Is a 2016 Impala front or rear wheel drive?
The 2016 Chevrolet Impala is front-wheel drive. It does not offer an all-wheel-drive option in the United States, and its drivetrain is designed to deliver power to the front wheels from a front-mounted engine.
Drivetrain configuration
To understand how the Impala moves, it’s important to look at its fundamental layout. The 2016 model uses a front-wheel-drive platform shared with other GM full-size sedans, which emphasizes interior space and packaging efficiency for a large sedan.
Key drivetrain details for the 2016 Impala:
- Drive layout: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Engine placement: Front-mounted engine with power routed to the front wheels
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive option: Not offered (no AWD variant in the U.S.)
- Market availability: Primarily configured for front-wheel drive in North America
In short, the 2016 Impala is a front-wheel-drive sedan, with no all-wheel-drive option available in its typical U.S. market configuration.
What this means for drivers
For buyers, the front-wheel-drive setup of the Impala translates to familiar, predictable handling for everyday driving, with interior space and comfort prioritized in this full-size sedan. Power is available through two engine options, both mated to a front-drive layout, which generally supports reasonable fuel economy for the class. While AWD can offer extra traction in challenging weather, Chevrolet did not offer such a configuration for the 2016 Impala, so drivers in regions with heavy snow or ice should plan accordingly with appropriate tires and cautious driving.
Model specifics and context
Across the 2014–2016 era, the Impala offered two main engine choices with front-wheel drive: a 2.5-liter inline-four and a 3.6-liter V6, each paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There was no factory AWD option for the Impala during this generation, reinforcing Chevrolet’s choice of a straightforward FWD configuration for this full-size sedan.
Summary
The 2016 Chevrolet Impala is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. It features front-mounted engines and a 6-speed automatic transmission, with no all-wheel-drive option offered in its U.S. market configuration. This layout favors interior space and everyday practicality, while performance and traction characteristics align with typical front-wheel-drive sedans in its class.
