2018 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, 32 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2018 Chevrolet Malibu makes appealing mix of family features
Two years on from a full redesign, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu quietly added a special Redline Edition package to the lineup. Only available for LT trims, the Redline Edition included, ironically, a blackout trim package with 19-inch black aluminum wheels, a black grille and mirror accents, and black Chevy bowtie logo and nameplates.
The 2018 Malibu carried over the same appealing mix of features introduced two years earlier, including optional perforated leather upholstery, ventilated seats and an array of driver assistance features. Rivals like the Honda Accord — redesigned for 2018 — began including some driver assistance features as standard equipment, setting a trend that continues today. For 2018, new features included a standard rearview camera (to comply with federal law) and a power sunroof for upper trims.
All Chevrolet Malibu years
What is new for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Flex Fuel Vehicle features are now available as options on select trims.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu trims
L:
- 160-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
- Smart Key
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
LS:
- Includes all features available on the L
- Rear View Camera
- Alloy Wheels
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
LT:
- Includes all features available on the LS
- Power Seats
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Chevrolet Malibu LT inventory
Premier:
- Includes all features available on the LT
- 250-hp, 260-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- A/C Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- BOSE Sound System
- Navigation System
- View our Chevrolet Malibu Premier inventory
Chevrolet Malibu photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
What We Like
Driving: Whether you want maximum fuel economy, a mix of power and efficiency or a satisfying dollop of speed, the Malibu covers it. The standard turbo four-cylinder generates a meager 160 horsepower, but its low-end torque is useful for short bursts of power in everyday driving. The optional turbo four-cylinder upgrade makes 250-hp and can dash from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The Hybrid is the underrated hero, however. It’s surprisingly quick, smooth and returns an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined.
Interior: The Malibu’s interior quality is a highlight of both the car and the class. Even the standard upholstery feels a notch above average, while the soft-touch surfaces, metal accents and weighty buttons and switches feel more like entry-level luxury than mainstream economy sedan. Sleek, sporty gauges, a tablet-style touchscreen, and flowing dash design all contribute to the Malibu’s modern feel.
Comfort: Ample sound insulation helps keep outside noise out of the Malibu, while rear seat legroom expands compared to the previous-generation car. A longer wheelbase helps open up more of the backseat, which can comfortably accommodate two tall passengers, but it also contributes to the 2018 Malibu’s more lively handling feel and overall ride comfort.
What Needs Improvement
Transmissions: The Malibu’s balky automatic transmissions — six-speed for the base engine, nine-speed for the upgraded turbo — often feel sluggish or clumsy, with rough downshifts while slowing, or lurching just before stops. The hybrid has an advantage here, its seamless electric motor and transaxle helping make for smooth slowing or stops, especially in city traffic.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
3.8 out of 5
17 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 6 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 4 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 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
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
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
160
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
15.8
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
2018 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ
The 2018 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 32 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 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has received an average 3.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu:
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
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