2014 Chevrolet SS Expert Review
Reviewed by Austin Lott
New for 2014
The Chevrolet SS is all new for the 2014 model year, and is the only rear-drive sedan in the brand's lineup. The SS is the reincarnation of the Pontiac G8 GXP, another vehicle based on the Australian-market Holden Commodore. Look for a manual transmission option to be added soon.
Vehicle Overview
The Chevrolet SS is the automaker's first rear-drive performance sedan since 1996. The SS is intended to broaden the brand's performance offerings, and it delivers with a blend of performance and utility that includes undeniable muscle-car flair.
Summary
The front-engine rear-drive Chevrolet SS is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift controls. The 415-hp V-8 turns out 415 lb-ft of torque as well, and returns an EPA-estimated 14/21 mpg city/highway, which earns it a gas-guzzler tax of $1300. The SS is the first Chevrolet to offer automatic parking assist, which helps drivers maneuver into parallel, or reverse right-angle, parking spaces. It boasts a collection of standard safety features, including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, a rearview camera, and eight airbags.
While the 2014 Chevrolet SS may carry a higher base price than others in the segment, the 2014 SS throws in the following features as standard: a head-up display, hands-free keyless access, HID headlights, 19-inch wheels, and a navigation system on an eight-inch touchscreen.
The 2014 Chevrolet SS has not yet been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.
What We Think
The Chevrolet SS goes 0-60 in 4.6 seconds on its way to a 13.0 second quarter mile, while taking 24.8 seconds to complete our figure eight course. What these numbers mean: the SS is a strong performer. It doesn't end there, though. In a comparison with a 2014 Chrysler 300 SRT the SS, despite being the cheaper of the two, was praised for feeling like a proper sports sedan, and having an equally luxurious (and roomier) interior. However, we faulted the SS for an oddly designed steering wheel (the spokes are at 10 and 2 o'clock, right where your hands ought to go), and a lack of lateral support from the seats. If it were our money we'd pick the SS over the SRT model. We said, "The SS is a good car in every situation, whether on the racetrack, your favorite driving road, or just cruising down the highway."
Key Competitors
Rating
After 17 years, the rear-drive Chevrolet flagship sedan returns.
