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2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Starting at $22,555

9/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2018 chevrolet malibu
Chris Doane Automotive|Car and Driver
9/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Attractive design, good balance of ride and handling, comfortable and roomy interior.
  • Lows So-so engine performance, interior materials lag behind competitors, base model is very basic.
  • Verdict The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu offers modern styling, decent performance, a spacious interior, and an array of available tech features, but it trails rivals in some key areas.

Overview

Despite its mid-size classification and family-sedan credentials, the Malibu is both beautiful and athletic. It offers the choice of two refined four-cylinder engines as well as a hybrid powertrain with impressive fuel economy, and its chassis balances ride and handling better than many rivals. Most models have an excellent infotainment system and abundant active safety options, but lower trims are less blessed. This Chevy offers everything most consumers want, but it doesn’t feel as upscale or as nimble as either the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6.

What's New for 2018?

The current-generation Malibu was a pleasant surprise when it broke cover in 2016, boasting sophisticated styling and up-to-date technology. Even though most of its competitors have since been completely redesigned, the Chevy sedan remains one of the best mid-size options. With a refresh coming for 2019, the Malibu receives minor updates for 2018. The main attraction is the Redline Edition. Exclusive to LT models, it is essentially an appearance package with blacked-out wheels and trim. The entire lineup also adds Sandy Ridge Metallic to the paint palette.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

  • L: $22,555
  • LS: $24,195
  • LT: $27,240
  • Hybrid: $28,795
  • Premier: $31,895

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Most Malibu models are propelled by a dutiful 163-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four that drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination was slower than similar rivals in our acceleration tests. A peppier turbocharged 2.0-liter four—exclusive to the top-tier Premier trim—makes 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is equipped with a nine-speed automatic. The Malibu 2.0 we tested ran well enough, but neither its real-world fuel economy nor its performance bested those of its competitors. The well-behaved hybrid version pairs a gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. Their combined 182 hp is transmitted through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Malibu won’t be confused for a luxury car, but its ride comfort and quality are above average for this segment. We were impressed by the responsive chassis of all the Malibu models we drove: balanced damping was neither soft nor stiff, and the Malibu could even pass as sporty.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While the Malibu’s interior is not the fanciest or the quietest, it is very comfortable and ergonomically friendly. It has hard and hollow plastics on lower trim pieces, but Chevy designers have integrated enough soft-touch surfaces and attractive trim to mitigate these miscues. Our Malibu LT test car had leatherette-and-cloth front seats rather than the ventilated leather chairs reserved for the Premier trim, which also comes with the dual-zone climate control. But even the best-dressed Malibu interior can’t compete with near-luxury rivals such as the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Gas-powered versions boast a big trunk with ample carry-on capacity, but the hybrid’s battery pack partially blocks the trunk’s pass-through access. Still, the Malibu has plenty of interior storage space, and compared with most rivals, the non-hybrid version can hold an extra bag of luggage inside its trunk.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Base Malibus have an embarrassingly basic infotainment system. The good news is that all other trims have touchscreens and smartphone integration. Chevrolet fits those models with its excellent MyLink infotainment system that includes many of today’s most desirable options, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. While the touchscreen interface is easy to interpret, the system is losing ground to the competition, as it lacks a convenient rotary control knob and suffers from outdated graphics. Although the top Malibu trims have multiple power points for charging mobile devices, base L models are missing a USB port altogether. Likewise, only the LT trim and above are available with power points for back-seat passengers. Still, every Malibu has 10 years of Chevrolet Connected Access, which allows users to remotely monitor their vehicle through a smartphone app.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

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.

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