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Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda32019 Chevrolet Malibu Review
The Chevrolet Malibu has been around for decades & it’s one of the last remaining American mid-size sedans in 2019. After driving one it’s easy to see why.
What’s New for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet is the only American automaker building five different sedans in 2019, and the Malibu is a great lesson on why that’s the case. Where other brands have struggled to build a competitive product, Chevrolet has imbued the Malibu with some sneaky good traits that make it a sincere competitor in its class. One trait that’s not so sneaky is its styling which we count as above average because it stands out of a crowd in all the right ways. Let’s take a deep dive into what one of the most historic nameplates in Chevrolets garage has to offer in 2019.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu – media.chevrolet.com | Shop 2019 Chevrolet Malibu on Carsforsale.com
This generation of the Chevrolet Malibu was introduced just a few years back, but we’re seeing some pretty attractive updates in 2019. Not least of which is a new 8-inch infotainment system that has the latest MyLink software. In addition, the driver information display is also updated with a color unit and more data. The Premium trim level gets heated rear seats for 2019. Outside the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu gets some nips and tucks that make it a bit more sporty looking in both the front and the rear. A new RS trim level takes that another step further with a spoiler, dual exhaust, and black 18-inch wheels. Underneath the skin, all 1.5-liter engine equipped Malibu models will route power to the front wheels through a CVT as opposed to the traditional 6-speed automatic from last year.
The Breakdown
Excellent hybrid powertrain
Well above average handling
Dapper styling
Hybrid saps storage space
Lethargic base engine
No standard advanced safety features
No all-wheel-drive option
2019 Malibu Specs
- 160 horsepower from base engine
- 184 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 15.7 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- MyLink Infotainment system is outstanding
- Optional adaptive cruise is very good
- Warranty coverage is industry standard
2019 Chevrolet Malibu Powertrain
We’ll go so far as to say that there aren’t any really bad engine options for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. Yes, the 1.5-liter is a bit boring, but for a person who cares more about price and efficiency it’s a good balance. The CVT is also boring, but adds some economy that the 6-speed auto from last year couldn’t. The 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain is probably the one to get if you don’t need cargo space. It’s not as powerful as the turbocharged gas engine, but it’s got more torque which is noticeable. The turbo motor is great too though with more than enough power to feel playful and responsive. The 9-speed transmission it’s linked to is also excellent, though we think the buttons on the gear lever meant to allow for “manual” shifting are a big miss in terms of execution and responsiveness.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu can span from underperformer to overachiever depending on the engine choice. The base 1.5-liter 4-cylinder splits the difference with a combined score of 32 mpg which puts it in the middle of the pack. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine drops to just 26 mpg combined, but the hybrid is downright impressive with a rating of 46 mpg combined. Really then, there’s something for everyone when it comes to the Malibu and efficiency.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Overall, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is very comfortable. Rear seat occupants can’t be too tall, but aside from that there’s nothing to complain about. Chevrolet has done a great job of making the Malibu comfortable to ride in and at the same time athletic enough to have fun with. Over broken roads it has no trouble soaking up bumps and leaving its occupants unaffected. Throw it into a tighter bend and it has excellent steering feedback and road holding capability. One small concern for those hoping to get maximum efficiency is that the hybrid system fills up a large portion of the trunk and removes the ability to lower the seats for pass through cargo hauling. Beyond that it’s a very capable car.
Entertainment & Technology
MyLink is quite simply one of the most intuitive and easy to use systems on the market today. This third generation is fast, featureful, and attractive too. The driver information display is also impressive and the additional information provided for hybrid owners is great. While some will be disappointed that only very high-end 2019 Chevrolet Malibu models can be optioned with things like heated rear seats and multiple USB ports, we’re quite glad that every single trim gets the infotainment system.
Safety Features
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu just gets a passing grade when it comes to safety. We think the adaptive cruise is one of the best in the business, but the issue here is that it, along with other advanced safety features like lane-keep assist and automated emergency braking, are only available on the Premier trim level. Even then they’re optional extras. It also didn’t score a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and actually dropped from a 5-star crash test rating last year to just 4 stars this year according to the NHTSA. It’s time for Chevy to stop feigning sincerity with gimmicks like the “Seat-Belt Assurance” system and just match their competitors with actual standard advanced safety equipment.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu Trims & Pricing
L – $22,965
As the base model, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu L is very competitively priced and we think most buyers will be happy with the overall package. It includes the aforementioned 8-inch infotainment screen, six speakers, a backup camera, air conditioning, cruise control, as well as keyless entry and ignition.
LS – $24,095
At the LS level, buyers will get 16-inch alloy wheels over the steelies from the L, a 4G LTE WiFi connection, sun visors, quieter laminated side windows, and the “Teen Driver System” which allows parents to set specific parameters for driving.
RS – $25,095
Meant to be the sporty Malibu, the RS gets a spoiler, dual exhaust, black 18-inch wheels, a leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, as well as an eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat.
LT – $27,495
Consider the LT a trim level that simply builds on top of the LS with features like LED DRLS and taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, satellite radio, rear air vents as well as reading lamps, remote start, and heated mirrors.
HYBRID – $29,095
The Hybrid Malibu is most closely trimmed to the LT, but loses remote start, the heated seats, and LED taillights. These can all be added back with an optional “Convenience & Technology” package. Most notably, the engine is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
PREMIER – $32,695
The Premier is the only 2019 Chevrolet Malibu with the excellent 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It also gets 18-inch wheels, driver-seat memory settings, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, heated outboard rear seats, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather upholstery, and navigation. Buyers can opt for up to three “Driver Confidence” packages that include advanced safety features like automatic forward collision avoidance.
Warranties
Warranty coverage for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is the industry standard 3 years or 36,000 miles of limited coverage and 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Chevrolet does offer a single complimentary maintenance visit, which is better than Honda which offers nothing at all, but far short of companies like Toyota that offer a full two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2019 Chevrolet Malibu – media.chevrolet.com | Shop 2019 Chevrolet Malibu on Carsforsale.com
There’s no debate that the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a very attractive and flexible offering. No, it’s not going to rank at the top of safety or luxury polls, but beyond that it offers athleticism, economy, and some good looks to go with it. Maybe the reason so few American companies build sedans today is because they couldn’t keep up with cars like the Malibu.
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