Call
Login
Can you Lease a Used Car?
Introduction Opting for a car lease brings along notable advantages, including a great deal of flexibility and the...
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a versatile mid-size vehicle that excels in a multitude of areas. Chevy’s attention to detail is evident in the sleek exterior design, which conceals a spacious, well-appointed cabin.
You can choose from different models of the Malibu, including the L, LS, RS, LT, and Premier trims. These models offer varying levels of luxury and features, with even the base model coming with desirable amenities. Higher trims offer advanced safety technologies like autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, while the infotainment system is exceptional across the board.
Despite its mid-size status and family-sedan qualifications, the Malibu is both attractive and
Despite being a family sedan, the Malibu manages to be both stylish and sporty, and offers three different powertrain options.
The most common engine is a 1.5-liter one mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful, it offers adequate acceleration for everyday driving and benefits from the Malibu’s relatively light weight of around 3,100 pounds. The Malibu is also exclusively front-wheel drive.
For those who want more power, the available 2.0-liter engine is the better option, delivering a smoother and more exciting driving experience on the highway. However, the Malibu’s standout feature is its hybrid engine, which boasts a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a 1.5-kwh lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid powertrain is refined, quiet, and can go up to 55 mph on electricity alone. It also offers an impressive 48 mpg combined.
The Malibu is a quiet and smooth ride, thanks to its dual-pane glass that keeps noise out. Handling is also a strong point, as the car strikes a balance between comfort and sportiness that most drivers will appreciate.
Overall, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a capable mid-size vehicle with no significant flaws.
Compared to the 2018 Chevy Malibu, Chevy’s family sedan gets a minor facelift for 2019; here’s all the key changes:
| Trims | Originally MSRP |
| L | $22,965 |
| LS | $24,095 |
| RS | $25,095 |
| LT | $27,495 |
| Hybrid | $29,095 |
| Premier | $32,695 |
If affordability is a top priority for you, you’ll find the Chevrolet Malibu to be a great value compared to competitors like the Honda Accord,Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry. The 2019 Malibu offers a wide range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Although the base model is straightforward, it can be upgraded with attractive features.
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu comes in six different trim levels, including L, LS, RS, LT, Hybrid, and Premier. The L, LS, RS, and LT trims all come with a turbo 1.5-liter engine, while the 2.0-liter turbo engine is reserved exclusively for the Premier model. The hybrid variant, which delivers excellent fuel efficiency, sits just below the Premier trim. Unfortunately, all-wheel drive is not an available option.
| Length | 193.8 inches |
| Height | 57.6 inches |
| Width | 84.0 inches (with mirrors) |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 inches |
The appearance of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is relatively fresh, with a design that is only three years old. As part of the car’s mid cycle refresh, Chevrolet has made some updates to the exterior, including a new, intricately sculpted grille that is large but not overly imposing.
The headlights and taillights have also been refreshed with a more integrated look.
Similar updates have been made to the 2019 Cruze and Spark models, but the Malibu maintains its own distinct look and identity. The wheel sizes range from 16 to 19 inches, offering a variety of options for customization.
For those seeking a little more flair, Chevrolet now offers a new RS trim that adds only $1,000 to the LS base model. While the updates are relatively minor, consisting of a black grille, 18-inch alloys, rear spoiler, and black badges, they do add a bit of edge to the car’s appearance.
| Total Passenger Space | 103.2 cubic feet |
| Front head Room | 40.0 inches |
| Rear Head Room | 38.50 inches |
| Front Leg Room | 40.90 inches |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.90 inches |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.20 inches |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.50 inches |
With its spacious interior and serene environment, this four-door will meet your utilitarian needs. The Malibu’s symmetrical dashboard and the large opening beneath the center stack make the cockpit feel spacious. The firm, supportive front seats have sufficient side bolstering. We could happily have driven longer than our three-hour evaluation route. The rear outboard seats are comfortable for average-size adults, and there’s plenty of leg room for everyone
The Malibu doesn’t have the most fancy interior, instead, the design is more functional and easy on the eyes with a straightforward control layout.
The inside of the Malibu L and LS versions is a touch low-rent, with some harsh and hollow plastics. However, that complaint quickly resolves if you choose the Malibu LT, Hybrid, or Premium; you’ll get finer materials, plentiful soft-touch surfaces, and a larger choice of color options. Chevy has smartly used the cabin materials employing soft touch mostly on places where you touch the most.
The Cabin is very economically friendly as all controls fall to hand easily. The climate controls are particularly noteworthy, with large buttons and knobs that are easy to operate. The MyLink screen is also well-positioned, making it easy to use. The only area that could use improvement is the manual-shift button located on top of the shifter.
Visibility
The broad roof pillars and high rear decklid, like with many sedans in the class, restrict outward view. The available beige dash top also produces annoying reflections, therefore black is preferable. Except for the base trim, all models come equipped with a rearview camera.
The Chevrolet Malibu provides a tranquil and serene ride experience, thanks in part to the dual-pane glass that helps to block out external noise. Engine and wind noise are particularly well suppressed, and even the Hybrid’s engine, which turns on occasionally for greater propulsion, doesn’t create excessive noise or draw too much attention to itself. However, road noise can be a bit of an issue on rougher road surfaces. Overall, the cabin is a little quieter than average.
Even with the hybrid engine that shuts off when the vehicle comes to a stop, the air conditioning in the Chevrolet Malibu does an excellent job of keeping the interior cool on hot days. And unlike some other vehicles, you won’t need to constantly adjust the system to maintain a comfortable temperature. The Malibu also offers optional ventilated seats adding an extra layer of comfort on warm days.
Front occupants of the Chevrolet Malibu will find it effortless to enter and exit the vehicle due to a generous opening and a comparatively high ride height. However, those seated in the back who are of average or greater height may need to crouch somewhat to avoid the sloping rear roofline.
Equipped with an eight-way power seat, the Chevrolet Malibu offers ample adjustability for drivers of varying heights. The seat is able to move sufficiently far down and back to accommodate tall drivers comfortably. The steering wheel also has a good telescoping range, and the pedals are intuitively placed for a natural feel.
Chevrolet equips all Malibu models with an outstanding 8.0-inch infotainment system that incorporates many of the sought-after features of today, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Although the touch-sensitive display is user-friendly, we wished that Chevrolet included an additional rotary control knob as an effortless way to navigate the interface.
When it comes to cargo space, not all Malibu models are created equal. Gas-powered models offer an impressive 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space, which is more than enough for most needs.
However, the hybrid version sacrifices some trunk space due to the battery pack, leaving only 11.6 cubic feet of space and a less flat trunk floor.
If you need more storage space, the Malibu’s 60/40 split-folding seating allows for additional room. The trunk is also deep, but it’s worth noting that the 2019 model lacks a trunk release button inside the cabin.
The Malibu L is mainly a fleet special, which means it was designed specifically for corporate and municipal customers. The following fundamental functions are available:
The Malibu LS gets you some extra handy amenities:
The Malibu RS receives a power-adjustable driver’s seat as well as sporty exterior accents such as:
The Malibu LT adds luxury details for a more opulent cabin, as well as a variety of packages that improve safety and electronics.
The 1LT can also be ordered with various packages, including the Convenience and Technology package, a leather package, and the Driver Confidence package.
The Malibu Hybrid, the second-highest model, comes standard with the same features as the LT trim and also has an electronic parking brake, an upgraded infotainment system, and a new 8.0-inch instrument panel display
The Malibu Hybrid base model does not come equipped with heated seats or remote start, in contrast to the non-hybrid Malibu LT.
There is no better option than the Malibu Hybrid if you want maximum gasoline efficiency and a comfortable driving experience.
The top-tier Premier model has virtually every option and is the only trim level with the more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
All of the features of the 1LT are included in the Premier trim, as well as the Convenience, Technology, and Leather options. It is well-equipped with amenities such as:
The Premier can also be upgraded with the Driver Confidence package, Driver Confidence package II, and Driver Confidence package III, as well as the Sun and Wheel package
To ensure you’re not overspending on features you don’t want, it’s crucial to carefully review the available trims when considering the Chevrolet Malibu. While the base model’s starting price is among the lowest in its class and includes an impressive 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, we recommend opting for higher trims unless you’re seeking the most affordable sedan available.
Choosing the LS or LT trims will add significant features to the vehicle, with the LT offering the best value. It features upgraded cabin materials, notable standard features, and access to optional driver assistance features. For a sportier appearance, the RS trim falls between the LS and LT trims and offers unique styling accents.
However, all these trims rely on a smaller engine, making the hybrid trim a better option for those willing to pay a little extra for a more fuel-efficient and slightly better driving experience.
The top-tier Malibu Premier trim offers distinct advantages over other models, including a more powerful engine and a better nine-speed automatic transmission, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fully-loaded Malibu.
From dutiful 1.5-liter turbo to zesty 2.0-liter turbo and a gas-sipping 1.8-liter hybrid, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has something for almost everyone.
The majority of Malibu trims come with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. While this engine may sound a bit like a novice trumpeter, it’s capable of delivering a satisfactory amount of torque at low revs. The engine operates quietly, and although it doesn’t provide blistering acceleration, it has enough power to move the Malibu along without issue.
The newly introduced continuously variable transmission (CVT) complements the engine nicely, allowing it to stay in the sweet spot between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm during normal acceleration. However, there’s a noticeable delay when you press down on the gas pedal, so anticipating your next move is important. On the plus side, the CVT improves fuel efficiency.
If you are someone who loves to drive, it may be worth upgrading to the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which is one of the finest powertrains in its class. In a segment of V6 powerhouses, don’t get fooled by its four cylinder configuration.It provides impressive acceleration. Moreover, despite its four-cylinder configuration, the engine is also impressively smooth and refined.
The 2.0T’s nine-speed automatic transmission works seamlessly with the 250-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, blending into the driving experience without any hitch. It’s an excellent match for the character of the engine.
However, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is only available on the top-of-the-line Malibu Premier.
The hybrid iteration of the Malibu uses a gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine in combination with two electric motors, one for powering the front wheels, and another for recharging the 1.5-kWh battery pack.
Under ideal circumstances, the system can propel the vehicle to nearly 55 mph on electricity alone.
In reality, the vehicle transitions smoothly between hybrid modes and is faster than the standard 1.5 Malibu.
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu might not be as athletic, as say, the Mazda 6, yet, it’s a competent handler. It boasts enough agility to take on most midsize competitors when it comes to cornering, even if the steering feels a tad light. The 2019 Chevy Malibu responds well to driver inputs, with minimal fuss or drama.
But where the Malibu really shines is in its ride quality. It’s impressively smooth, composed, and supple, making it an excellent choice for long highway journeys or bumpy city streets. The suspension is adept at handling rough patches of road, keeping the driver and passengers isolated from jolts and jitters without sacrificing the driving experience.
The Chevy Malibu has always been a very economical midsize car, and the 2019 model is even better.
| Variant | EPA-Rated Fuel Economy (City/Highway) |
| 1.5-liter | 29/36 MPG |
| 2.0-liter | 22/32 MPG |
| 1.8-liter hybrid | 49/43 MPG |
| Crash Test | Rating |
| Frontal crash | Five-Star |
| Side Crash | Four-Star |
| Rollover | Four-Star |
| Overall Rating | Four-Star |
| Crash Test | Rating |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Small Overlap Front Driver Test | Good |
| Small Overlap Front Passenger Test | Marginal |
| Rear Crash Protection | Good |
| Side Impact Test | Good |
| Headlights | Marginal |
While some Chevy sedan models offer advanced safety features that provide enhanced protection for families, it’s worth noting that not all variants have these options available.
Standard advanced safety features:
Available advanced safety features:
The expected reliability rating for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a solid 87/100 from JD Power..
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is categorized as a midsize sedan with front-wheel drive, and it sits between the smaller Cruze and the larger Impala in the Chevrolet lineup.
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize family sedan with no major flaw. Yes, rear visibility could have been improved, the interior could have used fancier styling and materials, and there are no driver aid features below the Trim, but that’s about it.
On the other hand, the Malibu offers sleek and sophisticated styling that commands attention on the road, coupled with a roomy cabin and plush seating that ensure a comfortable ride. Upgrading to higher trims provides a wealth of creature comforts and improved interior quality, and Chevrolet’s easy-to-use 8.0-inch infotainment system boasts an array of technological features.
The 1.5-liter turbo-four engine may not be particularly potent, but it provides ample power for daily driving while still maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. Opting for the hybrid option will maximize savings, as the hybrid system is unobtrusive and delivers a smooth and refined driving experience with plenty of available power on tap.
But if you are someone who prioritizes driving enjoyment, the high-end Premier trim is a worthwhile upgrade. This surprisingly sporty car boasts competent handling and a lively turbocharged engine. The Malibu’s suspension system effectively smooths out rough terrain, without hurting the handling, resulting in a peaceful and enjoyable driving experience. The interior is also impressively quiet.
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan that offers a spacious and fuel-efficient option if you are seeking a comfortable ride, stylish design, and user-friendly infotainment system. While the standard engine performs adequately, the 2.0-liter turbo four provides a more enjoyable driving experience. The hybrid version offers an impressive fuel economy of almost 50 mpg in the city. However, it’s important to note that certain driver assistance features like blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are only available on higher-end trims.
If you are looking for one of the newer Malibus, you can choose anywhere between 2016-present models, since there haven’t been any major changes after a full redesign after 2016.
