The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is a sporty midsize sedan offering room for five adults, a choice of two modern turbocharged engines and a price tag that makes it competitive with such rivals as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion. The Malibu distinguishes itself in a number of ways, the most obvious being with its sleek styling, ample technology features and excellent fuel economy. But does the Malibu’s bold look hide a mediocre car underneath? For the first time in years when talking about this Chevy, we can honestly say that we don’t think so. The latest Malibu isn’t just handsome and striking; it’s also technologically advanced, fuel efficient and comfortable. There’s even a hybrid version, which we’ve covered in a separate review. If you’re interested in a midsize sedan, it might surprise you to discover that this is absolutely one that deserves a spot on your shopping list.
Autotrader’s Advice:
If you’re choosing a Malibu, it’s hard not to pick the upscale Premier model. In addition to touting high-end features such as a navigation system and ventilated seats, it also comes standard with some must-haves, including a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power passenger seat. Opt for one of Chevy’s Driver Confidence packages and you’re basically driving a luxury car.
What We Like:
Handsome design; modern interior; comfortable ride; large infotainment screen.
What We Don’t:
Mediocre base engine; 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder only available on most expensive trim; no all-wheel-drive variants.
Original MSRP:
$22,555-$38,000 (when new).
MPG:
The latest Malibu offers three engines: two traditional gas-powered engines and a new hybrid power plant we’ve covered in a separate review. Most models use a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that touts 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine is the best choice for drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency, as it offers an Environmental Protection Agency-rated 27 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Drivers who want more power can upgrade to the Premier’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which boasts a bulky 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a standard 9-speed automatic transmission and earns an estimated to 22 mpg city/33 mpg hwy.
Standard Features & Options:
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu comes in four trim levels: L, LS, LT and Premier. The Malibu also offers a few options, most of which include features from higher trim levels. Also optional is a sunroof and two different Driver Confidence packages, which tout modern safety gadgets such as automatic high beams, forward-collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and even a self-parking system.
The
2017 Chevrolet Malibu L ($22,555) is pretty basic, as it comes standard with only 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, Bluetooth, a 6-speaker stereo, power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control and keyless entry with push-button ignition.
Next up is the
2017 Chevrolet Malibu LS ($24,100), which adds GM’s OnStar system with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, 16-in alloy wheels, GM’s MyLink infotainment system (accompanied by a 7-in touchscreen and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a rearview monitor and Bluetooth audio.
From there, drivers can opt for the
2017 Chevrolet Malibu LT ($26,000), which adds 17-in alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, rear climate-control vents, satellite radio, LED running lights and heated mirrors.
Topping the range is the high-end
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Premier ($31,850), which offers a luxury-car-like array of features that includes the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, 19-in wheels, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-in touchscreen, a power passenger seat, a wireless smartphone-charging system, a navigation system and a 9-speaker Bose sound system.
Safety:
In government crash tests, the Chevrolet Malibu earned an overall 5-star rating, with 5-star scores in the front- and side-impact tests and 4 stars in the rollover test. The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Malibu its highest rating of Good in every crash test, Superior in the crash avoidance and mitigation category, and even awarded it a Top Safety Pick honor. As for safety features, the Malibu has a lot to offer. While we bemoan the lack of a standard rearview monitor on the base L, all Malibu models offer standard anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags. The latest Malibu also touts a wide range of safety options, from forward-collision warning with automatic braking to lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, a blind spot monitoring system and more.
Behind the Wheel:
On the road, the 2017 Malibu offers a lot of impressive characteristics. While it isn’t the most engaging midsize sedan — that honor goes to the Mazda6, with the Ford Fusion a close runner-up — we vastly prefer the new Malibu’s driving experience to that of the model that came before it. It’s light on its feet, sporty, and yet composed in corners. It also offers high levels of comfort and a cabin that’s well-insulated from road and engine noise. If there’s one kink in the Malibu’s otherwise excellent design, it’s the rather weak 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. At 164 hp, this motor offers less power than any competitor’s and even falls behind the engines in some compact cars such as the VW GTI and Mazda3. We almost wish Chevy had kept the old 2015 Malibu’s 196-hp 4-cylinder — which was one of the most potent among midsize sedans, returning 25 mpg city/36 mpg hwy, figures nearly identical to the current model’s.
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