2018 Chevy Malibu Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byWill KaufmanSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　

What's new

Larger fuel tank on L, LS and LT modelsNew Redline Edition appearance packagePart of the ninth Malibu generation introduced for 2016

　　The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu stands out in the midsize sedan field for its sharp looks and mix of appealing qualities. It's loaded with technology and offers a roomy interior. There's also a range of engine choices, including a hybrid option. Overall, we think it's a solid pick.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu L 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$122/mo  for Malibu L

　　Malibu L

　　L 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $21,680 MSRPLS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $23,225 MSRPLS Fleet 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $23,225 MSRPLT 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $25,125 MSRPHybrid 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) - $27,875 MSRPPremier 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $30,975 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Since its complete redesign for the 2016 model year, the latest Chevrolet Malibu is very competitive in the midsize sedan category. Some rivals might boast better driving dynamics or more features for the money, but the Malibu provides a solid and stylish all-around package.

　　Chevrolet has loaded all but the most basic trim with desirable features, which means you won't have trouble finding the features you want. We also like the way the Malibu handles, and acceleration from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is surprisingly peppy. The Malibu Hybrid is a smooth and refined driver, which returns an impressive 45 mpg combined.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

　　The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu stands out in the midsize sedan field for its sharp looks and mix of appealing qualities. It's loaded with technology and offers a roomy interior. There's also a range of engine choices, including a hybrid option. Overall, we think it's a solid pick.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | FWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Chevrolet Malibu has received some revisions, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission for the Premier trim in 2017, and the deletion of the 2LT trim level. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Chevrolet Malibu.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.5

　　

Driving

8.0

　　The current Chevrolet Malibu is a bold step forward for this previously disappointing family sedan. Its long-distance comfort and capable performance are what you expect for the segment, while its sharp handling and available advanced hybrid powertrain are standout elements.

　　

Acceleration

8.5

　　The standard 1.5-liter engine feels just adequate. Those who prefer more punch can get the Premier model's 2.0-liter engine. The Hybrid's smooth acceleration makes it feel more like an electric vehicle than other hybrids; its gas engine is mostly noticeable when accelerating hard or climbing a hill.

　　

Braking

7.0

　　Pedal action is smooth and predictable around town and firms up in panic situations. Our non-hybrid test car stopped from 60 mph in 113 feet — excellent for a car in this class. Confident-feeling hybrid brakes are the best in the segment, lacking the uneven pedal feel common to competitors.

　　

Steering

9.0

　　The steering is low on feedback, and its initial turn-in is a bit rubbery, but the turning effort is consistent and appropriate for this type of car. It's responsive enough to instill confidence and can keep up with those who drive exuberantly.

　　

Handling

7.0

　　Despite its size and non-sporty positioning, the Malibu corners with more athleticism than most family sedans. The all-season tires howl loudly when pushed, but the car remains composed and predictable. It's confident in evasive maneuvers and even provides some fun for the driver.

　　

Drivability

　　The base six-speed automatic transmission can feel sluggish and isn't always smooth, with occasional clumsy downshifts and lurches as it rolls to a stop. We prefer the generally seamless powertrain of the hybrid version, especially at city speeds.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　The Malibu's ride is smooth and composed, and it deals well with rough roads and undulations. Some might also describe it as firm, but that doesn't make it uncomfortable. Strong air-conditioning along with a quiet interior add to the overall comfort level.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　Firm, supportive front seats with sufficient side bolstering. We could happily have driven longer in them than our three-hour evaluation route. The rear outboard seats are comfortable for average-size adults, but the center seat is better suited to smaller passengers.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　Impressive control over choppy, undulating pavement. Remains poised where some others might bound about or transmit sharp impacts. Isolates you from unpleasantness but not from the driving experience. Could be too firm for some.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.0

　　Engine and wind noises are nicely muted, and even the Hybrid's sometimes-on engine doesn't drone excessively and call attention to itself. Road noise can be intrusive on coarse asphalt, though. In total, a little quieter than average.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　The air-conditioning keeps the car cool on a very hot day, even in the Hybrid, whose engine shuts down when the car stops at signals. And we never felt the need to constantly fiddle with the system. Ventilated seats are optional.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　The Malibu benefits from a pleasant, modern and uncluttered dashboard design and a simple layout of controls. Passenger room is on par with that of most other cars in the segment, which means there's an abundance of it. The Accord's best-in-segment backseat is only incrementally better.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　Excellent climate controls are placed within easy reach with well-sized buttons and knobs. The MyLink screen is prone to harsh reflections and fingerprint smudges, but high placement makes it easy to see and reach. The manual-shift button on top of the shifter needs a rethink.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　Front passengers are able to get in and out with ease thanks to a large opening and relatively tall ride height. Rear passengers of average height or taller will have to stoop a bit to clear the sloping rear roofline.

　　

Driving position

8.0

　　Ample adjustability when equipped with the eight-way power seat. The seat adjusts far enough down and back for tall drivers. The steering wheel has good telescoping range. The pedals are naturally placed.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　The front seats are quite spacious even for larger occupants. The rear seat is typical for the segment, providing enough head- and legroom even for tall adults. The sloping roofline, however, makes that space feel confining.

　　

Visibility

6.0

　　As with many sedans in the class, the thick roof pillars and high rear decklid obstruct outward visibility. The available beige dash top also causes distracting reflections — we'd get black. A rearview camera is standard on all but the base trim.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　Acceptable but far from a class leader. Hard plastics up front are at least nicely textured and don't look cheap. Those in back do and are scratchy. Other surfaces are covered in lightly padded cloth or faux leather. Feels sturdy and well put together.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　If you have stuff to carry around — big or small — the Malibu is far from the best family sedan. The trunk is simply average, and the various interior bins are not ideal for the smartphones and the odds and ends we all carry around these days.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　For a midsize sedan, the Malibu's small-item storage is poor. A tiny glovebox, merely average center armrest bin, smallish door bins, one-size cupholders without grippers and a media bin too small for even an iPhone 5. Rivals are better, more clever.

　　

Cargo space

6.5

　　The Malibu's 15.8-cubic-foot trunk is average for the segment — good enough for golf bags and luggage. The much smaller Hybrid trunk is too narrow for golf bags, and the batteries fill up its aft portion. Still OK for a hybrid sedan, though, and there's technically a 60/40-split pass-through.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

5.0

　　Four LATCH anchor points and three upper tether mounts are arranged to serve all three rear-seating positions. Anchor points are easy to find under a flexible flap in the crook of the seat.

　　

Technology

　　The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu might have as much available technology as any car in the segment, with most trims including a MyLink touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, onboard Wi-Fi and the range of OnStar services. A full gamut of high-tech driver aids is also available.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The Chevy MyLink touchscreen system is much quicker than earlier iterations, and we appreciate its large virtual buttons and general system layout. We think most users will find it easy to use. There are 7- and 8-inch MyLink screens available.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.0

　　Up to four USB ports are available, along with an auxiliary jack and Bluetooth phone and audio (though the base L is phone-only). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the LS and above; they work as expected.

　　

Driver aids

8.0

　　Blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems are unobtrusive. Optional adaptive cruise control can bring the car to a full stop, but at lower speeds in slow-and-go freeway traffic it makes awkwardly abrupt throttle and brake adjustments.

　　

Voice control

9.0

　　Standard voice controls are a bit stilted and require the use of specific phrases, but if you are using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can push and hold the same button to get to Siri or Google Voice, both of which are much better at responding to natural-language requests.

　　

Which Malibu does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Malibu 1LT with the Convenience and Technology package balances content and price. However, we found the 1.5-liter engine underwhelming, preferring the driving experience of the Hybrid. The Hybrid comes similarly equipped to the 1LT for only a moderate price premium, and it can also be equipped with the Convenience and Technology package.

　　

2018 Chevrolet Malibu models

　　For 2018, the Malibu has four trim levels. The base L trim is sparsely equipped, so unless you're looking for the least expensive sedan possible, it's better to step up to the LS or 1LT. Both add a considerable amount of content, although like the L, they rely on a smaller, slightly underpowered engine. The Premier trim comes almost fully loaded and adds a more powerful motor. The Malibu is also available in Hybrid trim with similar features to the LT.

　　The base L trim comes with a 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, OnStar, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker audio system, and not much else. Notably, a rearview camera and Bluetooth audio streaming are both lacking.

　　The minor price hike to the LS trim adds quite a bit of equipment. A rearview camera, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and a Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are all notable upgrades. You also get laminated side windows, which reduce noise, and a 4G LTE connection with Wi-Fi.

　　Upgrading to the 1LT trim gets you all of the LS' features, as well as 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, rear-seat air vents and satellite radio.

　　The 1LT can also be upgraded with several packages. The Convenience and Technology package adds remote-vehicle start, an auto-dimming mirror and wireless charging pad, and it upgrades the touchscreen interface to an 8-inch screen with navigation. A Leather package is also available, which adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, power front-seat lumbar adjustment, and, oddly, a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Driver Confidence package adds automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning.

　　New for 2018 is the Redline Edition appearance package, only available on the 1LT, which adds blacked-out 19-inch wheels along with black and red trim pieces in place of chrome.

　　The L, LS, and 1LT are all powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (160 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　The Malibu Hybrid uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 182 horsepower and a noteworthy 277 pound-feet of torque. It comes with the same standard features as the Malibu 1LT and can be upgraded with the Convenience and Technology package, the Leather package and the Driver Confidence package.

　　Finally, the Premier trim includes all of the 1LT's features, as well as the contents of the Convenience and Technology and Leather packages. The engine is upgraded to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque) and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Also included are 18-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and unique exterior styling cues.

　　The Premier can be upgraded with the Driver Confidence package and the Driver Confidence package II, which includes an electronic parking brake, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and an automatic forward collision avoidance system. The Premier Sun and Wheel package adds a dual-pane power sunroof, 19-inch wheels and upgraded floor mats.

　　

2018 Malibu Highlights

Type: SedanHybridSedan

　　Trim: LLS FleetLSLTHybridPremierL

　　

Base MSRP	$21,680
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$122/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles