Honda Accord vs Chevy Impala
What do you get when you compare a popular American rental car to a perennial “Car of the Year” winner? What you’ll get is a mismatch, but then again, Chevrolet claims they’ve redesigned the Impala to shed its reputation as a rental car and to compete against the pioneers in the midsize sedan category, particularly the king from United States. hill, the Honda Accord. Let’s see how each automaker’s entry-level version stacks up against each other.
The entry-level Honda Accord LX has a 2.4L inline-4, producing 177 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. This economical engine has a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for city and highway driving. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this model starts at $21,765.
The entry-level Chevrolet Impala LS starts at $23,890, and for that you get a 4-door family sedan, which can carry up to six passengers. It’s powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 flex-fuel engine, which produces a whopping 211 horsepower, at 5,800 rpm. Even with all that power, this model manages a modest fuel efficiency rating of 23 mpg in both city and highway. The standard gearbox for this model is a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Both cars have similarities, as both offer standard four-wheel ABS on ventilated disc brakes. Both are front-wheel drive, but in terms of curb weight, the Accord LX comes out a shorter 3,230 lbs., while the Impala weighs in at 3,555 lbs. The Accord’s weight is supported by 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 all-season tires, while the Chevy Impala uses 225/55-size tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.
However, it should be noted that all of these numbers are for the entry-level models only, for both automakers. Things get a little more exclusive, more competitive, and more expensive as you go up the different trim levels. The Accord offers three different trim levels, namely the base LX, the upgraded EX, and the top of the line EX-L, which offers premium features such as leather upholstery and an optional navigation system.
The Chevrolet Impala lineup, on the other hand, is available in five trim levels, namely: the entry-level LS, the mid-grade options of LT and 2LT, the more powerful 3.9L V6 charged, 230-horsepower LTZ strength and performance-oriented 5.3-liter V8 SS.
Despite the price disparity between these two competing vehicles, the Chevrolet Impala seems more attractive to potential customers, due to its ability to transport up to six people. Although the Impala doesn’t have the smooth ride or refinement of the Honda Accord, it earns points for respectable handling and steering feel. However, would you rather buy a well-known rental car over one that has prestige, like an Accord? We did not believe it!
