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2018 Chevrolet Malibu

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$21,680

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

30

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

193.8” x 57.6”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(216 reviews)

The good:

  • Rear legroom
  • Multimedia system
  • Ride and handling
  • Gas mileage (hybrid)
  • Refined lane departure prevention

The bad:

  • No interior trunk release button
  • Cabin materials and design (base and middle trims)
  • Road noise
  • 2.0-liter engine prefers premium gas

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2018 Chevrolet Malibu trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • New Redline Edition available
  • Android Auto, Apple CarPlay connectivity on most trims
  • Nine-speed automatic on Premier trim
  • Five-seat mid-size sedan
  • Gas and hybrid powertrains
  • Teen Driver monitoring system available

2018 Chevrolet Malibu review: Our expert's take


What it is: The Chevrolet Malibu mid-size sedan was redesigned for 2016 with a smoother look and a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase that created more rear-seat room. Power comes from either a turbocharged 1.5- or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; a hybrid model is also available. The Malibu competes with mid-size family sedans such as the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.


(Skip to details on the Malibu Hybrid)


A new Redline Edition for LT trim levels includes black Bow Tie emblems, a black nameplate badge with a red outline, 19-inch black-aluminum wheels with red accents, a blacked-out grille and black side mirror accents.

Malibu Hybrid

The Malibu Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined. Previous generations of the Malibu offered only a mild-hybrid system that provided modest fuel-economy benefits.

The Malibu Hybrid comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection, a two-motor hybrid system, a continuously variable automatic transmission and a lithium-ion battery pack. The system can operate in electric-only mode up to 55 mph, according to Chevrolet. The battery location in the trunk reduces cargo volume to 11.6 cubic feet from 15.8.

What’s Special

  • Exhaust gas heat recovery for consistent fuel economy
  • LED daytime running lights
  • OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hot spot (subscription required)

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Consumer reviews

(216 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.5
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Most recent consumer reviews

I have had a 2018 Malibu for 3 years.

I have had a 2018 Malibu for 3 years. I’m trying to keep it as long as I can to get my money out of it but I will not buy another one. The auto shut-off is annoying and no way to turn it off, but you get used to it. Like mentioned above, the “Engine power reduced” happens a lot until you get it fixed. It will go into limp mode and is dangerous when driving and impedes acceleration drastically. It turned out replacing the pedal fixed this issue but fact of the matter is, there should be a recall on this and there’s not apparently. GM doesn’t care it seems. After about 100k miles, I had another issue with VVT solenoid actuators which also made it go into a limp mode but not as severe. I fixed this as well with no further issues. Car seems to be running fine now but had to jump thru some hoops to get here. Also, experienced the issue with shifting into park not being recognized by the computer. There’s a popping noise coming from the rear end somewhere I have yet to find out what that is…On the pro side of this car, they look nice, interiors not too bad. Seems to get pretty great MPG. I like the stereo and the room and comfort isn’t bad for a small family. Drives and rides good and pretty comfortable to drive around. Not a whole lot that any other car can’t do really. Overall, I’d stay away and try something else really.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Does not recommend this car
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Nakibu Man

Over the years I have driven different cars. I had Malibus in 1974, 1977 and came back to the Malibu in 2014 and now have a 2018. It is my favorite car and is just the right size for me and family members. Drives nice and is good on gas. I get compliments on my 2018 model. I call myself malibu Man.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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After 60 years of driving GM still happy

My Malibu Premier is a nice designed car with good styling, performance. The 2.0 L so far runs terrific. No issues with the park drive errors. I am not letting a marginally designed micro switch to crater how nice the cars is. I lived my Cruze also. My last Chevelle was a 1967 SS 396. That turned some heads. I have always bought GM and will continue. My best GM purchase was a 2005 GMC Sierra extended cab with the 5.3 engine. I still have it and is in great shape. The LS 1 series is one of the best engines ever built.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 216 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
10.2%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Chevrolet
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Hybrid electric
96 months/100,000 miles
Maintenance
24 months/24,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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Latest 2018 Malibu stories

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