The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu's age isn't keeping it from competing well in the mid-size car sector. Though the almost decade-old Chevy is no longer a class superstar (nor has it ever been), the Malibu remains a capable family sedan alternative, supported by its decent appearance, pleasant ride, and respectable handling. The only possible powerplant is a turbocharged four-cylinder with a continuously variable automatic gearbox. The pair provides enough power to propel the bow-tied four-door about town, even if the Chevy sedan lacks the punch of competitors' more potent turbo four and six-cylinder engine options. More vexing is the interior's mediocre quality, which mainly depends on low-grade plastics. The standard equipment list is also fairly limited when compared to competitors such as the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Sonata. To put it frankly, Malibu's advantages do not exceed its disadvantages. Chevy's mid-size sedan isn't a snub, but it's also not as well-rounded as its competitors.
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Roomy seating space | Underwhelming engine performance | |
| Low base price | Outdated, cheap-feeling cabin | |
| Good gas mileage | ||
What’s New for 2024
Rear park assist backup warning is now standard as of 2024. The only other difference worth noticing, or perhaps not, is the inclusion of a tire inflator kit as standard equipment. The Malibu may go away before Chevy makes any significant modifications to it. However, speculations are circulating that a new midsize fully electric (EV) Chevy sedan destined for China may end up in American stores under the Malibu label.
The Chevrolet Malibu has undergone the following significant changes in recent years:
- 2024:rear parking sensors join the standard features list
- 2023:2.0-liter engine discontinued; more standard safety features; Premier trim renamed 2LT
- 2022:L trim discontinued; electronic parking brake made standard
- 2021:wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay introduced
- 2020: no notable changes
Pricing and Trims
Chevrolet has not yet disclosed official pricing for the 2024 Malibu at the time of this writing. We anticipate that costs will stay comparable to those of the 2023 models, which implies that the 2024 Malibu will start at about $25,000. The RS variant is expected to cost around $26,000 and include features such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. For about $28,000, you can upgrade to the LT variant, which has heated front seats, among other things. The top-of-the-line 2LT ($32,000) has leather seats and navigation.
We recommend getting the LT trim because it has more standard features than the LS. The 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic temperature control, remote engine start, heated front seats, and power-adjustable driver's seat are standard on the LT. Every LT comes standard with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. A blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic warning system are conspicuously absent, although they may be added for an additional $250.
Engine
Every 2024 Malibu is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT). The combo produces only 163 horsepower, but it does the job. There's enough propulsion to go around at city speeds, but getting to highway speeds may take some time, and once there, there's not much passing power. The Malibu's front-wheel drive (also a category standard) and a gearbox engineered to enhance fuel efficiency conspire to deprive it of class-leading performance. Despite this, the Malibu is perfectly capable of running around town or driving the interstate on a family excursion to Disneyland.From a standstill to 60 mph, it takes approximately 8.0 seconds. Acceleration isn't a huge problem for most families who just want to get somewhere safely. The Malibu has enough power to push it up a highway entry ramp and into traffic. In comparison, the Camry, with its 4-cylinder engine, executes the 0–60 mph run roughly a second faster. If you want a family-friendly speed monster, consider the Hyundai Sonata N Line or the Kia K5 GT, both of which feature 290-hp engines that can propel them to 60 mph in roughly 5 seconds.
Ride and Handling
The Malibu is a simple and enjoyable car to drive, but it will hardly motivate you to take the long route home. The suspension helps maintain body lean to a minimum during corners while gently absorbing bumpy roads, and the brakes firmly slow the car down. Although the steering is light and responsive, it is not very communicative.
Interior
The inside of the 2024 Chevy Malibu hasn't been updated significantly since the 2016 model year, and its age is becoming more apparent with each passing year. When compared to competitors, the design is extremely antiquated, and the interior is trimmed with a slew of harsh, cheap-looking plastics. While the interior of the Malibu is not the most luxurious or silent, it is comfortable and ergonomically sound. Although the interior provides comparable passenger rooms and choices, most competitors provide superior outward vision. The symmetrical dashboard and big aperture beneath the center stack of the Malibu make the cockpit feel roomy. Although the front seats have a large base and robust side bolsters, the rear cushions are too small for some passengers. The rear seat had less legroom than the Accord's, yet it still accommodated our adult frames. Despite not being the class leader, the Malibu offers a large trunk with lots of carry-on luggage and plenty of internal storage space.
Infotainment
The Malibu, like many other Chevys, incorporates the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which includes an 8-inch touch screen in the middle of the dashboard. It isn't the most visually appealing device on the market, but it works well, the pictures are clear, and the touch screen responds swiftly to inputs.
- Standard infotainment features:an 8-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hotspot
- Available infotainment features:navigation, a nine-speaker premium sound system, wireless device charging, satellite radio, and an additional USB port
- Additional standard features:push-button start, remote start, and proximity keyless entry
- Other available features:an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, a sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control
Fuel Economy
In combined driving, the Malibu achieves 30 mpg (27 city, 35 highway). The Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima all get 32 mpg combined. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 both get 31 miles per gallon. The Subaru Legacy all-wheel-drive (AWD) model equals the Malibu's 30 mpg. There are alternative options if you don't mind a mile or two difference per gallon, but Malibu's fuel economy is fair.
Safety
Although the Chevy sedan comes standard with all of the high-tech features that help safeguard modern families, many of them are optional. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) websites for further information on Malibu's crash-test performance. The following are important safety features:
- Available automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
Warranty
The Malibu offers comparable limited and powertrain warranties, but it boasts longer corrosion protection and roadside assistance than many competitors.
- The limited warranty is valid for three years, or 36,000 miles.
- The powertrain warranty is valid for five years or 60,000 miles.
- For the initial visit, complimentary maintenance is provided.
Competitive Cars
Chevrolet Malibu vs. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry outperforms the Chevrolet Malibu in almost every category. The Camry starts around $1,000 more than the Malibu, but it features a peppier basic engine, an optional V6, and a ritzier, more luxurious, and more stylish interior. It can also outperform the projected gas mileage of the Malibu. The Camry is the superior car, with the exception of a somewhat smaller trunk.
Chevrolet Malibu vs. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is an excellent choice for a capable commuting vehicle. This roomy cruiser is priced comparable to the Malibu, but it comes with a more powerful engine lineup and greater fuel economy. Its interior is more sophisticated and opulent than the Malibu's, and it has a significantly broader list of driver-assistance systems.
