2014 Chevrolet Malibu

PREVIEW

In the past, the Chevy Malibu has been stuck in the role of a second-string athlete trying to move up the depth chart. Essentially, it was a good midsize sedan competing with some truly great family cars with bigger names. Last year's redesign, however, boosted the Malibu's stats in this hugely competitive class, as it made significant strides in refinement, feature availability and fuel economy. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu sees a few more upgrades that further its appeal, including a more distinctive front end design, increased rear-seat legroom and a more fuel-efficient mainstream engine. This year also brings a slight shuffling of trim levels and equipment.

Even if you're considering just a base-model Malibu, you won't get the feeling that you're settling. The cabin has a handsome design, good noise isolation and quality soft-touch materials. Most models also come standard with Chevy's MyLink system, which features a touchscreen interface that integrates with your smartphone to allow voice control, streaming music through Bluetooth audio and Internet radio compatibility and various hands-free text-messaging capabilities.

As far as what's under the hood, there's quite a variety, with a thrifty mild hybrid on one end and a stout turbocharged four-cylinder engine on the other. The hybrid powertrain on the Malibu Eco model earns an impressive 29 mpg EPA combined rating. However, thanks to the addition of a stop-start system and various other engine changes, Chevrolet Malibus with the mainstream, non-hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder (with nearly 200 horsepower) now earn the same combined mpg rating. As a result, Chevrolet decided to discontinue the more expensive mild-hybrid Eco model early in the model year.

However, all Malibus with the 2.5-liter engine also wear an Eco badge this year, so you'll want to check closely to understand whether the car you're considering is one of the small handful of 2.4-liter mild-hybrid Eco models built for 2014 or, more likely, a Malibu with the conventional 2.5-liter engine. Either the 2.5-liter or the available, 259-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine are solid options, as they provide strong performance and admirable fuel efficiency along with greater trunk capacity than the hybrid Malibu Eco (its trunk is smaller  to accommodate an under-floor battery pack).

If you're shopping for a midsize family sedan, making a choice isn't going to be easy given the vast spread of qualified candidates. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu should meet most of your requirements, but family cars like the dramatically styled Ford Fusion, the polished Honda Accord and the fuel-efficient Nissan Altima have more all-around appeal. The Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat have also earned strong accolades in our testing. Although the Chevrolet Malibu doesn't have any significant advantages over these competitors, it's still a good prospect and, particularly with this year's upgrades, worth scouting during the search for your next family car.

FEATURES

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan is available in four main trims: LS, LT, Eco and LTZ. The stand-alone Eco model will end production early in the 2014 model year; however, all LS, LT and LTZ trims equipped with the 2.5-liter engine will subsequently carry the Eco badge.

Standard equipment on the LS includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning (with humidity sensor), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power driver-seat height adjuster, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, OnStar, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player.

The LT actually consists of three subsets: 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. All but the 3LT are called Eco. Added perks of the 1LT over the LS include heated mirrors, upgraded upholstery, Bluetooth audio connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Chevy's MyLink electronics interface (includes voice controls, Internet radio smartphone app compatibility and voice-to-text messaging capability for certain smartphones) and an upgraded audio system with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

Standard features for Eco models with the 2.4-liter engine and eAssist hybrid system are similar to those of the 1LT, with a few upgrades that include 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob.

The 2LT further adds 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, a compact spare tire (versus a tire repair kit), dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 3LT is essentially identical to the 2LT, with the addition of the turbocharged engine.

The top-of-the-line LTZ consists of two subsets: 1LZ and 2LZ. Either way, you'll get leather seating, heated front seats, an eight-way power passenger seat (with power lumbar) and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The 2LZ adds a sunroof and the turbocharged engine.

Many of the upper trims' features are available on the lower trims via various option packages. Other optional highlights (depending on trim) include the Advanced Safety package (includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems), xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, a premium nine-speaker Pioneer audio system, a 120-volt power outlet, a navigation system and a rearview camera.

INTERIOR

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu stands out from the crowd with a cabin that, from a design standpoint, verges on entry-level luxury car territory. The look is attractive, and there is an abundance of soft-touch materials, although some basic controls don't feel as substantial as you might think given the upscale ambience.

The center stack's control layout might seem a bit complicated at first, but it's easy to get the hang of it once you've logged some miles in the car. The MyLink touchscreen interface features an intuitive menu structure and allows control of smartphone radio apps such as Pandora and Stitcher. Unfortunately, the interface can prove frustrating to use at times, as reactions to touch inputs are occasionally slow or missed entirely.  

Your comfort level in the Malibu has a lot to do with where you end up sitting. The front seats are comfortable, and the available power driver seat provides a wide range of adjustability for tall drivers. In back, the Malibu provides competitive shoulder and hiproom, but the shorter wheelbase compared to most rivals means less legroom, despite incremental increases due to thinner front seatbacks in 2014 models. In spite of this change, taller drivers will still have to scoot their seat up a bit to make room for rear passengers -- not something you'd have to do in most other midsize sedans, which have more rear legroom.

All Malibus but the 2.4-liter Eco boast a 16.3-cubic-foot trunk, which is slightly above average for a midsize sedan. The Eco model's trunk measures just 14.3 cubic feet. Although 14 cubes is still decent capacity, the  trunk's space is oddly shaped, as the rear of the trunk is taken up by the hybrid car's compact lithium-ion battery. Also, while the Eco still provides a pass-through into the interior, the pass-through is small and located in the upper left corner of the trunk.

UNDER THE HOOD

Most 2014 Chevrolet Malibus come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 196 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic driving the front wheels is standard, as is an automatic stop-start feature that shuts off the engine when you're stopped to save fuel. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 29 mpg combined (25 mpg city/36 mpg highway): good numbers for a four-cylinder midsize sedan.

The mild-hybrid Malibu Eco model comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired to a small electric motor. It produces 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Unlike a full hybrid, the mild-hybrid Malibu Eco cannot propel itself using electricity alone. Instead, the electric motor modestly aids acceleration and powers vehicle accessories. The Eco model also features a six-speed automatic transmission and an automatic stop-start system. EPA-estimated fuel economy is the same as the 2.5-liter engine, at 29 mpg combined (25 mpg city/36 mpg highway). These numbers are considerably less than what you'd get from a full hybrid sedan.

Note that Chevrolet will phase out the 2.4-liter Eco model early in the 2014 model year. Subsequently, all Malibus with the 2.5-liter engine will wear Eco badges. If you're looking at a 2014 Chevy Malibu with Eco badging, you'll want to confirm exactly which engine is under the hood.

Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is only offered on the 3LT and 2LZ trims. It produces 259 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and uses the six-speed automatic. Fuel economy registers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city/30 mpg highway).

In Autoexpress performance testing, the 2.4-liter Malibu Eco went from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds -- an average time for a four-cylinder family sedan.

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu

PREVIEW

"Close but no cigar." This saying could be applied pretty easily to the previous generation of the Chevy Malibu, a family sedan that was pretty good in most respects but not good enough to earn "best-in-class" status. The fully redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, however, with its added refinement, feature content and efficiency, finally makes this model a strong competitor.

The Malibu's improvement is immediately evident once you take a seat inside. Even lesser-equipped Malibus enjoy an abundance of sound deadening, soft-touch materials, high-quality switchgear and an attractive appearance. The controls -- dominated by a touchscreen in all but the base LS trim -- are a bit more complicated than the outgoing car's, but then the 2013 Malibu is also available with a lot more equipment to control. Chevy's new MyLink system connects your smartphone to the car via a USB jack and/or the Bluetooth system, allowing for not only hands-free calling, but audio connectivity and Internet music streaming as well. The Malibu is also available with a navigation system for the first time.

In terms of size, the new Malibu is wider than before, which results in more shoulder and hiproom. However, the wheelbase has shrunk, which means a little less rear legroom than most other midsize family sedans provide. Still, we can't say many people will notice. Overall, the Malibu is more spacious than before, and only the tallest drivers will leave rear occupants with squished knees.

The 2013 Malibu debuted first with a new "Eco" setup. This pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a mild-hybrid system that adds an electric motor for assistance during acceleration but which otherwise primarily powers an auto stop/start system as well as various vehicle accessories. Taking that burden off the gasoline engine and adding some aerodynamic tweaks allows the Malibu Eco to achieve an impressive 29 mpg combined from the EPA. Still it's worth noting that this figure is only 1 mpg better than what the four-cylinder-powered Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry achieve.

However, the 2013 Chevy Malibu does offer a new 197-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder as standard equipment, as well as an optional 259-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Both of these engines deliver strong performance and admirable fuel efficiency, easily making them preferable to the Eco model.

Given the wealth of other benefits that come with the 2013 Malibu, we think Chevrolet has risen to become competitive among other midsize family sedans. It joins the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord,Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima and Volkswagen Passat as a model to consider heavily. Quite simply, the new Malibu feels like a more premium product. Forget "close but no cigar." The new 2013 Chevy Malibu deserves a Cohiba or two.

FEATURES

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan is currently available in four main trims: LS, LT, LTZ and Eco.

Standard equipment on the LS includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, OnStar, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a touchscreen infotainment interface and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and satellite radio.

The LT actually consists of three subsets: 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. Added perks of the 1LT over the LS include heated mirrors, upgraded upholstery, Chevrolet MyLink smartphone integration (includes voice controls, Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio compatibility) and an upgraded audio system with a touchscreen infotainment interface, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The 2LT further adds 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, remote vehicle start, a compact spare tire (versus just a tire repair kit), dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 3LT is essentially identical to the 2LT, with the addition of the turbocharged engine.

Springing for the top-of-the-line LTZ provides leather seating, heated front seats, an eight-way power passenger seat (with power lumbar) and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Like the 3LT, the 2LZ subset trim level is the same as the LTZ but with the turbocharged engine.

The Eco is available in two subsets: base and with Premium audio. Standard features on the Eco are similar to those of the 1LT, with a few upgrades that include 17-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone automatic climate control. An Eco with the Premium audio adds a nine-speaker Pioneer sound system, foglamps, a remote garage opener, a cargo net, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, remote vehicle start, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Many of the upper trims' features are available on the lower trims via various option packages. Other optional highlights (depending on trim) include xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, a sunroof and a navigation system.

INTERIOR

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu stands out from the crowd with a cabin that verges on entry-level luxury territory. The look is attractive, there is an abundance of soft-touch materials and the various buttons and knobs feel substantial. The control layout may be more complicated than previous Malibus, but it's actually simpler than other recent Chevrolets, such as the Equinox and Volt. The touchscreen that's standard on most trims supports GM's new MyLink system, which works pretty well and allows the driver to customize the menu structure (just as you would on an iPhone) and stream music using Internet radio services.

In terms of comfort and space, the new Malibu is a mixed bag. The front seats are comfortable and the available power driver seat provides a wide range of adjustability for even tall drivers. In back, the Malibu's increased width for 2013 creates more shoulder and hiproom, but the shrunken wheelbase means less legroom. Unlike in most of its competitors, taller drivers will have to scoot their seat up a bit in order to make room for folks in back. To be fair, it'll be big enough for most, but rivals are nevertheless superior in terms of maximum rear legroom.

All Malibus but the Eco boast a 16.3-cubic-foot trunk. The Eco's trunk stands at 14.3 cubic feet, as much of the rearmost portion is taken up by the car's compact lithium-ion battery. Although the latter is a decent number, the Eco's trunk's space is oddly shaped. Also, while the Eco still manages to provide a pass-through into the interior, it is rather small and located in the upper left corner of the trunk. We suppose it's better than nothing, but we also can't imagine how useful it would be.

UNDER THE HOOD

All Malibu trims except the Eco come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 197 hp and 191 pound-feet of torque. As with all Malibu models, a six-speed automatic is the sole transmission offered. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 26 mpg in combined driving.

The 2.0-liter turbo engine is only offered with the 3LT and 2LZ trims. It produces 259 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy registers an EPA-estimated 21/30/24 mpg.

The Malibu Eco model comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired to a small electric motor. It produces 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Unlike a full-hybrid, the mild-hybrid Malibu Eco cannot propel itself using electricity alone. Instead, the motor modestly aids acceleration, powers vehicle accessories and enables an automatic stop/start system that shuts off the car when you've stopped (such as at a traffic light or stop sign) to conserve fuel.

In Autoexpress performance testing, the Malibu Eco went from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds -- quicker than average for a four-cylinder family sedan. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined. These numbers are slightly better than the thriftiest four-cylinder family sedans, but far less than what you'd get from a full hybrid sedan.

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Chevrolet Malibu

Specifications

1. A 2.5L 4-cylinder makes 196 hp and 186 lb-ft while an optional 2.0T makes 259 hp and 295 lb-ft. 2. Only transmission is a six-speed automatic. 3. The 2.5L is rated at 25 MPG city, 36 MPG highway. The 2.0T is rated at 21/30 MPG. 4. Pricing starts at $22,965 including delivery.

Preview

When the 2013 Malibu arrived last year, it received a lukewarm reception. Chevrolet dealers didn’t like how much it looked like the old model, and found it hard to promote on their lots against the old car. Critics pointed out several issues with the car including the eAssist engine, rear seat comfort, material quality and exterior styling. This led to consumers not buying the new Malibu in the quantities Chevrolet would have liked; it is currently tied for fifth in mid-size sedan sales.

So Chevrolet went back to the proverbial drawing board to revise the Malibu for the 2014 model year and address some of these shortcomings. First up was the exterior. The front-end is massaged to better resemble the 2014 Impala, which features Chevrolet’s new corporate look. The bar that dissects the grill is slimmed down and less pronounced. As well, the larger lower grill makes the car not only look more modern, but also more aggressive. Sadly, the rear end was not touched and those bizarre quad square tail lamps are still there in all their shameful glory.

Interior

As much as Chevrolet wanted to fix all of the Malibu’s short comings, it would be hard to address rear seat space completely without redesigning the car’s body. Still, Chevrolet did whatever was physically possible to improve rear seat space and succeeded to a degree.

The front seat backs are thinner and have indents built into them that add 1.25 inches of knee room. The rear seats feature a revised cushion material, allowing passengers to sit deeper. Even though the Malibu is still rated with the same 36.8 inches of rear seat legroom as the 2013 model, the extra space in the back seats is instantly apparent. That said, headroom is still a bit tight. Although Chevrolet claims the ingress and egress have improved, the C pillar still intrudes into the rear seat area and blocks most outward vision for rear seat passengers.

Another interior issue had to do with the center console that, of course, is redesigned this year. A longer, but non-sliding armrest offers good support for elbows without hiding one of the cup holders like in the 2013 model. Chevrolet’s easy-to-use MyLink system dominates the center stack along with several useful, albeit cheap looking buttons.

In fact, most interior materials are similar to last year’s model like the unpleasant steering wheel and dash coverings; however some new ‘wood’ accents have been added this year. Despite the rear seat space shuffling, the car’s trunk remains the same size at 16.3 cubic feet.

Under The Hood

But under the hood, the news gets better. An updated version of GM’s 2.5-liter direct injection four-cylinder engine with new variable valve lift control (iVLC) is now the base engine. It is officially rated at 196 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is down one hp and five lb-ft compared to last year.

The reason for this tuning is to achieve greater efficiency and paired with the standard start/stop technology, it can now reach fuel economy ratings of 25 MPG city and 36 MPG highway; three mpg better in the city and two better on highway than last year’s 2.5-liter engine and far more competitive for this class. The new 2.5-liter is as efficient as the 2.4-liter eAssist engine, so Chevrolet thankfully decided to euthanize that unloved engine. Now if Buick would just get the memo…

Being less than bullish on start/stop technology, I didn’t have high hopes for it in the Malibu, especially since there isn’t a way to turn it off. However, Chevrolet worked on this technology through the eAssist program and appears to have mastered it. The transition between start-stop-start is seamless; smoother than the systems found in BMWs or Mercedes-Benzes even. To ensure the car has enough juice to keep auxiliary items running when the engine is off, the 2.5-liter Malibu comes with two batteries in the car; one in the front and one in the rear and to even further maximize efficiency, there is an “Eco” mode for the air conditioning unit.

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