Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

Chevrolet Impala
!

The Impala is roomy,

comfortable, quiet, and

enjoyable to drive. It

even rides like a luxury

sedan, feeling cushy and

controlled. Engine choices include

a punchy 3.6-liter V6 engine and an

adequate 2.5-liter four-cylinder, both

paired with a six-speed automatic

transmission. In our tests, the V6

returned 22 mpg overall and had good acceleration. Braking is capable,

and handling is secure and responsive. The cabin stays very quiet and has

a sumptuous backseat. Controls are intuitive and easy to use, but rear visibility

is restricted. Advanced safety features, including forward collision warning

and automatic emergency braking, are available. Recent updates include the

addition of Apple CarPlay capability and wireless cell-phone charging.



OVERALL

SCORE

84

$31,620-$36,720

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 91 MPG 22

Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet's Malibu is

competitive among

midsized sedans,

with a quiet cabin and

easy-to-use controls.

In tests we found the sedan to be

quiet, with a comfortable ride and

responsive handling. Two turbo

four-cylinder engines are offered.

We tested the 1.5-liter turbo with a

six-speed automatic and got 29 mpg overall. The standard transmission is now

a CVT. The second engine is a more powerful and refined 2.0-liter turbo mated

to a nine-speed automatic. Up front is a roomy, comfortable cockpit and an

updated version of Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system. But the cloth seats

are a bit short on support. The roomy rear seat lets long-legged passengers

stretch out. The hybrid version has been discontinued.



OVERALL

SCORE

57

$22,095-$33,320

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 80 MPG 29

Chevrolet

Silverado 1500

The Silverado delivers

smooth, responsive power

from its 5.3-liter V8 engine.

Fuel economy is 17 mpg

overall, unless opting

for the 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel

engine, which gets 23 mpg. The ride

is steady, and the cabin is very quiet.

Handling is lackluster but secure. The

infotainment system is easy to use. Rear-seat room in crew-cab versions

is immense, but the high step-in requires a climb. Trim variants, such as the

Trail Boss and High Country, run the gamut from an off-road special to a

luxury chariot. Available advanced safety features, including forward collision

warning and automatic emergency braking, are optional on high-end trims.

$28,300-$59,295

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 76-78 MPG 17-23

Chevrolet

Silverado 2500HD

The Silverado HD exterior

is now more visually

distinguished from the

Silverado 1500 with the

redesign. Aside from its roof

shared with the light-duty Silverado,

all other visible elements are unique

to the work-focused HD truck. The

standard engine is a 401-hp, 6.6-liter

V8 with a six-speed transmission. A 445-hp, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine with

a 10-speed transmission is also available. The new truck is 10 inches longer than

the previous one, which translates to more legroom. GM claims that the new

HD, when properly equipped, can tow up to 35,500 pounds. Available safety

features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane

departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$34,100-$61,300

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Chevrolet Sonic

The subcompact Chevrolet

Sonic hatchback and

sedan possess a relatively

comfortable ride and

a quiet cabin. EPA fuel

economy of 29 mpg combined on

the 1.4-liter turbo engine is nothing to

boast about. The 1.8-liter four- cylinder

engine has been dropped. Handling

is secure but a bit too responsive

because of the overly quick steering. The sedan has a large trunk, but the

hatchback version offers more utility. Creature comforts, such as keyless entry

and push-button start, and the optional heated seats and steering wheel,

bring some maturity to this subcompact. A 7-inch touch screen is standard

and works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. On the safety front, forward

collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, and are welcome

additions to the Sonic.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$16,720-$21,520

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Chevrolet Spark

Urban dwellers will

appreciate the Spark's

small dimensions when

looking for a parking space.

But this rudimentary, bare-

bones runabout doesn't offer much

else. Power comes from a 98-hp,

1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that

delivers leisurely acceleration along

with plenty of engine drone. Yet the

Spark isn't very frugal, at just 33 mpg overall. Handling is very responsive,

but the overly sensitive steering makes the Spark a bit too darty at highway

speeds and the ride is unyieldingly stiff. Inside, the driver has a commanding

view out. But the rear seat is very tight and is best for just two occupants.

The infotainment system has a 7-inch color display, making the Spark up to

date on the connectivity front. Other available features include forward

collision warning and lane departure warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

48

$13,220-$17,720

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 47 MPG 33

Chevrolet Suburban

Few SUVs other than the

Suburban boast plenty of

space for seven or more

people and all their stuff,

and towing capacity to

boot. This behemoth has a sumptuous

and quiet interior, plus power-folding

second- and third-row seats. We

got 16 mpg overall with the 5.3-liter

V8 engine and six-speed automatic

transmission. The touch-screen infotainment system is easy to use, and the

magnetic ride suspension on the Premier trim improves ride comfort and

handling response and capability. Available safety gear includes forward

collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear

cross traffic warning. A redesigned Suburban is around the corner. It brings

contemporary, independent rear suspension and a much nicer interior.



OVERALL

SCORE

64

$49,700-$68,500

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 74 MPG 16

Chevrolet Tahoe

The Tahoe has a luxurious

and quiet interior, but the

ride is too stiff and its

third-row seat is tight.

In addition, the 5.3-liter

V8 engine and six-speed automatic

transmission combine to form a

lackluster powertrain that returned

16 mpg overall. The touch-screen

infotainment system is easy to use,

and the front seats are very comfortable. The magnetic ride suspension on the

Premier trim significantly improves ride comfort, as well as handling response

and capability. Available safety gear includes forward collision warning,

automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic

warning. A redesigned Tahoe goes on sale soon. It brings independent rear

suspension and interior ambience that's more commensurate with the price.



OVERALL

SCORE

68

$46,800-$65,700

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 67 MPG 16

54

55

OVERALL

SCORE

56 CR.ORG APRIL 2020

NEW CAR PROFILES CHEVROLET — DODGE