The SS straddles the gap between Chevy’s economy sedan line-up and its muscle car counterpart. It features a big V-8, rear-wheel drive and an optional six-speed manual transmission that you’ll not find in many of Chevrolet’s sedans.
With plenty of room for passengers, the SS is a good choice for family road trips. The front seats have enough room for two adults to relax, and a pair of 6-footers can enjoy the spacious rear seat.
Power
The SS might look like your typical GM sedan, but beneath its fender vents and big wheels sits the power of a Corvette-derived V8 engine. Its 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque stomps through a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, and it sends all that power to the rear wheels.
This makes for a truly rear-wheel-drive car, and it’s a joy to drive. You’ll get a blast from zero to 60 in about 4.5 seconds.
It’s all backed up by a sport-tuned suspension that works well on virtually any surface, blending firmness and control when you need it to with a touch of suppleness when you want it. You can even customize the ride and handling of your SS with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damper system.
If you’re looking for a powerful sports sedan that doesn’t shout for attention, the SS is the one to get. It’s also a great deal less thirsty than its German luxury sedan competitors, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined when you go manual and 14 mpg combined when you opt for the automatic.
Style
The SS is Chevrolet’s first rear-wheel drive sedan since the 1996 Impala. It’s a muscular four-door sports sedan that flexes muscle from Down Under.
The engine is a 6.2-liter V8 that puts 415 hp on tap and is paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Fuel economy is decent, rated at 17 mpg combined city and highway driving with the manual; 14/20/16 with the automatic.
You’ll also get a sporty interior with eight-way power adjustable seats, leather seating surfaces and plenty of bolstering for the front passengers. A soft-touch instrument panel is stitched with SS badges in both satin gloss and bright chrome finishes.
The car is well equipped with standard features such as a color, in-dashboard touchscreen for the optional Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system; an electric parking brake; push-button start; forward-collision alert; and a 220-watt Bose audio system. At night, ice-blue ambient lighting illuminates the cabin.
Technology
The SS is a sports sedan that’s built for serious driving. It’s equipped with GM’s Magnetic Ride Suspension system, which adapts to road conditions and driving modes for more intense performance.
Its 6.2-liter, small-block V-8 engine makes 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. It’s not NASCAR-winning fast, but it will give you the feeling of a big, brutish, powerful machine when you accelerate.
You can also choose the six-speed automatic transmission or a manual, which has quick shifts and adequate gear range for spirited driving. There’s also a sport mode for the steering system, which reduces effort at low speeds and increases it at higher speeds to provide more direct feel.
The SS also comes with a slew of tech features, including a 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, hands-free phone integration, a Wi-Fi hot spot and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. It’s a great choice for drivers who want the best features at an affordable price.
Safety
The Chevy SS isn’t just powerful, it also has an impressive list of standard safety features. A number of them – including side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision alert – are designed to give you more confidence on the road.
The SS features a variable-assist electric power steering system that saves fuel by drawing energy only when the wheels are turned. The system is calibrated to detect constant driver steering wheel load due to factors such as road camber and crosswind, compensating to reduce the steering effort and lessen potential driver fatigue.
The SS’s steering system also offers driver-adjustable dampers via the console-mounted dial that offers Tour, Sport, and Performance modes. Its StabiliTrak traction control system offers a slightly clandestine “Track” mode that limits the traction control system’s input level.
