2016 Chevrolet Malibu

New for 2016

The Chevrolet Malibu has been fully redesigned for the 2016 model year.

Dressed to Impress

The previous-generation Malibu was capable, but not the most thrilling vehicle to ever grace our lot. That's why Chevrolet went back to the drawing board for 2016. The result: a thoroughly redesigned sedan that sports striking exterior styling and a host of improvements under the hood.

Performance

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is powered by a newly standard turbocharged 1.5-liter engine good for 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Its smart use of turbocharging, along with its lighter frame (the 2016 Malibu is 300 pounds lighter than last year’s model) ensure strong performance and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg combined (27 city/37 highway).*

Also helping it achieve such fuel-sipping numbers is a stop-start-system that automatically turns off the engine when the Malibu comes to a complete stop.

Drivers wanting a little more vigor from their Malibu should consider the available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It cranks out 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

In spite of its larger displacement, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes the most of its power while remaining incredibly efficient. The new transmission is largely to thank for this, helping the Malibu earn an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (22 city/33 highway).*  

Getting the most out of its resources is one of the many things the 2016 Malibu does well. It doesn’t sport the largest or most powerful engine, but you’d be hard-pressed to notice while driving. When climbing a hill or simply keeping up with traffic, the Malibu feels virtually effortless.

The new Malibu is also a much quieter car on the whole, and it feels substantially lighter on its feet. Along with its intelligent engines, these two factors directly contribute to the Malibu’s relaxing and confident road manners – two telltale signs of any sedan worth its weight.

Features

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in four main trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier. LT models are further divided into two sub-trims (1LT and 2LT).

2016 Chevrolet Malibu starts at $21,625, *and is proof positive that you don’t have to pay a lot to get a lot.

Standard features on base L models include 16-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, OnStar® telematics, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system.

LS models add even more features, such as upgraded 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system—complete with a seven-inch touchscreen that includes Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® smartphone integration. Tech lovers will also approve of the LS’s 4G LTE connectivity with mobile WiFi, which helps you keep connected to the entertainment you love and the information you need.

The 1LT trim makes the Malibu even more impressive, thanks to 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, and ambient interior lighting.  It’s not all cosmetic though, as the 1LT also boasts heated mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), rear climate vents, and satellite radio.

Naturally, the 2LT is yet another step up. Along with the Premier trim, which we’ll highlight in a moment, the 2LT features the larger available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips, and a larger fuel tank.

The top-of-the-line Premier trim boasts 19-inch wheels, LED taillights, remote ignition, and a number of premium features such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats, to name but just a few of its creature comforts.

Design

The 2016 Chevrolet Impala is a handsomely styled sedan, with plenty of visual stimuli to keep owners. It bears more than a passing resemblance to its big brother, the Chevrolet Impala, which suits us just fine.

There’s certainly a lot of drama to its design, with lines that flow along each side. Proportionally, the car's been stretched quite a bit, and the nose has dropped—though it's actually lost weight, all credited to more high-strength steel.

While the Malibu is priced for a more mainstream audience, that didn’t stop Chevrolet’s designers from adding a number of luxurious styling cues, such as LED taillights on Premier models, as well as available super-bright HID headlights.

Inside, the look is charming and elegant while also somewhat understated. The upright, swoopy, two-tiered layout to the dash has been dropped for 2016 in favor of a more conventional shape. Chevrrolet has lowered the dash and pushed it forward slightly; corners have also been pushed outward.

2016 sees the Malibu drop the twin-binnacle, tiered look, striking out with a more conventional shape that's far more unified and appealing. The center stack makes space for bigger MyLink infotainment screens. There’s a place for buttons in this interior—both a design and functionality decision that owners will appreciate.

Safety

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu doesn’t skimp on safety, providing a robust list of standard features that includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front knee airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags and side curtain airbags. Also standard is the OnStar® telematics system, which delivers automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance. A rearview camera is standard on LS trims and above.

Customers can also select from two advanced safety packages. The Driver Confidence package adds automatic high-beam headlight control, front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and intervention, and a forward collision warning system with low-speed automatic braking. The Driver Confidence II package adds a self-parking system, an electronic parking brake, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded collision mitigation system with automatic emergency braking.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu exudes confidence thanks to its dramatic exterior, smartly styled cabin that is packed with tons of cool features, and powerful yet efficient engine options. It’s a compelling choice for midsize sedan shoppers, and one that warrants strong consideration.

For a more in-depth look at the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, contact us online or visit Heritage Chevrolet Buick Owings Mills at 11234 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 for a test drive.

* EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Use for comparison purposes only.

** The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.

Image Credit: Chevrolet