answer that question for yourself. The LT trim has amazing features and performance itself, but if you want full luxury, upgrading to the Premier trim is going to be best for you.
