The 2016 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel (CNG) with its 3.6L V6 gets 20 MPG combined. This isn’t a groundbreaking number, but it’s relevant because the bi-fuel Impala is designed for fleet efficiency and government contracts. This car isn’t aimed at the average consumer agonizing over a few extra miles per gallon; it’s built for organizations tracking fuel costs across hundreds of vehicles, where incremental savings add up quickly.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for the CNG Impala. These figures reflect the compromises of a bi-fuel system. The gasoline-powered Impala with the same 3.6L V6 achieves better fuel economy. Stop-and-go driving impacts CNG vehicles disproportionately, hence the lower city MPG. The highway number, while respectable, is not class-leading. This car is designed to run primarily on compressed natural gas, where the cost savings are the most significant, mitigating the fuel economy deficit compared to gasoline operation. Drivers must also be mindful of the vehicle’s weight, as the CNG tanks add noticeable mass, affecting acceleration and braking, which can further impact fuel consumption, especially in city driving. View IMPALA MPG across all years on this site.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,200 for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel (CNG). This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway conditions, and using national average fuel prices. Fleet managers should carefully scrutinize this number against their real-world driving patterns and local CNG prices. CNG prices can vary widely, potentially changing annual fuel costs dramatically. The initial savings might not be immediately apparent compared to a standard gasoline vehicle, however, the total cost of ownership, factoring in potential CNG cost advantages, can shift the equation favorably over the lifespan of a large fleet.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently achieve EPA numbers. Real-world fuel economy depends heavily on driving style, terrain, and the availability of CNG fueling stations. Aggressive driving, frequent hard acceleration, and consistently carrying heavy loads in the trunk will diminish fuel economy, whether on gasoline or CNG. Remember, the bi-fuel system adds weight, so even moderate driving can yield slightly lower figures than a standard gasoline Impala. Careful planning of routes to coincide with available CNG stations is critical, as switching back to gasoline frequently negates the cost benefits this car is designed to provide. Factors such as using air conditioning in hot climates and cold weather conditions impacting battery efficiency will also lower the overall fuel optimization.

How it compares

Compared to other large sedans, the Impala CNG’s fuel economy sits in a unique niche. A standard, gasoline-powered 2016 Toyota Avalon achieves around 24 MPG combined. The Nissan Maxima achieves approximately 25 MPG combined in its gasoline version. The difference highlights why the CNG Impala appeals to a different buyer. It’s not about outperforming gasoline vehicles in fuel efficiency outright; it’s about using the potentially lower cost of CNG to offset the difference and achieving a lower total cost of ownership for fleets. This is particularly true when compared to SUVs or Trucks, which are purchased for different utility and will likely be less fuel efficient.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Proper tire inflation significantly impacts rolling resistance and fuel economy. Regularly check your tire pressure and maintain the PSI specified on the door jamb. A few PSI below the recommended level can noticeably reduce fuel efficiency, particularly at highway speeds, where rolling resistance plays a more significant role. In fleet environments, ensure tire pressure checks are part of routine maintenance.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel, whether you are using CNG or gasoline. Smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic flow promotes better fuel economy. Train drivers on eco-friendly driving techniques to maximize savings across the fleet, reducing both fuel consumption and wear and tear on the vehicle.

Minimize idling. Excessive idling wastes fuel, especially in CNG mode, but also reduces gasoline MPG. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to restart quickly and reliably, making this a simple way to conserve fuel in fleet operations. Avoid extreme weather conditions where idling is more prevelant.

Maintain the vehicle properly. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine runs efficiently. A neglected engine will struggle to achieve optimal fuel economy regardless of the fuel source. Establishing a consistent maintenance schedule can also catch minor issues before they become expensive repairs that negatively affect fuel efficiency.

Plan your routes intelligently. Optimize routes to minimize stop-and-go driving and prioritize highways where CNG availability allows. Efficient route planning reduces fuel consumption and minimizes the need to switch back and forth between CNG and gasoline. Fleet managers can use route optimization software to identify the most fuel-efficient paths for their vehicles. View all Chevrolet fuel economy data on this site.