At the heart of the Chevrolet Malibu are a pair of efficient, turbocharged engines. The base engine is a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder unit that produces 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, power is routed through a continuously variable transmission to the front wheels. The optional drivetrain for the Malibu is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder making a healthy 250 horsepower. It is connected to a 9-speed automatic, again powering the front wheels. Acceleration with either engine feels plenty fast, thanks in large part to the weight loss the model went through with its redesign.
The Malibu is available in four trim levels: LS, RS, LT and Premier. Standard features across the entire Malibu line include remote keyless entry, rearview camera, power programmable door locks, a 6-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity for phones, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, OnStar navigation with a 6-month subscription, an anti-theft system, keyless start and a hill-start assist system.
LS models add 16-inch aluminum wheels, Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 system with Apple CarPlay and 8-inch touchscreen, 4G LTE connectivity with WiFi capability, auto stop-start engine, front and rear express down power windows, premium cloth seats, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB port for the stereo.
The LT equipment package improves on the LS by adding a bevy of standard features, including LED daytime running lights, heated power adjustable outside mirrors, 17-inch aluminum wheels, SiriusXM Satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, improved interior lighting, heated front seat, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, rear seat armrest, keyfob remote engine start, and express up/down control for the driver's window.
The RS trim, meanwhile, adds a dash of sportiness to the Malibu with 18-inch wheels, dual individual polished exhaust tips, rear spoiler, LED taillights, a black grille, and black emblems. Inside, the RS features black cloth seats, and a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel.
The top-of-the-line Premier is powered by the 2.0L turbocharged engine and adds some extra bling to the exterior, with chrome door handles, keyfob remote engine start, projector LED headlights, 19-inch aluminum wheels, panoramic power sunroof, mirrors turn signal, and bright sill plates. The premium feel carries over to the interior with drivers being greeted by leather seating surfaces, 6-way power passenger seat with power lumbar, heated leather wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifter, power heated and cooled front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, simulated wood interior finishes, ambient lighting, a voice activated 8-inch color touchscreen display controlling a 9-speaker amplified Bose sound system, dual memory for driver seat and exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear console ducts, a wireless charger for phones and a rear seat USB port.
A Sport Package adds 18-inch alloys and all-season low-profile tires, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter inside. The Premier Sun and Wheel Package includes a power sunroof and Universal Home Remote.
