21 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but it’s a reasonable trade-off in the 2015 Chevrolet Impala 3.6L. This isn’t a compact commuter car; it’s a full-size sedan designed for comfort, space, and confident highway cruising. Buyers choose this Impala for its smooth ride, cavernous interior, and understated style, not for Prius-like fuel efficiency. The V6 provides ample power for merging and passing, making it a comfortable long-distance hauler for families or business travelers. Fuel economy takes a back seat, but it’s still a relevant consideration for many.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 18 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway for the 2015 Chevrolet Impala with the 3.6L V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. The city figure reflects the engine’s responsiveness in stop-and-go traffic, while the highway number showcases its ability to settle into a relaxed cruise. While the city number is unremarkable, the highway figure is respectable for a car of this size and with this level of power. This spread suggests the Impala performs best on longer trips where it can maintain a consistent speed.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,100 for this vehicle, based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This figure provides a standardized benchmark for comparing running costs between different vehicles. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs could vary based on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. If your commute is mostly stop-and-go, expect to spend more than $2,100. Conversely, if you do mostly highway driving, you might spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a guideline, real-world fuel economy can be influenced by many factors. Aggressive driving, frequent acceleration, and heavy braking will all decrease MPG. Similarly, carrying extra weight in the car or using accessories like air conditioning will impact fuel consumption. Terrain also plays a role; hilly areas will negatively affect fuel economy compared to flat terrain. Many drivers find that achieving the EPA highway estimate is possible on long road trips, but matching the city estimate consistently can be challenging. If you want to learn more about all Chevrolet fuel economy data, this is a good place to start.

How it compares

The 2015 Impala’s fuel economy is competitive within the full-size sedan segment. The Toyota Avalon, for example, achieves a combined 24 MPG with its V6 engine. The Chrysler 300 with the 3.6L V6 also achieves a combined 23 MPG. The Nissan Maxima, often considered a sportier alternative, gets around 25 MPG combined. The Impala isn’t the thriftiest option, but it offers a good balance of power, space, and fuel efficiency within its class. A buyer prioritizing fuel economy above all else might lean towards the Avalon, but someone wanting a more traditional, American full-size sedan could still find the Impala appealing. If you’re curious about IMPALA MPG across all years, additional data is available.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive driving habits. The Impala’s V6 offers plenty of power, but using it excessively will quickly diminish fuel economy. Practice smooth acceleration and anticipate traffic flow to minimize hard braking. The Impala is a heavy car so smooth inputs yield noticeably better results.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Proper inflation also improves handling and tire life.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s weight, which requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any items from the trunk or back seat that you don’t need for your daily commute; every little bit helps.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. Avoid using it in hilly areas or heavy traffic, where the system may frequently adjust the throttle, negating any potential fuel savings.

Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors. Over time, deposits can build up in the fuel injectors, reducing their efficiency. Regularly using a fuel additive can help keep the injectors clean and maintain optimal fuel spray patterns.