Long-haul road trips have helped Cars.com's long-term 2014 Chevrolet Impala register nearly 14,000 miles in just nine months of ownership. The Impala is a staff favorite when it's time to hit the road and log miles because its seriously comfortable ride and cavernous interior are perfect for the needs of a traveling small family, carload of adults or a nice solo trip across the state.
Related: More on Cars.com's Long-Term Fleet
Comfort and cargo room aren't all the factors that make a good road-trip ride. Fuel economy and keeping passengers occupied contribute to an enjoyable road trip; for some, a bangin' stereo also should be added to the list. The Impala is no doubt a comfy car, but does it have everything it needs to be a successful road-tripper?
The Impala's ride quality is a stand-out feature making the full-size sedan a breeze to drive for extended periods of time.
"Ride and seat comfort are top-notch, especially when combined with the quietness," said Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.com executive editor.
Our mid-trim-level 2LT is equipped with the $945 Premium Seating Package, which includes sueded microfiber seating inserts, heated front seats and eight-way power adjustability for both driver and front passenger. The comfortable ride was echoed by Consumer Affairs Editor Kelsey Mays:
"The ride quality reminds me why the Impala stood out during our full-size comparison," he said. "Smooth at all speeds, with a responsive drivetrain that kicks down gears with little delay and steps off the line immediately."
One of the largest trunks in the business provides the Impala with almost SUV-like cargo capability from a sedan shape; it's capable of hauling a weekend's worth of luggage for a carload of adults or a small family.
Cars.com Road Test Editor Joe Bruzek noted, "Filled with three adults, the Impala easily swallowed two large outdoor pop-up canopies through the larger section of the folding backseat, plus a weekend's worth of luggage for the three of us, two Crock-Pots, a giant duffel bag and more."
Traveling with a 5-month-old, Photo Editor Evan Sears' trip took his family and the Impala on a 700-mile drive with a large stroller, roller suitcase, duffle bags and kid's gear like bouncy chair, diaper bag, cooler and more.
"We packed in all the stuff we needed for the three-day trip and didn't have any issues with space at all," said Sears.
Keeping everyone occupied during hours on the road is aided by the rear household AC power outlet included in the Premium Audio and Sport Wheels Package ($1,140). The outlet was much appreciated for Bruzek on a different trip with two adults who supplied juice for their tablet and phone with a USB splitter. The optional Bose stereo included in the package makes long solo trips a pleasure with its robust sound quality. Surprised? So were we.
The Impala's fuel economy ratings are proving similar to its EPA ratings of 19/29/22 mpg city/highway/combined. Like our $38,000 Full-Size Sedan Challenge, those are middle of the pack and fairly unimpressive. Bruzek spent roughly 1,300 miles in the Impala over two weeks and said, "In two separate trips I caught glimpses of 29 mpg in some driving. After 600 miles on one trip and 750 on the other, both individually averaged 26 mpg with cruising speeds around 70 mph."
Despite the unimpressive fuel economy, the Impala's overabundance of comfort and roominess still make it a desired choice in our test fleet when it's time to pack a bag and hit the road.
Cars.com photos by Evan Sears
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