The Chevrolet Impala, a full-size sedan, underwent a significant redesign for the 2014 model year, and the 2019 model continues to offer the safety enhancements introduced in subsequent years. For those considering a 2019 Chevy Impala, understanding its safety performance is paramount. This comprehensive guide delves into the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test ratings for the 2019 Chevy Impala, providing a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where just the front corner of the vehicle impacts another vehicle or a solid object. This is a particularly challenging test, and the 2019 Chevy Impala performed admirably.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Acceptable (A) |
The 2019 Chevy Impala achieved an “Acceptable” rating in the small overlap front crash test. The structure and safety cage held up reasonably well, earning an “Acceptable” rating. Crucially, driver injury measures for the head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot were all rated “Good,” the highest possible rating.
However, the “Driver restraints and dummy kinematics” were also rated “Acceptable”. The IIHS noted that during the test, the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag but then slid off to the left. This movement left the head potentially vulnerable to impact with structural elements. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, offering sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from side structure and external objects. The side torso airbag also functioned as intended.
Action shot of the 2019 Chevy Impala during the small overlap frontal crash test, highlighting vehicle deformation.
Post-crash dummy position in the 2019 Chevy Impala small overlap test, indicating good survival space maintenance.
Close-up view of the dummy’s head and airbag interaction in the 2019 Chevy Impala, showing airbag slippage.
Driver’s side footwell area of the 2019 Chevy Impala after the small overlap test, demonstrating well-maintained space.
Technical measurements from the small overlap test provide further insights:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEN1709 |
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 11 |
| Footrest (cm) | 8 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 1 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 3 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 3 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Steering column | 1 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 6 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 8 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 8 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEN1709 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 89 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 17 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 17 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.5 |
| Right | 0.0 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.68 |
| Right | 0.32 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 2.0 |
| Right | 0.1 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 54 |
| Right | 48 |
These measurements show relatively limited intrusion into the occupant compartment and low injury risk readings for critical body regions.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
In the moderate overlap front test, a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a deformable barrier. The 2019 Chevy Impala shares the rating from the 2014-2020 models for this test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, right | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2019 Chevy Impala earned a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front test. The structure and safety cage again demonstrated “Good” performance. All driver injury measures were “Good” except for the right leg/foot, which was rated “Acceptable.” Driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good,” indicating effective occupant protection in this type of frontal crash.
Technical measurements for the moderate overlap front test are as follows:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF1225 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 4 |
| Left (cm) | 8 |
| Center (cm) | 10 |
| Right (cm) | 7 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 2 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | -2 |
| Rearward (cm) | -8 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF1225 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 230 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 4 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.27 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 27 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 0.6 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 1.9 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 1 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.55 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.47 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 2.9 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 4.4 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 48 |
| Right | 90 |
These measurements indicate good structural performance and low risk of significant injuries in a moderate overlap frontal crash.
Side Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The side crash test assesses occupant protection in a side impact scenario. The rating applies to 2019 Chevy Impala models equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front and rear seat-mounted torso airbags.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
The 2019 Chevy Impala achieved a “Good” overall rating in the side crash test. The structure and safety cage were rated “Good,” and driver head protection was also “Good.” Driver injury measures for head/neck and pelvis/leg were “Good,” while the torso received an “Acceptable” rating. Rear passenger injury measures and head protection were all rated “Good,” demonstrating good side impact protection for both front and rear occupants.
Technical measurements for the side crash test are detailed below:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | VTS1233 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -19.5 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1233 |
| Head HIC-15 | 316 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.5 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.9 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 39 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 35 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.20 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.67 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Combined force (kN) | 3.1 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 1.1 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 78 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -21 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1233 |
| Head HIC-15 | 113 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.6 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 19 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 14 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.19 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.14 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.6 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.8 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 108 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -29 |
These measurements are within acceptable ranges for occupant safety in a side-impact collision.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test evaluates the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,745 lbs |
| Peak force | 16,836 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 4.50 |
The 2019 Chevy Impala earned a “Good” rating in roof strength. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 4.50, the roof can withstand over four times the vehicle’s weight, indicating robust rollover protection.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
This evaluation assesses the effectiveness of head restraints and seats in preventing neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
The 2019 Chevy Impala with power leather seats received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints and seats. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective protection against whiplash injuries.
Technical measurements for head restraints and seats are:
| Seat type | Power leather seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 15 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 17 |
| Seat design parameters | |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 13.1 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 56 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces | |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 1 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 446 |
These measurements are within acceptable limits for good whiplash protection.
Headlights Evaluation
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime driving safety. The IIHS tested two headlight variations on the 2019 Chevy Impala.
Premier Trim Headlights (HID Projector)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | HID projector |
| High-beam headlight type | HID projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | Poor (P) |
The Premier trim’s HID projector headlights received a “Poor” overall rating. Low beam visibility was inadequate on straightaways and curves, and high beam visibility was also rated as fair to inadequate.
Technical measurements for Premier trim headlights:
| LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) | Amount glare exceeded threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 76.0 m | None |
| Straightaway left edge | 42.5 m | None |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 55.1 m | None |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 41.6 m | None |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 48.9 m | None |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 38.9 m | None |
| HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 129.4 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 99.2 m |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 57.5 m |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 55.2 m |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 49.4 m |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 47.0 m |
LS and LT Trim Headlights (Halogen Projector)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | Poor (P) |
The halogen projector headlights on the LS and LT trims also received a “Poor” overall rating. Similar to the Premier trim, both low and high beam visibility were inadequate on straightaways and curves.
Technical measurements for LS/LT trim headlights:
| LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) | Amount glare exceeded threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 73.2 m | None |
| Straightaway left edge | 36.4 m | None |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 42.9 m | None |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 37.3 m | None |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 35.1 m | None |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 32.3 m | None |
| HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 118.6 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 77.7 m |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 44.9 m |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 47.7 m |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 36.0 m |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 37.6 m |
The headlight performance is a notable area of weakness for the 2019 Chevy Impala across all trims.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle Evaluation
The 2019 Chevy Impala offers optional front crash prevention systems.
Optional Forward Automatic Braking (Premier Confidence Package)
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Superior with optional equipment |
When equipped with the optional Forward Automatic Braking system (part of the Premier Confidence Package), the 2019 Chevy Impala earns a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention. The system meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided a collision in the 12 mph test and reduced impact speed by 10 mph in the 25 mph test.
Optional Forward Collision Alert (Driver Confidence Package)
| Overall evaluation | Basic |
|---|---|
| Basic with optional equipment |
With the optional Forward Collision Alert system (available in the Driver Confidence Package), the 2019 Chevy Impala receives a “Basic” rating. This system provides forward collision warnings but does not include autobrake functionality.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) Evaluation
The LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) is evaluated for ease of use.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
| Vehicle trim | 1LS |
| Seat type | cloth |
The 2019 Chevy Impala received an “Acceptable” rating for child seat anchors. It has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor and the ability to borrow lower anchors. The lower anchors were noted to be deep in the seat, and maneuvering around anchors in certain positions was difficult.
Details by seating position
| Position | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| Tether anchor | Easy-to-find location, no confusion |
| Lower anchors | Too deep, easy to attach, easy to maneuver |
| 2 | |
| Tether anchor | Easy-to-find location, no confusion |
| Lower anchors | 1 dedicated, 1 borrowed from seat 3, too deep, easy to attach, difficult to maneuver |
| 3 | |
| Tether anchor | Easy-to-find location, no confusion |
| Lower anchors | Too deep, easy to attach, easy to maneuver |
Technical measurements for child seat anchors:
Seat position 21
| Lower anchor A |
|---|
| Open access rated |
| Depth (cm) |
| Force (lbs) |
| Clearance angle (degrees) |
| Lower anchor B |
| Open access rated |
| Depth (cm) |
| Force (lbs) |
| Clearance angle (degrees) |
| Tether anchor |
| Location |
| Confusing hardware present |
Seat position 22
| Lower anchor A |
|---|
| Lower latch is shared for this seat position |
| Lower anchor B |
| Open access rated |
| Depth (cm) |
| Force (lbs) |
| Clearance angle (degrees) |
| Tether anchor |
| Location |
| Confusing hardware present |
Seat position 23
| Lower anchor A |
|---|
| Open access rated |
| Depth (cm) |
| Force (lbs) |
| Clearance angle (degrees) |
| Lower anchor B |
| Open access rated |
| Depth (cm) |
| Force (lbs) |
| Clearance angle (degrees) |
| Tether anchor |
| Location |
| Confusing hardware present |
While rated “Acceptable,” parents should be aware of the deep-set lower anchors and potential maneuvering challenges in certain seating positions.
Conclusion: Overall Safety Assessment of the 2019 Chevy Impala
The 2019 Chevy Impala demonstrates a strong overall safety performance in IIHS crash tests. It earned “Good” ratings in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats evaluations. The small overlap front test resulted in an “Acceptable” rating, primarily due to airbag slippage, although injury measures remained good. A significant area for improvement is headlight performance, which was rated “Poor” across all trims. Optional front crash prevention systems are available, with the Forward Automatic Braking system earning a “Superior” rating. Child seat LATCH anchors are rated “Acceptable,” with some ease-of-use considerations.
For potential buyers of a 2019 Chevy Impala, these safety ratings provide valuable insights. While the vehicle offers robust crash protection in most areas, the “Poor” headlight rating should be considered, especially for drivers who frequently drive at night. Choosing a trim with optional front crash prevention can significantly enhance safety. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Impala is a reasonably safe vehicle in its class, balancing strong crash test results with some areas needing attention.
