Chevrolet Impala vs. Toyota Camry - Comparison

2009 Chevrolet Impala

The Impala represents Chevrolet's flagship full-size sedan. For 2009, four trim levels are available: LS, LT, LTZ and SS and the LT trim level has 1LT and 2LT packages that offer different levels of standard equipment. New for 2009, all Impala models get antilock brakes, traction control and side-impact airbags.  The Chevy Impala is spacious and comfortable; it handles well and is an excellent value in the full size sedan market.

Driving the Impala

Despite its size, the Impala is very stable, nice cruiser and handles well. There's lots of low-end torque from the larger of the two available V6 engines, a 3.9-liter V6 with advanced technologies.  Engines include a 3.5-liter V-6, a 3.9-liter V-6 and a 5.3-liter V-8. Both V-6s can be had in flex-fuel versions that can run on ethanol-based E85. The V-8 has Active Fuel Management, GM's cylinder-deactivation system that improves fuel economy.  The 3.9-liter V6 produces 233 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It features a variable-length intake system and variable valve timing. It also features Active Fuel Management; electronic software that shuts off three cylinders when full power is not needed. Chevrolet says Active Fuel Management improves fuel economy by up to 12 percent in certain driving situations.

Impala Design

The Impala is the longest of its competitors.  Built on a 110.5-inch wheelbase, the Impala is 200.4 inches long overall, 72.9 inches wide and 58.7 inches tall. It's nearly the same width as the Avalon, but narrower than the Taurus and 300. As for height, it falls in the middle of its competitors.  SS sedans have a distinct look up front, led by a dual-split grille that contains a black-diamond crosshatch pattern. Corvette-inspired bright exhaust outlets are installed on SS models.

Inside the Malibu

The Impala's cabin is roomy and practical. A flip-fold seat is available on LT models and standard on LTZ and SS. Flip-and-fold rear-seat cushions reveal a covered storage area and include grocery bag hooks. The rear seatback folds down to create a pass-thru into the trunk. General Motors' OnStar communication system is standard, and an available Directions and Connections service gives audio turn-by-turn directions from an OnStar operator.

Safety Features

Side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners for the front seats are standard on the 2009 Impala. Latch child-seat anchors are found in all second-row seating positions. Integrated into the braking system is Electronic Brake Force Distribution, which helps provide optimum braking regardless of load, traction or braking speed. OnStar includes the Advanced Crash Response System, making crash data available to 911 centers. Other safety features that come standard on all Impalas include dual front smart air bags and side-curtain roof-mounted air bags for front- and rear-seat passengers and a tire-pressure monitor.

2009 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has been one of the best-sellers among midsize sedans. The 2009 Camry trim levels include the base Camry, the LE, the sporty SE and the premium XLE. New for 2009:  the Camry's entry-level model changes its name from CE to simply Camry.  The Toyota Camry sedan is still fresh from a complete redesign for 2007; it does nearly everything well, and it offers comfortable, pleasant, and reliable transportation.  There are many different options and price ranges.  All are reasonably economical to operate.  With the 2009 Camry, it is an excellent choice for a rock-steady, all-purpose sedan.   

Camry Drive

A four-cylinder engine is available on all models, while the optional V-6 is available on all but the base Camry. The LE with four-cylinder and automatic is not exactly inspiring. The LE V6 is another story, because it has plenty of power.  The SE, on the other hand, is a fresh and welcome departure from Camry's heretofore conservative legacy. It has firmer springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars and bushings to improve handling and limit body roll compared to other trim levels.  Steering turn-in is precise and cornering is solid and stable, with little body lean.

Design for 2009

Exterior length is 189.2 inches and width comes in at 71.7 inches, putting the Camry on the small side of the midsize market. The current-generation Camry's nose is blunter and the overall profile is sportier than its predecessor. The tail recalls the full-size Avalon sedan, and the fenders have shoulders that give the trunklid a hump.  The grilles distinguish one trim level from another. The SE also has rocker-panel and front-end extensions and larger wheels.

Inside the Camry

In the 2009 Camry there's 101.4 cubic feet for passengers to stretch out putting the sedan in the middle of the pack in terms of space. Same thing goes for its 15-cubic-foot trunk. The Camry's steering wheel both tilts and telescopes. XLE standard fabric is treated by the Fraichir process, which gives it a natural moisturizing component. The SE trim level gets its own sport-trimmed interior in darker colors with amber gauges and a three-spoke steering wheel.  The CE and LE trims have split, folding backseats. The XLE backrests recline 8 degrees, but they don't fold forward to extend cargo space into the cabin. Likewise, the Camry SE's seats don't fold due to a V-shaped brace intended to stiffen the car's structure and improve handling.


Conclusions

The Chevrolet Impala and the Toyota Camry are both in the mid-size sedan class and are reliable and vehicles of high quality.  The 2009 Impala is pleasing to drive, whether equipped with the 3.5-liter or 3.9-liter V6 engines.  The Chevrolet Impala is a comfortable and convenient car, practical and enjoyable to drive. It has neat and clean lines with a fresh style that is pleasing to the eye. Chevrolet continues to improve and upgrade the Impala. The audio system has been upgraded and XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models. OnStar is standard, and in its latest version it will automatically communicate the nature and severity of a crash as well as its location to the 911 centers. Read about a new Chevy Malibu at Motortrend.com.   The benchmark Toyota Camry sedan continues its reputation of safety, reliability, and quality while offering fuel efficiency, space, and power. This mid-size sedan does just about everything well, and it's supported by Toyota's well-earned reputation for quality, reliability and value retention. For more Camry information, click here. The Chevy Impala gets an estimated 19/29 mpg (city/highway), and the Camry get 19/31 mpg. The Impala's starting MSRP is $23,790 - $31,135, while the 2009 Camry's is $19,145 - $28,695.