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.
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)
