2016 Chevrolet Malibu review
Chevrolet Malibu highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Sporty handling
- Quick hybrid acceleration
- Responsive and user-friendly touchscreen
Cons
- Mediocre base engine acceleration
- Clumsy transmission at low speeds
- Sparsely equipped base trim
- Touchscreen prone to glare and smudging
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 33 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2016 Chevrolet Malibu returns with more room and hybrid efficiency
For 2016, Chevrolet returned to the drawing board and emerged with the ninth-generation Malibu, a comprehensive redesign that addressed many of the earlier car’s flaws. Starting with a fresh, striking look accented by large wheels and a coupe-like profile, then moving under the hood with a choice of three engines, and finally into the cabin with more rear seat room, the Malibu was transformed.
A new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine came standard, exchanging some horsepower for more low-end punch and better fuel economy. An optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder returned, but the new Malibu Hybrid was the surprise hit, offering excellent fuel economy and swift, smooth acceleration.
Chevy increased the distance between the front and rear wheels, resulting in more rear legroom and livelier handling, while the infotainment included seven- or eight-inch touchscreens and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration. Driver aids common today (automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring) weren’t standard, but were available. The Malibu’s redesign didn’t elevate it to class leader, but did make it one of the finer midsize sedans available.
All Chevrolet Malibu years
What is new for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
- The Malibu is available in a variety of new trims, including the L and Premier.
- The LTZ trim has been discontinued for 2016.
- Malibu trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel, A/C Seat(s), Blind Spot Monitor, Memory Seat(s), Rear View Camera, Smart Key, Parking Sensors, Apple CarPlay, BOSE Sound System, Navigation System, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- Automated Cruise Control, Automated Parking, and Panoramic Sunroof features are now available as options on select trims.
- The LS trim now comes with Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
What We Like
Driving: The 2016 Malibu has an engine for everyone. The standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes just 160 horsepower, but it returns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined and its turbocharged torque makes highway passing or climbing grades effortless.
Interior: Changes inside the 2016 Malibu aren’t quite as dramatic as outside, but the cabin imparts a feeling of upscale quality. The dash has a more flowing design, with sleeker gauges and controls with a bit more flair. On upper trim levels, the eight-inch color touchscreen resembles an iPad set into a dedicated slot and will feel familiar to anyone who’s used a tablet. In back, the Malibu gains nearly two inches of legroom, addressing one of the chief complaints of the old car and finally putting it on par with rivals like the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion.
Comfort: The older Malibu was lauded for its quiet cabin and this redesigned Malibu is no different. Generous sound insulation makes for a hushed and quiet cabin, while the longer wheelbase contributes to a smooth and composed ride that soaks up rough and undulating roads. Front seats are firm, spacious and supportive, and the rear seat can finally comfortably accommodate tall adults.
What Needs Improvement
Storage: What was once the Malibu’s strength becomes something of a weakness. The Malibu’s 15.8 cu ft trunk space comes up just average among midsize sedans. It’s large enough for golf bags and some luggage, but falls short of the larger trunks in the contemporary Hyundai Sonata or Ford Fusion. The hybrid’s trunk is even smaller, but comparable to other midsize hybrids. Even interior storage is scant and generally too small for devices, smartphones and large drink bottles.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.4 out of 5
21 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 14 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 4 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 1 |
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
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Power Seat(s)
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
160
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13
Wheelbase
111.4"
Overall length
193.8"
Width
73"
Height
57.6"
Leg room
F 42"/R 38.1"
Head room
F 39.1"/R 37.5"
Front tires
P205/65R16
Rear tires
P205/65R16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LS: 27 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- LT: 27 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- L: 27 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- Premier: 22 MPG City and 33 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 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has received an average 4.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu:
- L
- Premier
- Rear View Camera
- Smart Key
- Parking Sensors
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