Select a year
- Highs Handsome design, decent ride and handling, spacious interior.
- Lows Poky 1.5-liter engine, substandard interior materials, base model is very basic.
- Verdict The Malibu offers attractive styling, decent performance, and a roomy interior, but it trails rivals in some key areas.
Overview
After decades of trying to get it right, Chevrolet had finally campaigned a mid-size sedan that’s more competitive with the heavy hitters in the segment, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. The new-for-2016 Chevy Malibu is a modern four-door sedan with enough space for five, an interior that can be optioned to punch above its price class, and expressive styling. Like Hyundai with the Sonata, Chevrolet has tossed out the V-6 option for its mid-size car, instead offering two four-cylinder turbos and a new hybrid version with a gasoline four-cylinder engine and two electric motors.
What's New for 2017?
Chevrolet added a hybrid model to the Malibu lineup for 2017. For conventional internal combustion-only models, Chevy has replaced the 2.0-liter turbo engine’s eight-speed automatic transmission with a new nine-speed automatic. A new Sport Package adds 18-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and leather-wrapped shift knob.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- L: $22,555
- LS: $24,100
- LT: $26,000
- Premier: $31,850
- Hybrid: $28,750
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base powertrain for the Malibu is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, rated 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The optional 2.0-liter turbo I-4 with nine-speed automatic, standard on Malibu Premier, is rated at 250 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. The new hybrid model combines a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four with a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with two electric motors for a combined 182 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission, and allows up to 55 mph pure electric driving. The base engine is a bit poky, and our testing found the 2.0-liter turbo to be as thirsty at the gas pump as competitors’ V-6 models, with nearly the same level of performance. The Malibu has a “disciplined” suspension if you choose 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels and not the 19s, and moderate understeer, but good grip at the cornering limit, with solid-feeling, fade-free brakes.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Malibu’s interior is not the fanciest or the quietest, but it is very comfortable and ergonomically friendly. It has hard plastics on lower trim pieces, but there are enough soft-touch surfaces and attractive trim to mitigate these miscues. The base model is very basic, but moving up through the trim levels adds such features as heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. With a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the Malibu is on the large side of the mid-size segment, with a more comfortable back seat for adults than in previous models. Trunk volume is 15.8 cubic feet, except for Malibu Hybrid, at 11.6 cubic feet due to the placement of the battery pack.
Infotainment and Connectivity
For 2017, Chevrolet has extended Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as its Teen Driver safety controls, as standard equipment to the popular LS and LT trim levels with base radios. Other standard equipment includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker stereo. Available features include Chevrolet MyLink with an 8.0-inch color touchscreen, navigation, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB ports, wireless charging, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chevrolet Malibu’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.