What engines are in a Chevy Impala?
The Chevrolet Impala has evolved through multiple generations with a mix of four-cylinder, V6, and V8 powertrains, plus a hybrid option in the mid-2010s. Here is a concise guide to the engines that have powered Impalas, from modern models back to performance variants.
Modern engine options (2014–2020)
For the modern, non-performance-focused Impala, Chevrolet offered three main gasoline and hybrid powertrains. The list below outlines the engines that were available in the mid-2010s era models and carried through the end of production.
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine (gasoline) — base powerplant, focused on efficiency and everyday commuting.
- 3.6-liter V6 engine — upmarket option delivering more power and smoother highway acceleration.
- 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor as part of GM's eAssist hybrid system — a fuel‑economy-focused version available on select trims.
These modern options gave the Impala a balance between efficiency, refined power, and, in hybrid form, improved city/highway fuel economy. For buyers, the choice typically came down to whether fuel economy or extra power was preferred, with the hybrid offering the best efficiency and the V6 offering stronger performance.
Older generations and performance variants
Earlier Impalas offered larger displacement engines and, in the high-performance SS variant, more muscular V8 power. The lineup varied by generation, with V8 options and larger V6s in use before the modern-four-cylinder era took hold.
- Impala SS (early 2000s to mid-2000s) — featured a V8, notably a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 in some model years, delivering strong performance for a full-size sedan.
- Common non-SS V6 options (late 1990s to mid-2000s) — included 3.8-liter V6 and other nearby displacement V6 engines used across several trims, prioritizing a balance of power and reliability.
- Other older V6 offerings (1990s to early 2000s) — varied by model year and market, but generally centered around mid-size V6 blocks in the 3.0–3.9 liter range before the shift to modern Ecotec-based four-cylinder engines.
These older powertrains provided the Impala with options ranging from comfortable everyday driving to focused performance in SS models. As GM transitioned to newer engine families in the 2010s, the lineup moved away from larger V8s in standard sedans, except for the high-performance SS variants.
Summary
Across its history, the Chevy Impala has been offered with a mix of engines: legacy V8 and V6 options in the high-performance and mid-range eras, and modern four-cylinder and V6 choices along with a mid-2010s hybrid. If you’re checking a specific model year, the exact engine can be confirmed by the window sticker or VIN—engine options varied by trim and generation, with the most recent non-hybrid models typically pairing a 2.5L I4 or a 3.6L V6, plus a hybrid variant for efficiency-minded buyers.
