Is a Chevy Impala rear-wheel-drive?
Yes, but it depends on the generation. Classic Chevy Impalas (1958–1996) and the high-performance Impala SS of 1994–1996 were rear-wheel-drive. Since the late 1990s, the Impala has predominantly used front-wheel drive, and the model was discontinued in North America after the 2020 model year.
Drivetrain history by era
Rear-wheel-drive era (1958–1996)
During the early and mid-20th century, Impalas were built on GM’s rear-drive platforms. This era includes the iconic full-size models through the 1990s and the performance-focused Impala SS variant, which remained rear-wheel-drive.
- 1958–1996: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) across most full-size Impala/Caprice models, including the Impala SS (1994–1996).
In this era, buyers valued classic RWD handling, large V8 power, and traditional American sedan proportions. The Impala’s identity was closely tied to the RWD full-size GM lineup.
Front-wheel-drive era (1997–2020)
GM shifted the Impala to front-wheel-drive platforms in the late 1990s as part of a broader move toward more space-efficient, front-drive architectures. The mainstream Impala remained front-wheel drive through its final North American model year in 2020.
- 1997–2020: Front-wheel drive (FWD) for standard Impala models, built on GM front-drive platforms.
The notable rear-wheel-drive Impala SS from 1994–1996 stands as a separate, high-performance chapter in the model’s history and is not part of this later generation’s drivetrain.
Notable variants and status
Impala SS (1994–1996)
The Impala SS was a rare, high-performance variant that used a 5.7-liter V8 and rear-wheel drive. It remains a standout chapter for enthusiasts studying the Impala’s performance legacy.
Discontinuation and legacy
Chevrolet ended Impala production in North America after the 2020 model year. The nameplate had a long run across multiple generations, but no new Impalas have been produced in the United States since 2020.
Summary
The Chevy Impala’s drivetrain has varied by generation. Early, classic Impalas were rear-wheel-drive, while the modern-era models from the late 1990s through 2020 were front-wheel-drive. The Impala nameplate was retired in North America after 2020, marking the end of a long-running chapter in Chevrolet’s full-size sedan lineup.
Is a 2019 Chevy Impala rear-wheel drive?
While the Impala is only offered with front-wheel drive, there are two available engines to power them.
Is a 2010 Chevy Impala front or rear-wheel drive?
front wheel drive
Is the Chevy Impala rear-wheel drive?
The Impala continued as Chevrolet's most popular full-sized model through the mid-1980s. Between 1994 and 1996, the Impala was revised as a 5.7-liter V8–powered version of the Chevrolet Caprice Classic sedan. In 2000, the Impala was reintroduced again as a mainstream front-wheel drive car.
Is a 2002 Chevy Impala rear-wheel drive?
The Chevrolet Impala was reintroduced for the 2000 model year as a somewhat smaller front-wheel-drive sedan. Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
