2017 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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Quiet, composed 2017 Chevrolet Malibu checks family sedan boxes
After a comprehensive overhaul only a year before, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu rolled over with only a handful of changes. Chevy simplified trim levels and discontinued the feature-laden 2LT, then added a nine-speed automatic transmission to the top Premier trim. But the Malibu didn’t need wholesale changes. Most were addressed in 2016, including a streamlined new look, a roomier rear seat, and an array of tech upgrades. Three engine choices and reinvigorated handling also woke the Malibu from its last-generation slumber.
The changes helped lift the Malibu back into the conversation with midsize sedan benchmarks like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion. And even though it lacks some polish or the reputation for long-term reliability of those rivals, the Malibu offers a uniquely Chevrolet take on the modern midsize sedan: Quiet, composed, roomy and powerful. That last bit might be a stretch as the Malibu tops out at 250 horsepower. But even in Hybrid trim, the Malibu is eager to accelerate and has no trouble keeping up with the highway rabble.
All Chevrolet Malibu years
What is new for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.
- The LS trim now comes with Auxiliary Audio Input as standard equipment.
- The LT trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
- The Premier trim now comes with Android Auto as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
What We Like
Driving: With three powertrains, the Malibu offers performance, efficiency and maximum fuel economy, depending on your needs. The standard four-cylinder pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission, and while power is meager at just 160 hp, low-end torque makes for effortless passing or climbing grades. An optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is only available with the Premier trim, while the Malibu Hybrid is surprisingly quick, covering zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while returning an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined.
Interior: Traditionally, the Malibu has offered cabin quality and feel that punches above its weight. Premium upholstery and materials, soft-touch surfaces, metal accents and weighty controls and switches make the Malibu feel closer to an entry-level luxury car than a midsize economy sedan. The 2017 Malibu builds on that tradition with sleek, sporty gauges and a flowing dash design. A tablet-style touchscreen seamlessly blends into the dash and doesn’t look out of place today despite its age.
Comfort: The Malibu interior is all about quiet comfort, with ample sound insulation to muffle outside noise. The 2017 Malibu’s wheelbase is longer than the previous-generation car, adding enough rear seat legroom for tall passengers, but also contributing a smooth, composed ride and lively handling. Front seats are also firm, spacious and supportive.
What Needs Improvement
Transmissions: While the choice of engines in the 2017 Malibu is just fine, we wish we could say the same for the transmissions. Whether you choose the base engine with its six-speed automatic, or the more powerful 2.0-liter engine with its nine-speed, the transmissions feel sluggish to respond, clumsily downshift when slowing, and lurch just before a stop. The hybrid has an advantage here, with the seamless electric motor taking over at slow city speeds or when rolling to a stop.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
3.6 out of 5
22 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 7 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 5 |
| 2 Stars | 5 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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
L 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
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
2017 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- L: 27 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- LS: 27 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- LT: 27 MPG City and 36 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu has received an average 3.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu:
- Rear Spoiler
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Cloth Seats
- Android Auto
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