2019 Chevrolet Malibu
Overview
The Chevrolet Malibu is a popular choice among shoppers, and its charms are many. The Malibu offers impressive safety, exceptional efficiency, and seamless connectivity; it's a thoughtfully engineered vehicle with virtually everything you could ever need from your vehicle, including a few key features you won't be able to live without.
Performance
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is powered by a 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 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Its smart use of turbocharging, along with its light frame, ensure strong performance and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 32 mpg combined (29 city/36 highway) for the L trim.* Also helping the Malibu achieve these 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 nine-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, and the new transmission is largely to thank for this. Fuel economy for the turbo is an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway).*
The final engine option for Malibu owners is the Hybrid, which is powered by a gasoline-electric system derived from the Chevrolet Volt. Most of the time, the system sends power through an electric motor, which draws electricity from its battery pack and 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Total output is 182 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. As you would expect, the Malibu Hybrid is incredibly efficient. 2019 EPA numbers are an impressive 46 mpg combined (49 city/43 highway).* The Malibu Hybrid is an intelligent alternative to the standard Malibu and an easy choice for drivers that want to go farther while spending less on gas.
Getting the most out of its resources is one of the many things the 2019 Malibu does well, regardless of the engine powering it. Whether it's climbing a hill or simply keeping up with traffic, the Malibu feels virtually effortless. The Malibu is also a quiet 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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in five main trim levels: L, LS, RS, LT, and Premier. The Malibu Hybrid is offered as its own standalone trim.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu starts at $22,090 and is proof 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, Bluetooth® connectivity, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and a six-speaker audio system.
LS models add even more features, including upgraded 16-inch aluminum wheels and automatic headlights. Tech lovers will also approve of the LS’s 4G LTE connectivity with mobile Wi-Fi, which helps you keep connected to the entertainment you love and the information you need.
The LT trim makes the Malibu even more impressive, thanks to 17-inch wheels and LED daytime running lights. It’s not all cosmetic though, as the LT also boasts heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), and dual-zone climate control.
The Malibu Hybrid is similar to the LT, though it does come standard tire inflator kit and HD rear vision camera.
The top-of-the-line Premier trim boasts 18-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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a handsomely styled sedan with plenty of visual stimuli to keep owners happy. It bears more than a passing resemblance to its big brother, the Chevrolet Impala, which suits us just fine. While the Malibu is priced for a more mainstream audience, that didn’t stop the designers at Chevrolet 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. Past Malibu models featured an upright, swoopy, two-tiered layout to the dash that was recently dropped in favor of a more conventional shape. Chevrolet has lowered the dash and pushed it forward slightly; corners have also been pushed outward. The 2019 Malibu drops 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 infotainment screens. There’s a place for buttons in this interior—both design and functionality decisions that owners will appreciate.
Safety
The 2019 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, and a rear vision camera. Also standard is the OnStar® telematics system, which delivers an automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, and stolen vehicle assistance.
Customers can also add an advanced safety package. The Driver Confidence packages add IntelliBeam® automatic high-beams, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lange Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and Following Distance Indicator.
Verdict
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu exudes confidence thanks to its dramatic exterior, smartly styled cabin, 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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, contact us online or visit Heritage Chevy Buick Owings Mills at 11234 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 for a test drive.
Image Credit: Chevrolet
* 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.