Is a Chevy Impala a small car?
No. The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan, not a small car. It has long been Chevrolet’s flagship in terms of interior space and ride comfort, designed for passengers and cargo rather than compact dimensions.
Size class and what that means
In U.S. market terms, cars are categorized by size as compact, midsize, or full-size (large). The Impala sits in the full-size category, which emphasizes interior room, trunk capacity, and a spacious feel over a small footprint. This places it well above most small and many midsize vehicles in terms of overall scale.
Here are the size metrics that illustrate how the Impala compares to small cars.
- Class: Full-size (large) sedan per EPA sizing
- Length: roughly 200 inches (varies by generation)
- Wheelbase: about 110–111 inches
- Trunk capacity: around 18 cubic feet
- Seating: typically five adults with ample rear legroom
Taken together, these figures show that the Impala prioritizes space and comfort over compact footprint, which is why it is not considered a small car.
Historical context and current status
The Impala debuted in 1958 and over the decades evolved into Chevrolet’s enduring full-size sedan, known for a roomy interior and a smooth ride. In North America, however, demand for large sedans declined as SUVs and crossovers rose in popularity. Chevrolet discontinued new Impala production after the 2020 model year in the U.S. and Canada, and current models exist only on the used market or in select overseas markets where it persisted longer. The Impala’s departure left Chevrolet without a direct, true full-size sedan in its new-car lineup.
For buyers who still want a Chevrolet with substantial interior space today, alternatives include larger SUVs or the midsize Malibu, but none match the Impala’s long-running full-size sedan packaging in the current lineup.
Summary
The Chevy Impala is not a small car. It is a large, full-size sedan that offered generous space and comfort for many generations. Production of new Impalas in North America ended after the 2020 model year, so today the model exists primarily in the used-car market. Its role in Chevrolet’s lineup has shifted as consumer preferences have moved toward SUVs and crossovers.
What size class is a Chevy Impala?
full-size sedan class
The impala is one of the longest running models in the full-size sedan class.
Is a Chevy Impala considered a full-size car?
The Chevrolet Impala is one of America's most iconic full-size cars, first introduced in 1958 and spanning multiple generations. Known for its bold styling, spacious interiors, and smooth ride, the Impala became a symbol of comfort, performance, and everyday luxury.
Which is bigger, Malibu or Impala?
The Impala measures a full seven inches longer than the Malibu, and this translates most directly into additional legroom. You will be able to fully stretch out with 39.8 inches of legroom in the back seat and nearly 46 inches up front.
What type of car is a Chevy Impala?
A Chevy Impala is a full-size sedan, though it has been produced in different sizes and styles, including a mid-size car for certain generations. It was Chevrolet's flagship passenger car for many years and has historically been available in various body styles like coupe, convertible, and sedan, with models ranging from sporty to mainstream.
Key characteristics of the Chevy Impala
- Full-size sedan: For many years, the Impala was a full-size, rear-wheel-drive car, a flagship model with a luxurious feel, according to Wikipedia and MotorTrend.
- Front-wheel-drive sedan: From 2000 to 2020, it transitioned to a front-wheel-drive, full-size or mid-size sedan with a more mainstream focus, notes Wikipedia and Mission Chevrolet.
- Body styles: It was initially offered as a two-door coupe or convertible, but over the decades it was also produced as a four-door sedan and even a station wagon and a pickup (El Camino), according to Car and Driver and Chevrolet Buick GMC of Murfreesboro.
- "SS" models: Some versions, like the Impala SS, were performance-oriented, coming with larger, more powerful engines, including V8s and supercharged V6s, says Autolist and Cars.com.
