The 2018 Chevrolet Impala with the 3.6L V6 engine gets 22 MPG combined. While it’s not the most fuel-efficient car, understanding this number requires some context. The Impala, especially the later models, is a large sedan that focuses on space, comfort, and a smooth ride more than saving gas. It’s a car chosen for its back-seat room, reliable fleet transportation, and the overall experience of a traditional, full-size car.

City and highway performance

The EPA says the Impala gets 18 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This difference shows how much fuel the engine needs when stopping and starting versus cruising steadily. The city number shows how much energy it takes to accelerate the Impala, while the highway MPG shows the benefits of the six-speed automatic transmission in higher gears. Getting 28 MPG on the highway is good for a car this size, making it a decent option for long road trips, even though smaller cars and crossovers would save more money on gas. These numbers align with how many people drive the car. Buyers need the size and comfort for longer trips, but do a lot of driving in the city.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Impala 3.6L V6 at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using a national average fuel price. It’s a good guide, but your fuel costs will change based on how you drive, the fuel you buy, and local fuel prices. Someone who drives mostly in the city will probably spend more than $2,000, while someone who uses the Impala for highway commuting might spend less.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates give a standard comparison, but actual MPG often varies. The Impala’s 3.6L V6 is known to be reliable, but things like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and how you drive can change how much gas you use. Accelerating quickly and braking hard will lower MPG, so will skipping things like air filter replacements. Also, drivers upgrading from older Impala models might save money.

How it compares

The 2018 Impala’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors in the full-size sedan class. The Toyota Avalon, for instance, gets a slightly better 22 MPG combined with its V6 engine, but has less trunk and back seat space. The Chrysler 300 with its V6 gets around 21 MPG combined. A smaller sedan like the Honda Accord 2.0T gets better fuel economy, at 26 MPG combined, but doesn’t have the Impala’s interior space. Ultimately, Impala V6 buyers prioritize size and comfort over the best possible fuel consumption.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerating gently makes a difference with the Impala’s V6. Avoid pushing the gas pedal all the way down unless you need to. The engine has strong torque, so you can accelerate smoothly and use less gas by using the gas pedal moderately, this will also reduce wear on the drivetrain.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air, as shown on the sticker on the driver’s side door. Tires with too little air increase resistance, and that will reduce fuel economy. Check the tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Reduce extra weight in the car. Carrying too much cargo, especially in the trunk, makes the engine work harder and reduces fuel efficiency. Remove anything you don’t need for your everyday driving.

Get regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups, as recommended by Chevrolet. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, helps fuel economy, and keeps the vehicle running longer.

Consider cruise control for long highway drives. Keeping a constant speed helps to optimize fuel use compared to changing speed often by using the gas pedal. Take a look at all Chevrolet fuel economy data to compare the Impala with other models in Chevy’s lineup. You can also examine IMPALA MPG across all years to see the progression of efficiency for this model.