How is a Chevy Impala on gas?
In brief, fuel economy for a Chevy Impala depends on the engine and model year. Generally, Impalas run in the low- to mid-20s miles per gallon (mpg) combined, with the four-cylinder versions delivering better highway efficiency than the V6.
Chevrolet produced the Impala in several generations through 2020. In the modern era, the primary powertrains were a 2.5L four-cylinder and a 3.6L V6, paired with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. This article reviews how those engines perform on gas, what drivers can expect in real-world conditions, and practical tips to improve efficiency.
Engine options and fuel economy
Below are the two main engines used in the modern Impala lineup and their typical EPA estimates. Values vary by year, trim, and driving conditions, but these ranges capture the general performance expectations.
- 2.5L I4 EcoTec4 (2014–2020): roughly 22–25 mpg city and 32–35 mpg highway, for about 26–28 mpg combined.
- 3.6L V6 (LFX) (2014–2020): roughly 18–20 mpg city and 28–29 mpg highway, for about 23–24 mpg combined.
Actual fuel economy depends on many factors, including transmission tuning, vehicle weight (trim level), and drivetrain wear. For a given model year, smaller trims and highway-oriented driving will typically yield better numbers than city-heavy commuting.
Real-world mpg vs. EPA estimates
Owners often see real-world fuel economy that differs from EPA estimates. The Impala’s large size and weight mean highway efficiency can improve with steady speeds, while city driving, short trips, and aggressive acceleration will reduce mpg. Climate control use, cargo, and roof racks also influence results, and recent years’ software updates or maintenance can shift performance slightly in either direction.
- City driving generally yields lower mpg than highway cruising, especially with the V6.
- Longer highway trips at steady speeds tend to bring the best real-world efficiency for both engines.
- Maintenance and correct tire inflation play a significant role in achieving EPA numbers.
- Driving style—soft acceleration, gradual braking, and avoiding heavy loads—improves mpg.
In practice, you should expect real-world mpg to be a few mpg below the highway-friendly EPA numbers under typical mixed driving, with the gap widening for city-focused trips or aggressive driving.
Tips to maximize mpg
Implementing practical driving habits and upkeep can noticeably raise your Impala’s fuel efficiency. Here are strategies to squeeze more miles from each gallon.
- Maintain proper tire pressure; underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower mpg.
- Follow the routinely recommended maintenance schedule, including spark plugs, air filters, and oil changes.
- Avoid unnecessary idling; turn the engine off during extended stops when safe.
- Moderate acceleration and smooth braking reduce fuel use; use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Keep your speed moderate; higher speeds dramatically increase aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption.
- Minimize roof-mounted cargo and remove heavy items from the trunk when not needed.
- Use air conditioning judiciously; recirculation mode can be more efficient than constant A/C operation at high settings.
- Plan trips to combine errands and reduce total miles driven.
While these tips won’t transform a large sedan into a high-efficiency vehicle, they can add a meaningful margin to your daily fuel economy over time.
Model year and generation overview
The Chevrolet Impala was redesigned for the 2014 model year and continued in production through 2020 before being discontinued. The modern Impala shared GM’s front-wheel-drive architecture and offered the two primary engines described above. There was no factory hybrid version in this generation, and maintenance and parts remain available through dealers and aftermarket channels for owners of these late-model sedans.
Summary
Gas mileage on a Chevy Impala varies mainly by engine choice and year. A 2.5L four-cylinder generally delivers better highway efficiency and a higher combined mpg than the 3.6L V6, which shows stronger city fuel economy penalties. Real-world numbers often run a bit lower than EPA estimates, particularly in urban driving or with heavy loads. For owners and shoppers, understanding the engine, keeping up with maintenance, and adopting fuel-conscious driving habits can help maximize efficiency in this sizable Chevrolet sedan.
Bottom line: If fuel economy is a priority, aim for the four-cylinder Impala and follow practical driving and maintenance practices to optimize mpg over the life of the car.
