hamburger icon

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 L 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $21,625
2016 LS w/1LS 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $23,120
2016 LT w/1LT 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,020
2016 LT w/2LT 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $28,620
2016 Premier w/2LZ 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $30,920

Overview

Positioned between two popular sibling sedans -- the compact Cruze and the full-size Impala -- the midsize Malibu is a bit like the proverbial middle child. Both the bigger and smaller models seem to command more attention. Yet all along, Chevrolet has been initiating gradual updates that have made the Malibu a compelling choice, even in the ultra-competitive family sedan market. Now, the long-lived model has an opportunity to try once again, in a significantly revised form.

What's New for 2016

Totally redesigned for the 2016 model year, the Malibu is built on a longer wheelbase and weighs nearly 300 pounds less than before. The hood has been lowered. Two powertrain choices are offered, including a new 2-liter turbo four with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a revised 1.5-liter standard engine. A new Malibu Hybrid is estimated at 48 mpg in city driving. New Chevrolet MyLink has Android Auto and Apply CarPlay compatibility. A new Teen Driver feature can provide driving statistics to parents. Ten airbags are standard, and active-safety features are available.

Chevrolet Malibu

Choosing Your Chevrolet Malibu

The most important decision a Malibu buyer makes is trim level. In addition to determining which features are included, that choice specifies which of two engines will provide power.

Enhanced for 2016, the standard engine is a turbocharged Ecotec 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and includes start-stop technology. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it's estimated at an impressive 37 mpg highway (27 mpg in city driving). This is the engine most Malibu trim levels receive.

Available only for LT and Premier trim levels is a new turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder that generates 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. With its eight-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy is estimated at a decidedly less-frugal 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway.

Active safety features are newly available, including forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with automatic braking. Automatic parking assist also is available.

The Malibu comes in four trim levels:

Chevrolet Malibu

L

Priced at $22,500 (including destination charge), the entry-level model comes with air conditioning, remote keyless entry, keyless start, power mirrors, power locks, cruise control, six-speaker audio, steering-wheel controls, tilt/telescopic steering column, and 16-inch steel wheels.

Chevrolet Malibu

LS

One step up, the LS costs $1,495 more and adds such features as active grille shutters, Chevrolet MyLink with a seven-inch touchscreen, OnStar 4G LTE with wi-fi hotspot, rearview camera, automatic headlights, Bluetooth audio, compass, and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

While upper trim levels have access to several options, an LS does not.

Chevrolet Malibu

LT

For $25,895, the LT adds such amenities as LED daytime running lights, SiriusXM satellite radio, power driver’s seat, lighted vanity mirrors, power windows with express up/down, heated mirrors, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. A 1LT version holds the standard 1.5-liter engine, while the 2LT, substantially more expensive at $29,495, comes with the 250-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder.

Chevrolet Malibu

Premier

Standard equipment in the ultimate Malibu ($31,795) includes the 250-horsepower turbo engine, along with LED taillamps, an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, dual rear-seat USB ports, 110-volt outlet, heated/ventilated front seats, power passenger seat, perforated leather-appointed seating surfaces, driver’s memory, Bose nine-speaker audio, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and 19-inch wheels.

CarsDirect Tip

We almost always recommend passing on Chevrolets in base-level trim, and the Malibu is no exception. The LT model represents the best value. So does the Premier edition, which adds a hefty selection of additional features, if you think of it as an alternative to more expensive near-luxury brands.

Get your price on a Chevrolet Malibu »

Read our review on the Chevrolet Malibu »

Chevrolet Malibu
author image
Contributing Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Something very interesting is going on at Chevrolet lately. After years of products that ranged from blandly competitive to unimpressive, the golden bowtie is now being applied to cars that are serious contenders for best-in-class honors. The new Malibu pushes this trend straight into the heart of the fiercely competitive midsize-sedan contest—and is instantly one of the most modern, all-around appealing cars in that crowded field.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2016 Malibu is a complete redesign based largely on the well-received Impala. Five trim levels and a hybrid model are available to cover a range of expectations and price points. (The less-impressive previous generation is still available as the Malibu Limited. We strongly encourage buyers to limit consideration of it.)

One of Chevrolet's priorities was cutting that prior model's bulk, which led to some unconventional decisions for the new car -- no V6, no all-wheel drive -- and a curb weight fully 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. The diet pays off in both driving feel (unusually good for a mainstream sedan) and fuel economy.

For those further focused on getting the most from their gasoline, the hybrid Malibu uses a version of the Volt's driveline to return excellent mileage numbers -- EPA estimates are 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway -- while offering a driving experience notably superior to the competition.

  • The L, LS and 1LT are fitted with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four and six-speed automatic transmission; the 2LT and Premier receive a 250-horsepower 2-liter turbo four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic.
  • Option availability depends heavily on choosing the right initial trim level and sometimes require the selection of a few rather pricey packages -- the $895 Convenience and Technology package is a prerequisite for many driver-assist and comfort extras.

The base L model starts with an MSRP of $22,500 but is clearly intended for fleet use. The lineup progresses through LS ($23,995), 1LT ($25,895), and 2LT ($29,495) versions before topping out at the Premier trim level for $31,795. The hybrid stickers at $28,645 including destination. Even though base prices are agreeably competitive, keep an eye on the tendency of the option packages to bulk up the bottom line.

Performance Pros

Chevrolet Malibu

The new Malibu isn't about being better than an outdated dull image or being dutifully comparable with Brand T or Brand H. It's about suddenly being one of the best choices in the midsize family-sedan battle. A top-to-bottom redesign, a major weight-loss program, and some surprisingly subtle tuning have produced a great everyday car.

  • You will not miss the V6. The turbo fours are wonderfully smooth and responsive while returning very good mileage and contributing to the car's light and lithe feel.
  • The Malibu's steering is is one of the best electric-assist systems we've experienced anywhere and is a great match to the well-balanced suspension setup.
  • The hybrid Malibu is one of the best blends of ultra-high efficiency and all-around goodness currently on offer.

Performance Cons

  • All-wheel drive is not available, so buyers looking for maximum traction will need to look elsewhere.
  • As good as the Malibu's basic setup is, it makes no real claims to being a sports sedan. It's a great mainstream family car -- and definitely handles better than average -- but its heart is definitely more into well-mannered travel than backroad delinquency.

Interior Pros

Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet's interiors have been improving at a dramatic rate, and the Malibu is another prime example of a conscious effort to push past mere adequacy. It looks contemporary and stylish, it is wonderfully comfortable, and the materials promise to hold up under constant daily use and abuse.

  • We think the cabin feels much roomier. Most measurements are only slightly increased, but component and seat positioning make a much appreciated difference -- especially in back, which has opened up significantly compared to the previous model.
  • Those seats are unusually good. Adding to comfort, noise management is excellent.
  • Materials are a clear step up not only from the last Malibu but from the competition. Someone really wanted this car to have a nice interior, and it shows.
  • Chevrolet has gone all in on tech features: numerous driver safety systems, MyLink connectivity, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE hotspot are all available.

Interior Cons

  • Those high-quality interior materials are only available in a few colors.
  • Headroom is improved, but that dashing roofline does take a cut here and there.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The decision to go for a full redesign a mere three years after the release of a good-but-not-great model is unusual for any manufacturer and startling from a GM division. To have the Malibu turn out to be this much better is absolutely amazing. Bravo.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

We long for the days when a high-performance SS model was automatically part of the lineup. Adding one would be both straightforward and another winning way to shoulder aside a crowd of boring competitors.

The Bottom Line

Chevrolet deals another ace. The Malibu is a serious no-excuses top pick for midsize sedan buyers.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-4 / 160 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
27 / 37 / 32 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-4 / 160 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
27 / 37 / 32 Mpg
Brakes
Duralife 4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
13.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$50
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
103 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
193.8 "
Exterior Width
73.0 "
Exterior Height
57.6 "
Front Headroom
39.1 "
Rear Headroom
37.5 "
Front Legroom
42.0 "
Rear Legroom
38.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
57.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,086 Lbs.
Wheel Base
111 "
Turning Radius
18.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Steel
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Front Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Premium Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 24,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale

2 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Chevrolet
LS
Color: White
Price

$12,995

Mileage

74,669 mi

Map location icon

Car Castle (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 992-4000
Chevrolet
1LT
Color: White
Price

$15,495

Mileage

104,547 mi

Map location icon

Metro Auto (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 740-7244

Other Chevrolet Malibu Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Chevrolet Malibu years that you might be interested in.

Chevrolet
LS
Color: Summit White
Price

$14,080

Mileage

143,805 mi

Map location icon

Hemet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (80 mi)

Phone: (951) 692-4609
Chevrolet
LS
Color: Shadow Gray Metallic
Price

$17,902

Mileage

41,905 mi

Map location icon

Hemet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (80 mi)

Phone: (951) 692-4609
See All Used Car Listings