Is Impala a V6 or V4?
The Chevrolet Impala is not a V4; in its modern and recent-history forms, it has used V6 or V8 engines. The last generation (2014–2020) relied on a 3.6-liter V6, while a performance-oriented SS variant used a V8. Chevrolet ended Impala production in 2020, so there is no current V4-powered Impala.
The Impala has a long lineage dating back to the late 1950s, and its powertrains have varied across generations. Across most of its history, four-cylinder options were not part of the standard Impala lineup, with six- and eight-cylinder engines serving as the mainstay for road-going Impalas. This article outlines how those engine choices evolved and what the latest (and final) model year offered in terms of power.
Engine options across the Impala's history
Below is a broad overview of the typical engine configurations that have powered Impalas over the years. The goal is to illustrate the general pattern rather than to exhaustively list every trim's option.
- Early to mid-era Impalas largely featured V8 power as the performance baseline, with the V8 being a common choice across many model years.
- In later decades, non-performance Impalas commonly used V6 engines as the primary option, with V8s available on higher-end or sport-oriented variants.
- In the most recent generation (before production ended), the Impala was powered by a V6 engine in most trims, while the high-performance SS variant used a V8 in earlier years of that era.
In summary, there is no four-cylinder (V4) Impala in Chevrolet’s mainstream lineup. The model’s reputation and history are built on V6 and V8 powertrains, with the last version prioritizing V6 performance before the nameplate was retired in 2020.
The latest Impala and its powertrain
V6 power in the final generation
The final generation of the Impala, produced from roughly 2014 to 2020, was powered predominantly by a 3.6-liter V6 engine in most trim levels. This setup offered a balance of highway manners, smooth acceleration, and efficiency for a full-size sedan. A true performance SS variant was present in earlier years with a larger V8 option, underscoring the Impala’s capacity for V8 torque in its sport-focused form.
Contextual note: Chevrolet discontinued the Impala after the 2020 model year in the United States, and there is no direct replacement in the lineup. Used-Impala buyers should expect either a V6 or a V8, depending on the year and trim, but never a factory V4 configuration.
Bottom line
In short, the Impala has never been associated with a factory four-cylinder engine in its mainstream lineup. Across its history, it has primarily used V8 and V6 power, with the latest, last-generation models centering on a V6 drivetrain. If you’re researching Impalas today, plan for V6 power unless you’re looking at an older, high-performance SS variant that used a V8. The model is no longer in production as a new car as of 2020.
Summary: The Impala’s engines are V6 and V8, not V4. The latest generation used a 3.6L V6, and the SS variant used a V8 in its earlier years. With production concluded in 2020, any current Impala discussions refer to used models powered by six- or eight-cylinder configurations rather than a four-cylinder option.
