This past April, Chevrolet brought us a little surprise with the revealing of the all-new 2016 Malibu sedan at the New York International Auto Show and now, the Golden Bowtie of the General confirmed that the new sedan will undercut the price of a new Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. But how much better will it be?
Well, that’s obviously reserved for when we have the chance to test the Malibu and put it through its paces. But a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu could be had in your driveway for just $22,500 for the entry-level “L” model.
With that, you get a Malibu that’s more basic than a teenage white girl with Uggz, yoga pants, and a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. It comes with some air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a six-speaker audio system–all stuff you’d expect to get in any car north of the $15,000 mark these days because, you know, it is 2015, not 1985.
Push button start is also standard, to further emphasize that it’s 2015 because, normal metal keys are just obsolete these days, and that button powers up GM’s latest turbocharged 1.5L EcoTec four-banger with 160hp and 184 lb-ft of twist. It doesn’t sound like much, but we hope it’ll give the Malibu a little more character than the outgoing model. There’s a chance for that as well with the dramatic new looks and a nearly 300-pound diet.
Comparatively speaking though with the aforementioned Honda Accord as one of the Malibu’s key competitors, that also includes the Mazda6, both of which are some of the best cars you can get for the money in this segment.
Bumping up to the Malibu LS model hikes the price to $23,995, which gets you all the standard equipment in the base L model, plus an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and the choice of either the aforementioned 1.5L four or an uprated turbocharged 2.0L four-pot with 250hp and 258 lb-ft of twist.
Should you want the top-spec Malibu, unfortunately no Malibu SS exists, since it’s not 1969 any more. But it does cost $31,795 and for that, you get the 250hp 2.0L turbo-four as standard, along with heated front seats and steering wheel, Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, and an eight-inch display.
The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is also still available, but production and pricing as well as final specifications for the hybrid model will be announced closer to the launch date in spring of 2016.
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Next-Gen Chevrolet Malibu Starts at $22,500
Lower than Camry, Accord, Fusion and Altima
2015-09-10
DETROIT – The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, the most fuel-efficient, connected and technologically advanced version in the nameplate’s history – will be available with a starting suggested retail price of $22,500 for the L model.
“We’ve continued our focus on delivering on the highest levels of quality, as evidenced by recent recognitions from J.D. Power on initial quality and long-term dependability,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet cars and crossovers. “The 2016 Malibu is engineered and priced to give customers impressive value and technology that’s hard to compete with.”
For 2016, Malibu will be offered in five models, L, LS, LT, Hybrid and Premier. Standard equipment includes 10 airbags, cruise control, push-button start with passive entry and fuel-saving stop/start technology on the base 1.5L 4-cylinder engine.
The LS model, starting at $23,995, includes standard Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7-inch diagonal color touch screen, available compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rear vision camera. CarPlay and Android Auto are subject to Apple and Google privacy statements and require compatible smartphone and data plans.
The starting price for the LT model is $25,895 and is projected to offer a General Motors-estimated 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, when equipped with the Ecotec 1.5L turbo engine with stop/start. Official EPA estimates are not yet available. The LT model adds LED daytime running lamps and 8-way power driving seats.
A 2.0L turbo with an 8-speed transmission is available in the LT and Premier models as well, starting at $29,495 and $31,795 respectively. Malibu 2.0T models offer a GM-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. Official EPA estimates are not yet available.
The 2016 Malibu adds several new-to-Malibu safety technologies including Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking and Low Speed Front Automatic Braking. Teen Driver – available on LT and standard on Premier trims – helps support safe driving habits by muting the audio or any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their seat belts. It is also the first in-vehicle system in the industry that lets parents view information on how their teenagers drove the vehicle, which can be a teaching tool to reinforce safe driving habits.
Longer and lighter, the new Malibu offers more rear interior space than the current model. Its wheelbase has been stretched nearly four inches, and it is nearly 300 pounds lighter than the previous model, to assist with handling and fuel economy.
The 2016 Malibu reaches an exceptional level of fuel efficiency with an all-new, available hybrid powertrain that uses technology from the Chevrolet Volt. It helps offer a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway – and 47 mpg combined, which is unsurpassed in the segment. Official EPA estimates are not yet available.
Pricing for the Malibu Hybrid will be announced closer to its start of production in spring 2016.
The 2016 Malibu is built at the GM Fairfax Assembly facility, in Kansas City, Kan. from globally sourced parts.
Chevrolet Malibu
Hyundai Sonata
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Nissan Altima
Mazda6
MSRP
$21,625
$21,150
$22,110
$22,105
$23,070
$22,300
$21,495
Shipping
$875
$825
$875
$820
$825
$825
$820
Total
$22,500
$21,975
$22,985
$22,925
$23,895
$23,125
$22,315
All figures reflect starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price for entry/base models
Editors: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes destination charges ($875) but excludes tax, title, license, and optional equipment and dealer fees.
– By: Chris Chin