We felt pretty comfortable overall inside the Impala. The seats have firmer cushions and increased lumbar support than previous models. We didn't find the SS seats particularly comfortable or supportive, with too much lumbar support and not enough side bolstering to retain the upper body in corners. Optional leather-covered seating has a new style of seams around the perimeter and French seams on the center sections.
The Impala also has a new twin-brow instrument panel design that wraps around into the door panels. LS, LT and LTZ models have a wood trim, with brushed silver trim optional. The Impala SS comes standard with metallic trim panels, with wood trim as an option. We found the panel pleasing to the eye, colorful, entertaining and easy to use, with a nice all-of-a-piece unity and style to it. We found the interior materials at least one grade better than the usual Chevrolet stuff.
The optional dual-zone climate control system can have up to a 12-degree temperature difference side-to-side. It's a snap to use, with large, round control knobs and good markings. The optional remote engine start system comes with a 200-foot operating range and automatic climate pre-conditioning to warm or cool the interior. The dashboard has an expanded driver information center, now with more than 50 different alerts, depending on the vehicle's equipment. The glovebox is 20 percent larger than previous models, which means you can actually put stuff in it larger than a ballpoint pen.
A new family of audio systems features radios compatible with the Generation 6 OnStar system. The base audio system includes AM/FM/CD and six speakers. An optional MP3/CD-radio is configured for XM Satellite Radio, with a two-line, 32-character display and the capability to select freely between AM, FM and XM. We really liked this system because we could set up all of our favorite stations in one row, for example, allowing us to quickly switch between AM news, XM news, and FM music stations. Setting these presets is as easy as holding the button down. A big round knob in the center allows quick volume adjustments. Presets for the equalizer let you quickly switch settings from rock to country & western to talk radio. The optional ICDX radio adds an in-dash six-CD changer. Impala also offers a premium Bose audio system. All radios include a standard auxiliary input jack for external devices such as an iPod or remote cassette player.
The rear seat is roomy and comfortable for two adults or three kids, but not three adults. The rear seat cushions flip forward to create a covered storage area under the seat (with cushions down) and grocery bag hooks when the cushions are flipped. The seatback also folds down flat to create a large pass-through port to the trunk.
Trunk space, at 18.5 cubic feet, is more than competitive in the segment, and it has a huge opening for easy loading.
