![]() ![]() Keep it honest without gimmicks like the ride-degrading Redline gear, and this mainstream mid-size mostly satisfies. The Malibu has class-competitive ride quality, steering feel, refinement, and cabin space, and its attractive exterior styling still comes across as upscale even three years after its debut. A small annoyance is how high the rear seats sit when folded down this creates an uneven load floor and shortens the usable height of the pass-through between the trunk and the cabin. The cabin is airy, and legroom should not be an issue for adults in the rear. The cabin is not the roomiest in the segment, but it matches or betters our favorite family sedans, the Accord and the Mazda 6. With the Malibu’s redesign for 2016, Chevrolet added 3.6 inches to the wheelbase, which translated to an additional three cubic feet of interior volume, for a total of 103. The Malibu is a good example of how to make physical controls and touchscreen technology coexist.įor 2018, the LT trim includes the $995 Convenience package, which means 18-inch wheels now come standard, along with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, two USB ports for rear-seat passengers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start, and a 4.2-inch info screen in the gauges. The HVAC controls are easy to reach and well marked, and below the infotainment screen is a small row of buttons flanking a central volume knob. The dashboard isn’t as highly styled as those seen in competitors such as the Mazda 6 and the Honda Accord, but it is commendably simple. The interior of the Malibu is cleanly designed and ergonomically sound, although our test example was a festival of black in the form of matte plastic, patches of padded leather, and layers of textured rubber, with only a little brightwork to break things up. Although the Redline package’s 19-inch wheels introduce some harshness to the ride, the Malibu feels light and tight. The steering complements the reasonably crisp handling, and body motions are well controlled and never unpredictable. It strikes a nice balance between the lethargic sedans at the bottom of the class and the more sporting four-doors such as the Mazda 6. The steering is quick and direct with an acceptably light effort for a family machine. Where the Malibu makes its case as a segment contender is beyond straight-line performance. The transmission shifts cleanly and unobtrusively while it doesn’t cry out for replacement, Chevrolet nevertheless is introducing a continuously variable transmission in the 2019 model. The Malibu is not quick, with a zero-to-60-mph time of 8.2 seconds in our testing, but the engine delivers its output smoothly, exhibiting little noise or harshness. Redline Edition 19 Black-painted aluminum wheels with Red accents and 245/40R19 all-season. ![]() The 1.5 and the six-speed pair well together. Latest technology in the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu: Compare all. Photo credit: Chris Doane Automotive - Car and Driver ![]()
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