Is a Chevy Impala good on gas?

The Impala can be reasonably fuel-efficient with its four-cylinder option, but the V6 version is noticeably thirstier. Overall, it offers decent highway efficiency but does not lead its class in mpg. As of today, the Impala ended production after the 2020 model year, so any Impala you consider is a used vehicle with variable fuel economy depending on year and condition.

What follows explains the main engine choices, how they typically translate to fuel economy, practical tips to maximize mpg, and how the Impala compares with peers in the broader midsize/full-size sedan segment.

Powertrain options and typical fuel economy

Two main engines defined the Impala’s efficiency: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder for better economy and a larger 3.6-liter V6 for higher performance. There was no hybrid version in the lineup, so mpg largely hinges on engine choice and driving conditions.

• 2.5L inline-4: About 196 horsepower; EPA estimates typically place it in the mid-20s to high-20s mpg combined, with highway fuel economy often in the low-to-mid 30s mpg depending on year and configuration.


• 3.6L V6: About 305 horsepower; generally yields low-20s mpg in combined driving, with highway mileage in the high 20s to around 30 mpg, depending on year and drivetrain configuration.

These ranges reflect EPA estimates and real-world variations. City driving lowers mpg, highway cruising raises it, and added payload or roof racks can reduce efficiency.

Year-to-year differences

During its production run from 2014 to 2020, GM tweaked transmissions and tuning, but the Impala remained without a hybrid option. The core decision stayed between the efficient 2.5L four-cylinder and the more powerful 3.6L V6, with mpg varying by model year and equipment.

Tips to maximize fuel economy in an Impala

Even with a large sedan, practical driving habits and routine maintenance can boost real-world mpg. The following tips apply whether you own a 2.5L or a 3.6L model.

• Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure; underinflated tires waste fuel.


• Adhere to maintenance schedules: clean air filters, fresh spark plugs, and timely oil changes help engine efficiency.


• Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, gradual braking, and steady speeds improve mileage more than aggressive driving.


• Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady pace when conditions allow.


• Limit extra weight and remove roof racks when not needed to reduce aerodynamic drag and heft.


• Plan trips to reduce idling and optimize routing; on some models, using eco-friendly modes (where available) can help shift transmission behavior toward efficiency.

Implementing these habits can yield noticeable improvements, especially in city driving where mpg is most affected.

How the Impala stacks up against peers

In the midsize to near-full-size sedan category, the Impala offers a spacious, comfortable ride and strong highway refinement. However, its fuel economy is not class-leading, particularly with the V6. Hybrid options and newer four-cylinder competitors from brands such as Toyota and Honda typically outperform the Impala in combined mpg. For buyers prioritizing maximum fuel efficiency, a four-cylinder Impala or a different model (including hybrids) may be a better fit. The Impala’s strengths are interior space, ride comfort, and value in the used market, rather than top-tier mpg alone.

Summary

The Chevy Impala delivers reasonable fuel economy, especially in its four-cylinder form, but the V6 version is significantly less efficient. Because production ended after 2020, buyers today are looking at used examples, where mpg can vary widely by year and condition. If fuel economy is your main goal, prioritize the 2.5L engine and practice smart driving habits, or consider other midsize sedans or hybrids that offer stronger efficiency without sacrificing space and comfort.

What is the common problem with Chevy Impala?

Common problems with the Chevy Impala include transmission issues like failure and erratic shifting, particularly in older models, as well as engine concerns such as oil consumption and leaks from the intake manifold gasket. Other frequent complaints involve power steering leaks, steering system noises, and various electronics problems, including with the power locks and instrument panel. 
Engine and fuel system

• Oil consumption: Some models are known to burn excessive oil, which can be caused by worn piston rings or faulty valve seals. 
• Oil leaks: Leaks from the intake manifold gasket are a known issue. 
• Check Engine light: The "Check Engine" light can come on due to a loose gas cap or faulty mass air flow sensor. 
• Fuel gauge issues: Some owners report a fluctuating or inaccurate fuel gauge. 

This video explains some of the common problems with Chevy Impalas: 55sCars of QueensYouTube · May 27, 2021
Transmission and drivetrain

• Transmission failure/slipping: This is a very common problem, especially in models from the early to mid-2000s. 
• Erratic shifting: The transmission pressure control solenoid can fail, causing shifting problems. 
• Shifter issues: The ignition key can become stuck if the shifter fails. 

Steering and suspension

• Power steering leaks: Leaks in the high-pressure power steering hose can occur.
• Steering noises: A clunking noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft is a common complaint. 

Electrical and other issues

• Power locks: Power lock actuators can fail. 
• Heater problems: The heater system can experience issues. 
• Instrument panel problems: The speedometer and other gauges may work erratically. 
• Security system fault: Some models have issues with the security system causing the engine to stall after starting. 
• Body and interior: Wind noise, leaks around seals and weatherstripping, and problems with windows, locks, and latches have been reported. 

Is Chevy good on gas?

Yes, many Chevrolet models are good on gas, with fuel efficiency varying by model, engine, and powertrain. For example, the 2025 Chevy Malibu offers up to 36 highway mpg, and the 2025 Chevy Trax gets up to 32 mpg highway, while the Trailblazer, Trax, and Equinox are among the most efficient SUVs. Electric vehicles like the Blazer EV and Silverado EV offer even greater efficiency with no gas use.
 
Gas-powered vehicles

• Malibu: Offers up to 36 highway mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans. 
• Trailblazer: Achieves up to 29 city / 33 highway mpg. 
• Trax: Gets an EPA-estimated 24 city / 32 highway mpg. 
• Equinox: An efficient SUV with ratings up to 26 city / 31 highway mpg. 
• Silverado 1500: A competitive option for a truck, with the 2024 model getting up to 23 city / 29 highway mpg. 

Electric vehicles (EVs)

• Blazer EV: Gets up to 96 MPGe combined, with a range of up to 324 miles. 
• Silverado EV: Achieves up to 67 MPGe combined. 
• Bolt EV: Gets 131 MPGe city / 109 MPGe highway, with a 259-mile range. 
• Bolt EUV: Gets 125 MPGe city / 104 MPGe highway, with a 250-mile range. 
• Equinox EV: More efficient than its gas-powered counterpart. 

How many miles can a Chevy Impala go on a full tank?

A Chevy Impala can go anywhere from 220 to over 600 miles on a full tank, depending on the model year, engine, and driving conditions. A modern Impala with an 18.5-gallon tank and a 3.6L V6 engine can achieve an estimated range of up to 493 miles on the highway, while older models with smaller engines may have a shorter range. 
Factors affecting range

• Engine size: The 3.6L V6 engine in most modern Impalas offers better fuel economy than the smaller 2.5L 4-cylinder engines, resulting in a longer driving range. 
• Driving conditions: Highway driving yields a significantly longer range compared to city or stop-and-go traffic. 
• Model year: Different model years and specifications, such as the Bi-Fuel option, will have varying fuel economy and range. 
• Fuel type: Some specific models, like the Bi-Fuel Impala, can run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) and have a different range depending on the fuel type. 
• Vehicle maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as replacing O2 sensors, can help improve your car's gas mileage and extend your driving range. 

Examples of Impala range

• 2018 Impala (highway): Up to 400 miles on a full tank. 
• 2004 Impala (highway): Up to 493 miles on a full tank. 
• 2016 Impala with 3.6L V6 (highway): Up to 29 mpg, which translates to a range of approximately 536 miles on a full 18.5-gallon tank. 
• Bi-Fuel Impala (highway): Up to 600 miles on a full tank. 

Are Chevy Impalas good on gas?

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Our V-6–powered Impala Premier test vehicle matched the Maxima over our 200-mile highway fuel economy test route with a 32-mpg result and outperformed a four-cylinder LT model, which managed only 28 mpg.