If you’re in the market for a new car, the Chevy Malibu might not be atop your list of targets. While the vehicle certainly has a solid reputation, it doesn’t necessarily stand out from the pack. This could be attributed to the nameplate’s smaller stature, as customers may assume that the car is inadequate in some way.
However, that sentiment couldn’t be further from the truth. The 2018 Chevy Malibu has actually proven to be one of the most versatile offerings in the entire class, delivering a number of notable attributes that drivers generally want from a new ride. It starts with the impressive engines, which deliver a unique combination of power and efficiency. The vehicle also manages to deliver an array of safety functions, making it an excellent used target. Finally, occupants can expect a whole lot of technology, thus assuring that everyone is entertained. In other words, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more accommodating vehicle than the 2018 Chevy Malibu.
Below, we’ve explained why this particular Chevy car actually manages to stand out from the pack. When you’re finished seeing everything that this nameplate delivers, you’ll start wondering why you never considered this particular offering in the first place…
Reason #1: Performance
The Malibu is known for its elegance, but the vehicle is also equipped with surprisingly powerful engine offerings. Of course, considering the smaller stature of the car, it’s not all that surprising that these individual units are also incredibly fuel efficient, providing drivers with a pair of attributes that are rarely included together. Ultimately, these pair of engine offerings goes a long way in emphasizing that previously-mentioned versatility.
The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers a respectable 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, which should be more than enough power for any of your daily adventures. Thanks to fuel-saving features like Variable Valve Timing, Direct Injection, and stop-start technology, drivers can ultimately anticipate 36-miles-per-gallon on the highway. Ultimately, this means drivers can hit a maximum range of 560 miles, saving them plenty of money at the gas pump.
For those seeking a bit more power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine packs a mighty punch. The unit managed to crank out an impressive 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough muscle to keep up with your fellow drivers on the highway. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, drivers can also expect a 32-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency.
Reason #2: Safety
When you consider how much power is lingering under the Malibu’s hood, it should be reassuring that the car is also equipped with a number of helpful safety functions. These offerings won’t only protect occupants in the event of an accident, but they should also play a role in preventing those collisions from even occurring in the first place. In other words, you shouldn’t have any concern about your well-being when you’re behind the wheel of this car.
The preventative safety functions should play a role in reducing both minor fender benders and devastating crashes. On the highway, the Forward Automatic Braking will provide the driver with some extra stoppage power, while the Lane Keep Assist (with Lane Departure Warning) will assure that you’re consistently staying on your intended path. The Adaptive Cruise Control system is one of the more clever inclusions, as it allows drivers to take a brief break without completely compromising safety. Drivers will appreciate the Front/Rear Park Assist and Rear Vision Camera, which provides an extra set of eyes in the parking lot, as well as the Front Pedestrian Braking, which will prove to be invaluable when traveling in the city.
Of course, if you do end up in an accident, you can be more than confident that the Malibu will keep you safe. The comprehensive airbag sensing system will help the bags deploy with the proper amount of pressure, thus reducing any vicarious injuries. Meanwhile, the high-strength steel safety cage will protect passengers while also absorbing any energy. If emergency help is needed, drivers can turn to the OnStar Automatic Crash Response System, which will automatically connect them with an OnStar advisor. This individual can subsequently contact emergency personnel and send them to the site of the crash.
Recently, Chevy even accommodated their younger drivers by including the Teen Driver technology. This offering helps emphasize safe driving habits, and it also allows parents to monitor how their child is driving. For instance, the unit will automatically enable a number of notable safety functions when the teen driver takes the wheel, and the car will refuse to perform many basic functions (including audio) until seat belts have been secured. The vehicle will also operate with a maximum speed and a limit on music volume. When the child’s trip has concluded, parents can monitor everything that happened via the in-vehicle report card.
Reason #3: Technology
Of course, drivers and passengers want to remain entertained during any of their trips, and the Malibu includes a number of technological amenities that will make that a reality. The Chevrolet MyLink system is the true star of the interior, as the unit allows drivers to choose from a variety of notable applications, including radio and navigation. Plus, thanks to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, owners can seamlessly connect their smartphone, allowing them to perform many of their gadget’s basic chores. There’s even a wireless charging dock, meaning you can keep that smartphone completely juiced throughout your journey.
Is the MyLink system not enough for you? Well, customers can also choose to include a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, allowing occupants to access the internet at all times. This could be especially useful if you’re required to complete any work on the road, or it’s a good way to avoid depleted phone data during those longer road trips.
We’d never suggest prioritizing technology over any other attribute as you’re shopping for your new ride. However, you can consider these functions a “cherry on top” to what is already one of the most impressive vehicles in the entire class.
