2016 Chevrolet Impala LTZ Midnight Edition Review

The Impala has often been branded as a rental fleet special and for good reason, rental car companies registered 89,569 new Impalas during 2013, making it America’s top-selling rental car for two years running. Chevrolet took note and reworked its Impala full-size sedan for 2014, and the transformation was brilliant. Out with the bland, in with a much bolder looking full size sedan.

The version GM delivered to us was a 2016 Chevrolet Impala LTZ, a Midnight Edition and the dark paint job is complemented by black Chevrolet bowtie badges front and rear, body-colored rear spoiler and door mirrors, as well as a black grille surround and 19-inch wheels with black-painted accents. It had already exceeded our expectations.

There are a couple of engine options to be had, the base is 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 196 hp and is equipped with Stop/Start system for better fuel economy.  Seeing as we focus on performance and luxury here, our car had the V6 which generates 305 hp and 264 lb-ft. It makes the Impalas progress smooth and refined but fast when you need it. One thing we did notice was how quiet it was, even at highway speeds, it’s as quiet as a church mouse. Refinement is good too, with no turbo to spool up, power delivery is very linear and the engine never feels strained, even at high revs.

How Does It Go?

In a word …or two …quite well. The ride is neatly damped and only on rutted surfaces do you really ever feel anything. The steering is well weighted and as direct as you would expect in a full size non sports sedan. Push on and the car does go, our efforts to get a sub 7 seconds to 60 mph paid off after 3 runs and some careful throttle control. We managed a best 0-60 mph of 6.38 secs, despite considerable front tire slip. I kind of wish this car was rear wheel drive like the Chevy SS.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is smooth and matches the power of the V6 well. you can use the manual mode but the shifter buttons are on top of the gear lever and awkward to use. Just drive it like an auto. Stopping was never an issue and the brakes remained fade free after a series of panic stops, this despite the 3,800 lb curb weight.

In the twistier bits body control is managed pretty well with not too much roll, press on hard into a turn, however, and under steer rears its ugly head. Another reason to want rear wheel drive perhaps? Other that that the car is super easy to drive.

Inside

Our car had the optional LTZ package, so heated and cooled chairs, which are very comfortable, and a Bose surround sound system. New for 2016 is Apple CarPlay capability and Wireless charging capability. I was very impressed with the Apple Car Pay, simply plug in to the USB port and your phone displays on the infotainment screen. From there it is easy to access Music and texts appear as a voice prompts to which you simply reply to using your voice….Brilliant

Inside, the dashboard has been well thought out but might be a little fussy for some tastes. It does show that GM has listened and has produced a car that is a really nice place to spend time in. Another plus is the huge trunk, it’s gargantuan. I am not sure if I have enough suitcases to fill it though.

The Impala is definitely more spacious than the Ford Taurus, which we found quite dull. The Ford is huge on the outside and tiny inside. Other competitors of note are the Hyundai Azera and Toyota Avalon.

Verdict

If you are looking for a full size non sporty car then this would be a good choice. The LTZ is the top of the line but pricing still remains reasonably as you still get some change from $40K. The Impala surprised us and exceeded our expectations for the week we had it. The driving experience has been dramatically improved and the cabin materials are of a much higher quality than before…..consider myself surprised.

2016 Chevrolet Impala LTZ Midnight Edition Specifications