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2019 Chevrolet Malibu

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$22,090

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

32

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

194.2” x 57.3”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(59 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

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2019 Chevrolet Malibu trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • Updated exterior styling
  • Newly available RS model
  • Android Auto, Apple CarPlay connectivity on most trims
  • Five-seat mid-size sedan
  • Gas and hybrid powertrains
  • Teen Driver monitoring system available

2019 Chevrolet Malibu review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?

The Malibu is Chevrolet's mid-size sedan that comes with gas-only or hybrid powertrains. Gas models use a 160-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine except for the Premier, which has a 250-hp, turbo 2.0-liter. The Malibu Hybrid uses a 1.8-liter gas four-cylinder and a two-motor hybrid system to get an EPA-estimated combined 46 mpg. The Malibu competes with mid-size family cars such as the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.

What's New on the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?

New front styling features a gaping grille, and the rear has a new look with updated taillamps. A new RS version comes with the 1.5-liter engine, and a continuously variable automatic transmission replaces a six-speed automatic on models with that engine. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 multimedia system includes an 8-inch touchscreen. The high-end Premier trim level now includes heated outboard rear seats.

What Features in the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Are Most Important?

Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 4G LTE internet connectivity (data trial included) are present on most trim levels along with GM's Teen Driver monitoring system. The 1.5-liter and hybrid versions give economy-minded drivers gas-saving options.

Should I Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?

Aside from the fuel-sipping hybrid, the Malibu doesn't stand out from the crowd of mid-size sedans, all of which are attracting fewer shoppers as SUVs take over as the family vehicle of choice. The 2.0-liter engine provides sufficient acceleration but runs best on premium gas. Safety features such as blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are available only on higher-priced trims, and if you want forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking, they're available only on the Premier.

Consumer reviews

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

Terez Porter was the best salesman who promised and

Terez Porter was the best salesman who promised and delivered A1 service from beginning to end. Kind courteous and patient. He answered all of our questions. Wonderful experience. I would recommend this place a thousand times over!! We enjoyed working with Terez Porter and Eric Duncan. They were very professional, and patient, and took care of all our questions/concerns. I highly recommend Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and FIAT of Concord!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great Economy vehicle and spacious.

I bought my leased Malibu back in 2021 and haven't had a problem with it since then. A few things to know. I used to drive to another state for work every day. Now I only drive about an average of 6-7 miles daily. This, car for what I intended, has been good to me. I work in a chevy service department and see it all. If you're the type that is looking for your car to share some characteristics of vehicles like BMW, don't bother buying this. The CVT has a bulletin from GM that says trans may feel like it's slipping, you may feel hesitations in trans, and a list of other hard to swallow symptoms, but it's ok. The CVT is functioning normally and improve fuel economy these symtoms may appear but it is not a problem. I have had many people overreact and bring the vehicle to me after someone they paid to replace their transmission messed up. It worked fine for a bit but now the car is compromised. I almost overreacted too, but once you get used to the car you realize you're fine. If you believe there's an issue someone out there will take your money to "fix" your problem. My thoughts, it's a good car. I stay on top of my oil changes and recommended maintenance. My only regret is I need all wheel drive where I'm moving and may need to replace it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Buyer beware, 3 transmissions in 81k miles

Buyer beware, these 1st gen CVT malibus have PROBLEMS. I purchased this car in 2020, to replace my old car, as I needed more space. What originally seemed like a great deal has turned into a nightmare. I purchased the car with 22k miles on it, and the transmission went out at 40k. I got the transmission warranty replaced, which took 2 months, just for it to fail again at 81k miles. Warranty replaced again, and it's slipping again at 90k. Transmission issues aside, it's not a terrible car. If you like the way these cars look, look at buying a 2016-2018 instead, as they have far less major mechanical problems.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 59 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
3
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5
Overall rating
4
Overall side crash rating
4
Risk of rollover
10.3%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
4
Side barrier rating driver
4
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
3
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
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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