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2014 Chevrolet Impala Overall 4 Comfort  Performance  Fuel Economy Interior Exterior Styling |
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2013 Toyota Avalon Overall 4.5 Comfort  Performance Fuel Economy Interior Exterior Styling |
Expert Choices and Conclusions
Of all our recent Comparison Tests, I cannot recall one as close as this. At the end of the day, David chose the Impala while Edward was firmly in the Avalon camp. And while you might assume each of our experts was blinded by personal brand allegiance, you should know that the Chevy was selected by someone with two import brands in the garage, while the Toyota was picked by the GM owner.
More curious though is that each of our experts have recently purchased their vehicles and yet despite being the prime demographics for our test cars, each chose a crossover SUV rather than a large sedan. Neither gentleman had considered a large sedan for their current active retirement lifestyle needs, which begs the question, just who does need one? Is this a dying breed?
For Jacob, he concluded, “the Impala is rougher, less polished, and has too many little ticks that would annoy long-term owners” making the Avalon his choice.
With its excellent engine, impressive styling and features, the Impala is an emotional choice. But ultimately the overall refinement, efficiency and luxuriant interior help Toyota’s stellar new Avalon eke out three-to-one vote victory.
  2014 Chevrolet Impala vs 2013 Toyota Avalon. Click image to enlarge |
Pricing: 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ
Base Price: $39,645
Options: Comfort/Convenience Package – $1,365 (ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, memory driver’s seat, power tilt and telescope wheel, universal home remote); MyLink with touchscreen – $995; Premium Sound Package – $880; 20-inch aluminum wheels – $420.
Destination: $1,550
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $44,955
Pricing: 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited
Base Price: $38,900
Options: Premium Package – $2,950 (Rear seat climate controls, premium stereo, pre-collision system, heated rear seats, dynamic radar cruise control, power rear window sunshade, automatic high beam feature).
Destination: $1,565
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $43,515
Competitors:
Buick Lacrosse
Chrysler 300
Ford Taurus
Nissan Maxima
Lexus ES 350
Kia Cadenza
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
