But the Malibu’s light weight helps it feel more lithe than those numbers might suggest, and its standard 6-speed automatic makes the most of what’s available. Most Malibus are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine rated at 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, figures that are a touch below average for the class. Lower trim levels wrap parts of the dashboard in a mesh-like fabric that’s bold, if a little odd, while a synthetic, leather-like cover is on higher-specification Chevy Malibus. A 7.0-inch touchscreen is on most Malibus, but an upsized 8.0-inch unit is available. Things are more understated inside with a clean, simple look. ![]() Sure, the Audi wears its fastback look better-in part because it’s a real hatchback-but credit is due to Chevy’s styling team for trying harder than many rivals. It’s the same story at the rear, where the Malibu’s pert tail and swept-back window line combine for a look that’s slightly reminiscent of the Audi A7. ![]() To some of us, it’s a bit droopy, but others like the squat appearance. Its nose hunkers down low with a twin grille design flanked up top by narrow headlights and at the bottom by available LED running lamps. Though it debuted for the 2016 model year, it remains fresh into 2018. It pairs a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder to a 1.5-kwh lithium-ion battery pack that lets it run up to 55 mph on electricity alone and earns it an impressive 48 mpg combined.Ĭhevy drew less from the Malibu nameplate’s heritage than from the rest of its lineup when it came to designing this latest model. The ace up the Malibu’s tailored sleeve is its optional hybrid powertrain. At around 3,100 pounds, it’s among the lightest mid-size sedans, which helps it feel more nimble and sporty-although the Malibu is more about relaxed cruising than it is tearing up a race track. Unlike a couple of rivals, the Malibu is front-wheel drive-only. Under most Malibu hoods sits a choice of 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo-4 engines, both mated to automatic transmissions. Those features aren't found on the fleet-oriented Malibu L, a bargain model marketed to rental car firms and corporate users, not retail buyers. The cabin pairs a high-resolution 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on most models. With the Malibu, Chevy offers tidy sheet metal with some lovely curves that cloak a large passenger cabin. A bigger gas tank appears in all models: Malibu L, LS, and LT. A Redline appearance package is offered, as is a new paint color. Only mild changes apply to the 2018 Malibu. ![]() Overall, we’ve assigned it a 7.3 out of 10. It stands out for its attractive styling, refined demeanor, and efficient hybrid powertrain, but we wish that its high-tech safety equipment didn’t require ponying up quite so much cash for a loaded model. The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a solid mid-size sedan that commits no sins.
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