Is the 2014 Impala fast?
Yes. The 2014 Chevrolet Impala’s speed hinges on the chosen engine: the 3.6-liter V6 delivers brisk acceleration for a full-size sedan, while the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is noticeably gentler off the line but adequate for everyday driving.
To understand whether the 2014 Impala feels fast, it helps to look at the two powertrains, how they perform in real-world driving, and how they compare with rivals in the same class. This article breaks down engine options, practical performance numbers, and the driving experience to answer the question clearly.
Engine options and performance
Two primary powertrains defined the 2014 Impala, offering a blend of power and efficiency. The following details describe horsepower, torque, transmission, and how each one behaves on the road.
- 3.6-liter V6: about 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque; six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive; delivers strong initial acceleration and confident highway passing power.
- 2.5-liter inline-4: about 196 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque; six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive; adequate for everyday cruising but noticeably slower off the line and in quick merges.
Both configurations share a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and standard features that emphasize comfort over sporty handling. The V6 helps the Impala feel notably quicker when you need to cover distance, while the four-cylinder leans toward efficiency and relaxed highway cruising.
Real-world performance and driving feel
How the Impala feels behind the wheel in day-to-day use depends on which engine you choose, as well as your expectations for a full-size sedan. The following points summarize typical on-road behavior, including acceleration, highway merging, and overall performance impressions.
- 0-60 mph (V6): generally in the mid-to-high six-second range, giving the sedan a solid, confident start for overtakes and highway merges.
- 0-60 mph (I4): typically in the upper 8s to around 9 seconds, which is adequate for commuting and city driving but not quick by performance-sedan standards.
- Highway performance: V6 models offer strong, steady power at highway speeds and comfortable passing capability; four-cylinder models remain smooth and quiet but don’t deliver the same surge when you need to accelerate onto fast-moving interstates.
In everyday driving, most buyers will notice the V6 Impala responding with ease at highway speeds and during overtaking, while the four-cylinder version prioritizes efficiency and relaxed, non-sporty acceleration. The Impala’s weight and chassis tuning keep ride quality comfortable, which can make brisk acceleration feel more controlled than spirited in a sports sedan.
Summary
For speed in the 2014 Impala lineup, the V6 is the clear winner, delivering meaningful acceleration that suits highway merging and confident passing. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is not designed for sport and will feel slower in exit ramps and on-ramp merges, though it provides better fuel economy and adequate performance for daily driving. Overall, the Impala prioritizes comfort, space, and refinement—speed is a strong suit only with the V6 option.
Bottom line
The 2014 Impala can be considered fast in its V6 form for a full-size sedan, offering punchy acceleration and smooth highway performance. If speed isn’t a priority and efficiency matters more, the four-cylinder version remains a competent, comfortable choice.
