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2018 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
2018 L 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $21,680
2018 LS w/1LS 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $23,320
2018 LT 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,220
2018 Premier 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $31,020

Overview

Chevrolet’s sedan lineup may be the strongest we’ve ever seen, thanks in part to the mid-size front-wheel drive 2018 Malibu. The current-generation Chevy Malibu debuted in 2016, coming in larger and better-optioned than before, positioning the sedan to better compete in a tough segment. A Malibu Hybrid model is sold separately.

What's New for 2018

The most significant change for 2018 is the introduction of an all-new Malibu Redline Edition exclusive to the LT trim. The Redline Edition Package includes a blacked-out grille, black nameplate badge with a red outline, black front and back bowties, blackwall tires, 19-inch black-painted wheels with red hash marks, your choice of four exterior colors, and a jet black interior.

Chevrolet Malibu

Choosing Your Chevrolet Malibu

Move past the base model — typically chosen by fleets and rental car companies — and the Malibu offers three trims worth perusing. Customers have a choice of two turbo engines, but the larger engine is available only on the top-level Premier trim.

The Malibu L, LS, and LT trim levels come with a 1.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine works alongside a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Choose the Malibu Premier and you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic, this model makes a respectable 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet Malibu

L

Priced from $22,555 (all prices include an $875 destination charge), the base model L comes with automatic headlamps, power-adjustable side mirrors, and 16-inch wheels with steel covers. Other features include keyless entry with push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, full power accessories, air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, an OnStar Guidance Plan, and 10 airbags.

Chevrolet Malibu

LS

Most customers begin their Malibu shopping at the LS level. Costing $24,100, equipment upgrades include 16-inch aluminum wheels, a rearview camera, and Chevrolet MyLink telematics with a 7-inch touchscreen display. Bluetooth audio streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, OnStar with a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, and a USB port are also included.

Chevrolet Malibu

LT

Priced from an even $26,000, the LT edition brings in LED daytime running lights, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, 17-inch aluminum wheels, satellite radio, ambient interior lighting, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control, and illuminated visor vanity mirrors. At this trim level, the Redline Package ($1,195) comes into play. This new package is not available with the Sport Package or Sun and Wheels Package.

Chevrolet Malibu

Premier

Costing $31,850, the top-of-the-line Premier pulls out all the stops by delivering the Malibu’s most powerful engine. You’ll also find chrome touches, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a remote vehicle starter system. The Chevy MyLink system features an 8-inch touchscreen display and navigation on Premier models. Additional features include a nine-speaker Bose audio system, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, additional charge-only USB ports, dual-zone climate control, leather-covered seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

CarsDirect Tip

Toss out the base level and you’ll find three trims worthy of your consideration. The LT offers a good place to start with its many package options, including the all-new Redline Edition. If you insist on driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, the Premier offers a $2,190 Driver Confidence Package, bringing your final cost to $33,540.

Get your price on a Chevrolet Malibu »

author image
Contributing Editor
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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

Two years into its eighth generation, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu remains a solid contender in the mid-size sedan class. But its sleek design, smooth ride, and fuel-efficient drivetrain are offset by a pricey top trim, and advanced safety systems that are unavailable on the most affordable models, and only part of expensive option packages when they are offered.

Best Value

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu models range in price from $22,555 (including the $875 destination charge) for the base L trim and run on up to $31,850 for a Premier model. But the biggest difference between the two is under the hood – the Premier is equipped with a 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic. The rest of the lineup receives a 163-hp, 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder matched with a six-speed automatic.

But that 2.0-liter isn't so powerful that we'd pony up the money for the range-topping model. Instead, we'd live with the 1.5-liter turbo and grab the volume-spec LT, since its $26,000 starting price won't break most banks and allows access to a number of option groups ranging from entertainment, safety, and technology features to exterior and interior appearance packages.

  • Model: 2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT
  • Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Output: 163 hp / 184 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • MPG: 27 City / 36 Hwy
  • Options: Driver Confidence Package ($1,195, low-speed automatic emergency braking with front pedestrian braking, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning), Convenience and Technology Package ($895 and required with Driver Confidence Package, remote start, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, 120-volt power outlet, 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, eight-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, dual rear USB ports, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob).
  • Base Price: $26,000
  • Best Value Price: $28,090

Performance

Chevrolet Malibu

A relaxed cruiser with a serene ride, power from the 1.5-liter turbo might be below average for the class, but the Malibu's lighter weight and standard six-speed automatic make the most of its 160 horsepower. Moving up to the 2.0-liter provides a significant boost in performance, as expected, but it's the way the nine-speed automatic works that really impresses. This is a smooth, competent transmission that easily blends into the background during day-to-day driving.

But like so many mid-size sedans, the Malibu's steering lacks feedback, while the soggy suspension hampers the driving experience. There's too much body roll and the suspension is far too soft in bends to give the driver any real sense feedback. That said, the overall ride is comfortable enough that we're willing to ignore this particular shortcoming.

Interior and Exterior

Two years after its introduction, the Malibu still looks fresh – with elegantly styled sheetmetal wrapped around a thoughtfully designed interior equipped with a very intuitive infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are bonuses, while we dig the hidden cubby behind the infotainment screen. The Malibu's touch points are well-padded and there's plenty of room for four adults and even five without too many complaints.

But you'll want to upgrade to the LT or even the Premier to experience the cabin's best. In these trims, pleasant leather upholstery envelops comfortable and supportive seats that provide excellent sight lines for the driver.

Our big complaint comes in the option packaging. While not as problematic as certain GM models, the Malibu squirrels away its best active safety equipment on the highest trim levels, and even in the case of the volume LT, requires a pricey optional package.

The Best and Worst Things

The Malibu's combination of ride comfort and fuel efficiency make it competitive in the mid-size class, but expensive active safety technology – on models where it's available – could prove to be a turn-off for many buyers.

Right For...

Chevrolet Malibu

Even as many families are migrating away from mid-size sedans, the Malibu's blend of style, comfort, and fuel efficiency represents a real alternative for crossover-averse customers.

Wrong For...

Safety-conscious buyers probably won't be excited that a rear view camera is the only standard advanced safety feature. Meanwhile, the active safety gear on our LT added $1,195 to the price tag (and came with a prerequisite package that drove the price up to $2,090), while buyers have to choose the Premier trim and fork over an additional $995 to gain adaptive cruise control and all-speed automatic emergency braking.

The Bottom Line

Despite expensive active safety technology, its sleek styling, smooth ride, and good fuel economy make the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu a solid choice in the mid-size sedan class.

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
15.8 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$60
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 2018 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale

7 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Chevrolet
LT
Color: Silver Ice Metallic
Price

$11,995

Mileage

105,201 mi

Map location icon

Pacific Auto Center - Costa Mesa (33 mi)

Phone: (949) 536-8000
Chevrolet
LT
Color: Cajun Red Tintcoat
Price

$12,995

Mileage

89,842 mi

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DCH Honda of Oxnard (49 mi)

Phone: (805) 204-0454
Chevrolet
LT
Color: Black
Price

$13,777

Mileage

76,137 mi

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LA City Cars (4 mi)

Phone: (323) 522-9200
Chevrolet
LS
Color: Silver
Price

$13,900

Mileage

70,160 mi

Map location icon

Evans Auto Sales (33 mi)

Phone: (805) 262-2272
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