2014 Chevrolet Malibu review
Chevrolet Malibu highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Upscale interior
- Comfortable ride and quiet cabin
- Impressive fuel economy
- Strong turbocharged engine
Cons
- Less rear legroom than competitors
- Transmission makes some Eco models feel sluggish
Mileage (EPA estimate)
21 city, 30 highway, 24 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Small changes add up for 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
Demand for midsize family sedans may have waned, but buyers remain spoiled for choice. Among nearly a dozen solid picks, the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu offers a refined interior, huge trunk, and choice of fuel-efficient or performance-oriented engines.
Chevy redesigned the Malibu in 2013 with upgrades to better compete with emergent rivals like the Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Passat. Updates for 2014 were mild, but included slightly more rear seat legroom, a retuned suspension for better ride and handling, more cabin storage, and a snazzier, chrome-trimmed front end.
Over the course of 2014 the Malibu Eco model also phased out its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing it with the 2.5-liter found in other Malibu trims, and improved for 2014 with higher fuel economy. This mid-year change means it’s worth checking any Eco model to confirm which engine is under the hood. The turbo engine also continued from 2013, now with more low-range power. These changes didn’t vault the Malibu to the top of the class, but it remained a smart American-made midsize sedan with solid credentials.
All Chevrolet Malibu years
What is new for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Malibu trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.
5 reasons to buy the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
What We Like
Driving: The 2014 Malibu simplified its engine lineup. With a new start-stop system and improved fuel economy, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder became the standard choice, rated at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined.
Interior: Inside, the 2014 Malibu’s upscale design is highlighted with quality materials and controls, and ample sound insulation for a quieter and more serene ride. There’s a confident feeling of weight and mass often absent in the Malibu’s competitors, which doesn’t reduce fuel economy in any significant way. For 2014, thinner front seat backs add 1.25 inches of knee room, and a larger center console accommodates two mobile phones.
Storage: By phasing out the Eco model’s 2.4-liter engine, the Malibu also discontinues the trunk-mounted battery pack required for the accompanying mild hybrid system. That means all 2014 Malibu models get a vast trunk offering 16.3 cubic feet, bested only by the Hyundai Sonata (16.4 cu ft). This kind of trunk space is more typical of full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon or Chrysler 300.
What Needs Improvement
2.4-Liter Eco Engine and Transmission: The six-speed transmission joined to the 2.4-liter four-cylinder Eco model engine is busy and unrefined, programmed to reach its top cruising gear quickly and save fuel. It’s similarly reluctant to downshift to a lower gear, delaying much of the engine’s power when you need a quick surge in passing power, for example. This engine and transmission were phased out during the 2014 model year, but they’re still out there. We recommend avoiding it.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
3.7 out of 5
13 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 6 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 3 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 2 |
| 1 Star | 2 |
RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Malibu an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chevrolet Malibu 10th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet MalibuChevrolet Malibu features and specs
LS 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
196
Torque (ft-lbs)
191
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
15.8
Wheelbase
107.8"
Overall length
191.5"
Width
73"
Height
57.6"
Leg room
F 42.1"/R 36.8"
Head room
F 39"/R 37.5"
Front tires
P215/60R16
Rear tires
P215/60R16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2014 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LS: 25 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- LT: 25 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- LTZ: 25 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- ECO: 25 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
The Chevrolet Malibu received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Chevrolet Malibu as 9 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has received an average 3.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu:
- Lane Departure Warning
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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