There was a time when full-size sedans didn’t need turbochargers, aggressive marketing campaigns, or flashy performance badges to earn respect. They simply relied on smooth power, effortless highway speed, and enough confidence under the hood to surprise anyone who underestimated them. As modern sedans became smaller, more efficient, and increasingly dominated by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a handful of naturally aspirated V6 cars quietly disappeared from the spotlight. But one forgotten American sedan still serves as a reminder that understated performance can age far more gracefully than hype.As some discerning shoppers search for the perfect balance between reliable engine performance and power that doesn’t require forced induction assistance, naturally aspirated V6 engines stand tall. Despite most automakers turning to hybridization, turbocharging, and smaller engine blocks, many V6-powered vehicles still exist, even if they are a few years old already. These pre-owned vehicles have a strong chance of outlasting turbocharged rivals, especially one forgotten V6 sedan. The Naturally Aspirated V6 Delivered Something Turbo Sedans Often Don’t Smooth Power Delivery Gave This Car A More Refined Personality Chevrolet Predictable power gives a naturally aspirated V6 engine a serious advantage over turbocharged four-cylinder engines. To get the most power from a smaller turbocharged engine, the driver must wait for the turbos to spool up and build enough pressure to deliver the added power. Sure, a smaller, turbocharged engine might post higher power figures and is certainly more efficient than a naturally aspirated V6, but a V6 engine offers smooth, linear power that's hard to replicate.The smooth power delivery of a V6 engine made it the right engine choice for many full-size sedans before the class was all but deleted from the mainstream market. An engine with a relaxed character matches the desired comfort and smooth feeling drivers look for in a large sedan. The V6’s Highway Passing Power Still Feels Effortless Today Chevrolet When there’s ample power for a highway ride, there’s also more than enough to handle passing on the highway. The final hurrah of many naturally aspirated V6 engines saw power reach 300 or more horsepower, more than enough to handle passing and accelerating on a highway. Additionally, a V6 engine can settle in and run at relatively low rpm on the highway, thanks to strong midrange power.Highway passing, especially on a four-lane road, should feel like a smooth, controlled movement that barely takes any effort. The V6 engine of one forgotten sedan gives you that and continues to be much calmer and more composed when passing than most turbocharged four-cylinder sedans. The 2020 Chevy Impala Is The Forgotten V6 Sedan That Still Makes Turbo Rivals Nervous The Final Generation Offered Far More Performance Than Most Buyers Realized Chevrolet Like the rest of the full-size sedan class, the Chevrolet Impala experienced a slow, agonizing death. As SUVs pushed sedans out of the way, offering drivers much more versatility for the money, the Impala eventually gave in to the pressure, with GM ending production after the 2020 model year. Even during this final run, the Impala had desirable power that still feels enjoyable today.The final run of the Impala was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. There were only two trims, both with this engine and FWD; no AWD option here. The V6 pumped out 305 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, which is a respectable figure, especially if you want to pass other cars on the highway. Despite its size and weight, the Impala posted a respectable 6.7 seconds in its sprint to 60 MPH. Most People Remember the Impala As A Rental Car—Not A Legitimate Highway Performer Chevrolet The size and comfort of the Chevrolet Impala made it a darling of the rental fleet. Unfortunately, many rental-car Impalas were powered by the smaller four-cylinder engine, which was pitifully lethargic. This did not help the Impala’s reputation. Thankfully, the impressive V6 is often chosen by drivers looking for the right amount of power to move a heavy beast. With the V6 under the hood, driving the Impala becomes a pleasure cruise and easily challenges many modern turbocharged sedans. Chevrolet Accidentally Built One Of The Best Long-Distance Sedans Of Its Era The Impala Combined Full-Size Comfort With Surprising Athleticism Chevrolet Unlike the land yachts of the 1970s and 1980s, the Chevrolet Impala wasn’t cumbersome to drive on city streets. Sure, it could take some getting used to if you typically drive a compact car, but the accurate, direct steering lets drivers feel confident and in control in any environment. While driving, it doesn’t feel nearly as large as its dimensions suggest, which has to be some form of trickery.This big Chevy sedan feels most comfortable and at home on the highway, but that doesn’t prevent it from being a good commuter car for city drivers or from handling parking lot challenges with ease. At no time does the Impala feel slow or disconnected, which could be exactly what many drivers are looking for in a sedan. Interior Quality Rivaled Some Entry-Level Luxury Sedans Interior shot of a 2020 Chevrolet Impala showing dash The final model came in only two trims, LT and Premier. Both trims offered an impressive list of standard features, along with two option packages, making it easier for shoppers to enhance the experience. The Premier trim comes with power front seats, leather upholstery, a wireless charging pad, a navigation system, heated front seats, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system. That’s a substantial list of comfort items that certainly rivals some luxury cars. Toss in the expansive space of the cabin, and the Impala could easily be much more comfortable than many entry-level luxury sedans. Turbocharged Rivals Eventually Won The Market—But Not Necessarily The Driving Experience Downsized Turbo Engines Changed The Segment’s Priorities Chevrolet Why is the current market littered with turbocharged four-cylinder engines? Automakers are increasingly focused on fuel economy and emissions compliance rather than refining naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engines. There isn’t room in the market pushing efficiency for a six or eight-cylinder engine under the hood of a big sedan, especially when the fuel mileage figures only reach 18 city/28 highway MPG. Those are paltry figures compared to modern sedans, which can easily reach 28 city/38 highway MPG in a base Hyundai Sonata. The Impala Now Feels Like A Relic From A More Relaxed Era Of Sedan Design Chevrolet The progression from full-size sedans to SUVs was slow and deliberate, but it seems like it's been more than six years since the Impala was part of Chevrolet’s lineup. It really hasn't been that many years since this big car could be bought new. Today, you can easily find an Impala for an affordable price, with prices ranging from $13,100 to $14,800 on average.This relic from a bygone era, despite being only a few years old, doesn’t have the efficiency of a turbo-four, but it was never meant to. Instead, the Impala offers comfort, smooth driving manners, and a V6 engine that never quits. The Forgotten Impala May Actually Be Aging Better Than Expected Used V6 Impalas Now Offer Remarkable Value For Performance And Comfort Chevrolet When comfort and smooth driving manners are at the top of your list, a used V6-powered Impala should not be overlooked. The cabin is extremely spacious, giving front passengers 39.9 inches of headroom, 45.8 inches of legroom, and 57.9 inches of shoulder room. Rear passengers enjoy 37.4 inches of headroom, 39.8 inches of legroom, and 56.9 inches of shoulder room. Add the spacious 18.8 cubic-foot trunk, and you’ve got a car that can easily take four adults or a family of five on a road trip. In addition to its spacious comfort, the Impala has relatively modern features that make it easier to enjoy than older vehicles. The LT trim includes: Dual automatic climate controls An eight-inch touchscreen Two USB ports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto The Driver Confidence package, standard on the Premier trim, adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, which are included in the comprehensive standard safety package. Its Understated Nature May Be Exactly Why Enthusiasts Are Rediscovering It Chevrolet The final generations of the Chevrolet Impala are easily forgotten. Mired by a rental-fleet image and an underperforming four-cylinder engine, most versions weren’t noteworthy in their own right. However, a V6-powered Impala is the sleeper sedan that has some enthusiasts searching for it. It was never flashy or bold, but the smooth power, comfortable cabin, and trustworthy powertrain make it a forgotten car that still gives turbo-fours nightmares.Sources: Edmunds, Chevrolet, Kelley Blue Book