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2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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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
2017 L 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $21,680
2017 LS w/1LS 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $23,225
2017 LT w/1LT 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,125
2017 Premier w/2LZ 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $30,975

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 often seem to command more attention. Yet all along, Chevrolet has been making gradual updates to keep the modern-day Malibu a compelling choice, even in the ultra-competitive family sedan market. For the 2016 model year, Chevrolet totally redesigned and enlarged the long-lived model, moving it to a longer wheelbase while shaving off almost 300 pounds.

What's New for 2017

In Premier models with the turbo engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous eight-speed unit. A newly optional Sport Package for the LT trim adds 18-inch aluminum wheels and leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on most models, as is a Teen Driver feature that lets parents establish limits for young drivers.

Chevrolet Malibu

Choosing Your Chevrolet Malibu

The most important decision a Malibu buyer makes is the trim level. In addition to determining which features are included, the trim level dictates which of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines will provide power.

The sole engine for L, LS, and LT trim levels is a turbocharged Ecotec 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and includes start/stop technology for enhanced efficiency. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it's estimated at an impressive 36 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in city driving (30 mpg combined). This engine is installed in most Malibu trim levels.

Standard in Premier trim is a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder that generates 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. With its new nine-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy is estimated at a decidedly less-frugal 22-mpg city/33-mpg highway (26 mpg combined).

For $1,195, the LT and Premier can get the optional Driver Confidence Package, which includes forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind-zone alert, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, city-speed forward automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and front/rear parking assist. An alternative Driver Confidence Package for the Premier trim adds full-speed adaptive cruise control, front automatic braking, semi-automatic parking assist, and an electronic parking brake.

Malibu sedans come in four trim levels:

Chevrolet Malibu

L

Priced at $22,555 (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 from L trim, the LS costs $1,545 more and adds features such as Chevrolet MyLink radio with a 7-inch touchscreen, OnStar 4G LTE with wi-fi hotspot, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, Bluetooth audio, a compass, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. The Teen Driver feature is new for 2017, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

Chevrolet Malibu

LT

For an even $26,000, the LT adds amenities such as LED daytime running lights, SiriusXM satellite radio, a power driver seat, lighted vanity mirrors, power windows with express up/down, heated mirrors, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Wireless phone charging, a sunroof, and navigation are available as options.

Chevrolet Malibu

Premier

Standard equipment in the ultimate Malibu ($31,850) includes the 250-horsepower turbo engine and nine-speed automatic, as well as LED taillights, navigation with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, dual rear-seat USB ports, a 110-volt outlet, heated/ventilated front seats, a power front passenger seat, leather-appointed seating surfaces, driver memory, Bose nine-speaker audio, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and 18-inch wheels.

CarsDirect Tip

We almost always recommend against Chevrolets in base-level trim, and the Malibu is no exception. The midlevel LT model represents the best value. Coming close is the more costly Premier edition, because it adds quite a hefty selection of notable features. You might want to consider the Premier as an alternative to sedans from 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
Contributing Writer

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu lacks a performance model and even the choice of a V6, but it's a solid entry in the mid-size segment, punctuated by good, efficient powertrains, and a quiet ride.

Pricing and Equipment

Prices for the Chevrolet Malibu start at $22,555 (including $875 in destination charges) for the base L trim, but most buyers will likely choose the mid-level 1LT for its $26,000 starting price and standard features that include:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Rearview camera
  • Bluetooth audio and phone capability
  • Standard 7-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Heated power outside rearview mirrors with integrated turn signals

All models other than the base L trim come with a standard rearview camera. But the Malibu's advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and Chevrolet's new "Front Pedestrian Alert" system are only available as options on the top two trim levels – the LT and Premier.

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is available with three engines. Most of the lineup is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Premier trim gets a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder and a nine-speed automatic, while the Hybrid trim returns with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, a pair of electric motors, and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack.

Performance Pros

Chevrolet Malibu
  • Other than on long grades and some highway passing, it's easy to mistake the 1.5-liter turbo for a bigger engine.
  • With plenty of low-end torque, the 2.0-liter turbo easily takes the place of a V6 in the Malibu lineup. For 2017, this engine is paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission.
  • The Malibu Hybrid weighs just 100 pounds more than the 2LT, so it feels nearly as nimble. The only downside is a little less trunk space.

Performance Cons

  • The suspension isn't particularly performance-tuned and favors comfort over any serious edge.
  • The 1.5-liter runs out of steam at just 5,200 rpm. Rev it any higher and it just makes more noise – not more speed.
  • The gasoline engine in the Hybrid is noisier than in the non-hybrid models.

Interior Pros

  • Spacious for a mid-size sedan with a lower dash that helps open up the cockpit.
  • Most adults will find the Malibu's seats supportive for all-day drives.
  • Thoughtful touches include console padding at the knee and more bolstering and length in the seats.
  • Active noise cancellation and generous sound deadening make for a mostly quiet ride.

Interior Cons

Chevrolet Malibu
  • Cloth seats aren't terribly nice.
  • A swoopy roofline limits rear headroom for taller passengers.
  • Base models are trimmed in cheap-looking nylon cloth.
  • Non-hybrid models get 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while Hybrid Malibu only has 11.6 cubic feet due to the placement of batteries.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Even the base Malibu L comes with engine stop-start, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth, keyless ignition, a split-folding rear seat, and power windows with auto-down for all.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The top Premier model comes with dual zone automatic climate control, but this feature – even single-zone automatic climate control - is not available on any other trim level.

The Bottom Line

Base models are spartan, the big engine is only available in the top level Premier, and the cloth interior feels a little cheap. But an Impala-inspired design, a quiet, comfortable interior, and two turbocharged four-cylinders plus a high-mileage hybrid may convince buyers to trade in their Camrys, Accords, or Fusions.

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 / 36 / 31 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 / 36 / 31 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale

6 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Chevrolet
1LS
Color: White
Price

$11,495

Mileage

132,358 mi

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Metro Auto (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 740-7244
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Color: Silver
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$13,550

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Austra Motors (4 mi)

Phone: (310) 973-0409
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Color: White
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Mileage

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605 Auto Sales (17 mi)

Phone: (562) 461-7400
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Color: Gray
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Mileage

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DriveTime Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (888) 970-9221
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