New for 2013, the Chevrolet Malibu trades some conservative family sedan styling for sporty cues from the Camaro muscle car. But the big news is a heavy focus on fuel efficiency, as the latest-generation of Chevrolet's bread-and-butter midsize sedan tries to keep pace with fuel-sipping competitors. Engines are all four-cylinders now, but a mild hybrid is new and a turbo to replace the old V6 will be offered. And the interior becomes even more premium. Overall, the 2013 Malibu remains a stylish competitor in a fierce category.
Introduction
The Malibu LS starts off with the 2.5-liter engine producing 197 horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic. A full raft of power accessories and safety equipment is included, as is GM's OnStar telematics system with the Directions & Connections package. LS also gets 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, automatic headlamps and a six-speaker touchscreen audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth.
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Which Style To Buy?
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 1LS
Recommended for: Value-minded midsize sedan shoppers
The base LS comes well-equipped for the family sedan segment, including all of the features a buyer of this type of car would consider essential. That means power windows, locks and mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control and front, side, knee and curtain airbags with electronic stability control. The LS also adds the OnStar system with emergency crash response. Also standard are 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps and a six-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth. Rear backup sensors are optional.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT
Most PopularRecommended for: Buyers looking for more advanced technology features
The LT adds more creature comforts for people who want a few more amenities in their Malibu. These features include soft ambient lighting for the interior, higher-grade fabric for the seats, heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, projector beam headlamps and floormats. The LT also gets Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, which incorporates Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition and iPod control into a 7-inch touchscreen radio that also offers things like Pandora streaming internet radio from your smartphone connection. The 2LT bumps up the feature content further with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver's seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, dual-zone climate control, compact spare tire, color trip computer screen in the instrument panel and a remote starter. A power sunroof is optional, while the 2LT opens up options like leather seats, lane departure warning and a navigation system. The Electronics and Entertainment Package adds a 9-speaker Pioneer audio system and a backup camera.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 1LZ
Recommended for: Shoppers who want a more luxurious family sedan
The LZ is the most luxurious Malibu and it comes standard with just about every feature. That means leather seats that are heated for front passengers, 8-way power passenger's seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, LED taillights, chrome grille inserts and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The available Premium Package adds keyless entry and start, HID headlamps and driver's memory settings. The Electronics and Entertainment Package adds the 9-speaker Pioneer audio system, backup camera and garage door opener. Lane departure warning is optional.
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Best Alternatives
2013 Toyota Camry
Refined, quiet and practical with long history of reliability, but conservative styling will be a turn-off for some
2013 Nissan Altima
Well-finished interior, class-leading MPG with four-cylinder and powerful V6, but that V6 can be thirsty and is still bland to look at
2013 Hyundai Sonata
Stylish, well-priced and easy on fuel, but turbo and hybrid versions aren't especially refined and rear headroom is tighter than in rivals
2013 Volkswagen Passat
Spacious and offers both a manual transmission and clean diesel option, but can get expensive and standard five-cylinder is not particularly efficient
