2016 Chevrolet Impala
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.6L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline or E85 |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 28 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,750 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 401 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $28,445–$34,295 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2016 Chevrolet Impala is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 6.8/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10, while Technology at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.8/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.8/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.2/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $28,445–$34,295, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Impala sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2016 Chevrolet Impala sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and performance and value and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Chevrolet Impala ranks #1169 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 11% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $28,445 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$13,815 ($2,763/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Across the Impala model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $25,471 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.9/10 | $30,475 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $30,065 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $29,155 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 6.8/10 | $28,445 | |
| 2015 | 6.7/10 | $27,335 | Read review → |
We rate the 2016 Chevrolet Impala's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 6.8/10 overall, ranking #1169 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 11% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2016 Chevrolet Impala starts at $28,445 and ranges up to $34,295 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
No standout weak years: across the 6 Impala model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.0/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
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