2014 Chevrolet Malibu: First Look

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• Competes with: Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima
• Looks like: More curves and chrome up front, same Camaro-like rear end
• Drivetrain: standard 196-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic; optional turbo 2.0-liter and eAssist 2.4-liter
• Hits dealerships: This fall

Chevrolet is pulling a Honda move with its midsize sedan; just one year after the Malibu’s redesign it gets a refresh for 2014. The new Malibu gets a more athletic looking exterior and an updated standard engine.

Outside, the focus in front is on the grille; a wider, lower grille opening and more chrome highlight the changes. Out back, the sedan retains its much-maligned squared-off taillights. 

The base engine for 2014 continues to be a 196-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder; a six-speed automatic is again standard. New on this powertrain is automatic stop-start functionality, similar to the Eco model, but expect fuel economy gains to be modest. GM estimates that the 2.5-liter should return 23/35 mpg city/highway for 2014; the 2.5-liter on model-year 2013 vehicles is EPA rated at 22/34 mpg and the Eco’s eAssist engine at 25/37 mpg.

GM spokesperson Chad Lyons confirmed to Cars.com that the Eco model with eAssist, which pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor, will again be available. For 2014, the Malibu’s optional turbo 2.0-liter makes nearly 14% more torque than last year’s version.

GM wouldn’t comment on pricing for the 2014 model. Check out more photos below.

Editor’s note: This post has been updated to reflect the correct number of available engines.

Related
Research the Chevrolet Malibu
2013 Chevrolet Malibu at the 2011 New York Auto Show
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