Engine Type

All Malibu trims (except the Premier) are powered by a standard and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged cylinder engine-- it gives out 160 horsepower with 184 lb-ft of torque. This motor teams up with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and provides a good EPA highway fuel economy of 36 mpg.

The Premier trim, however, will give you a much better kick with its 2.0-liter turbo and 9-speed automatic. It musters up a lively 250 horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine also gets 32 mpg, which has a competitive standing in its segment.

Teen Driver

This car is a must-have for first-time motorists, not just for its modest size and easy handling, but with the Teen Driver system, it gives way for parents to set limits on particular features like the car’s speed and stereo volume. This technology even provides an only-vehicle report card to track the performance of their mini adult. Teen Driver is standard on all Malibu’s except for the base L.

Exterior Features

The only and only North American Chevrolet sedan is particularly appealing to the eye, with slightly indented sculpting on the sides, a definite lower grille, and familiar dual-element tail lights.

As previously mentioned, the Cherry Red Tintcoat is added to the exterior color palette. Then, the new Sport Edition, which is available in LT trim, level bundles up features involving nameplate badge in black, black front and rear bow ties, blacked-out grille, 19-inch Black-painted aluminum wheels, and 245/40R19 all-season tires.

Interior Features

The interior is just as attractive and happening with materials that are soft to the touch and plastics that don’t look like plastic. The Infotainment 3 System is user-friendly with its large icons and physical knobs. Driver’s will find comfort in both their seats and great outward vision. Passengers will also find comfort with the amount of headroom and legroom.

Comforts

Entry-level features include the familiar air conditioning, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio, as well as an 8-inch infotainment screen offering Bluetooth audio streaming along with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Other available technologies become more exciting as your climb up the trims like 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, wireless Android Auto compatibility, myChevrolet Mobile App, wireless charging, and 8-inch diagonal reconfigurable Driver Information Center.

Safety Features and Warranty

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, teens that are unbuckled make up the majority of fatal crashes. That’s why parents will revel in the standard Buckle To Drive system. The car discourages their child from driving off without first trapping in, as it does not allow them to move the gear out of the park.

Other safety technologies include available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control. Drivers are covered for three years or 36,000 miles with the Limited warranty, 5 years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain, and even have complimentary maintenance for their first visit.