The Chevy Malibu has a long production history. Starting out as a trim level for the Chevrolet Chevelle for more than a decade, the popularity of this sedan led to it getting its own line in 1977. Even though the current mid-sized sedan version of the Chevy Malibu bears little resemblance to its 1960s-era ancestor, the 2019 Chevy Malibu still maintains the classic design of an American sedan.
There is nothing profoundly outstanding about the 2019 year model. In fact, this generation is strikingly similar to those of the last several years. The sleek contours and distinguishable front fascia have remained largely intact. There are a handful of tweaks under the hood and on the inside, but the casual observer would probably not be able to pick out noticeable differences.
Sales of the Chevy Malibu dipped last year to just under 186,000 vehicles, its lowest number since 2009. However, in those last eight years, the sales number stayed within a 40,000 vehicle range, lightly rising and falling without much turbulence. It is worth noting that Chevy, like many other automakers around the world, have stemmed the cash flow into the research and development for mid-sized sedans such as the 2019 Chevy Malibu. Consumers are looking more and more into SUVs and crossovers, and the market for sedans of any size is not as large as it was 10+ years ago.
Still, the 2019 Chevy Malibu, and sedans of any class, will always have some market in the United States and abroad. This body style is too intrinsic to the automotive world to go away forever. Even though major automakers are spending more on hotter and newer trends and styles, the 2019 Chevy Malibu still has plenty to offer the right buyer.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
If you are looking for a sports car or muscle car, the 2019 Chevy Malibu is not for you. If you are looking for a vehicle with incredible payload and towing capacity, the 2019 Chevy Malibu is definitely not for you. But, if you are looking for a reliable, if only “adequate” engine, perhaps the 2019 Chevy Malibu is for you. At its base trim, it has a 1.5 liter Inline-4-cylinder engine, capable of 163 horsepower. That is plenty of engine for getting around town and going about a daily commute. It might not have the get-up-and-go you might be looking for on the highway, but it is more than enough for city life.
There is an available 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine that grabs up to 250 horsepower, if that is a more desirable trait. That will help with the need for “umph” a driver might get every once in a while. Additionally, the 2019 Chevy Malibu now features a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission. This is a new feature to the Malibu name that adds a higher level of fuel economy and a more seamless transition through gears while accelerating. This new feature makes the Malibu’s ride as slick as its appearance.
HYBRID OPTION
The Chevy Malibu rolled out a hybrid edition a few years back in an effort to keep up with the growing trend in America and beyond. Hybrid sales and popularity have exploded among those with a more eco-friendly mindset and greener lifestyles. The idea behind hybrid vehicle technology is that it consumes less ethanol or diesel fuel and emits less harmful byproduct into the environment.
However, the benefits of hybrid technology extend further than being environmentally friendly. The 2019 Chevy Malibu hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 46 combined miles per gallon equivalent, between the ion-lithium battery charge and 13-gallon tank. That is not only environmentally friendly, that is also pretty wallet friendly. Being able to go up to 49 miles to the gallon, on a highway, is significantly more than the estimated 32 highway miles per gallon expected out of the 2019 Chevy Malibu’s ethanol tank. Additionally, the 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine can crank up to 182 horsepower, which is even more road power than its base engine, though not as much as the optional turbo engine.
INTERIOR
One of the more consistently valued aspects of the Chevy Malibu is its shrewd use of space. Even though it is a mid-sized sedan, it has more than enough room for a comfortable ride. Adults in both the front and back seats have ample head and leg room. Additionally, the shoulder and hip room are spacious enough to afford comfort and the ability to move around, as long as it is done safely and within the law, of course. The front seat measures 39.1 inches of head room and 41.5 inches of head room, with a whopping 58.5 inches of shoulder room.
The cabin isn’t the only place that offers a great deal of room. The trunk space offers 15.8 cubic feet of room for groceries, luggage, golf clubs, work projects, whatever you need to stow back there. That is slightly less than some older Malibu models, but still among the leaders in its class. Unfortunately, the hybrid will have slightly less space, in order to accommodate the lithium-ion battery, which is stored in the trunk space. However, this is a common occurrence across nearly the entire hybrid market.
As far as the infotainment package goes, the 2019 Chevy Malibu has both Android and Apple connectivity capability, with Wi-Fi hotspot and Navigation available on certain trims. These come via an updated 8” touchscreen dash monitor that is easier to use than ever before. It has a simplified interface and accessible tabs, making for scrolling through the many available options effortless.
MORE ABOUT THE 2019 CHEVY MALIBU
Despite the updated and easily navigable infotainment system and roomy interior space, the interior furnishings of the 2019 Chevy Malibu are nothing special. They seem to insist on retaining the classic look and refraining from moving into space-age territory that so many similar models have. You will not find all the bells and whistles of some comparable mid-sized sedans, but neither will you find all the confusing buttons and other accouterments that make some modern vehicles look like something out of the Star Trek universe. This is a classic, traditional, no-frills vehicle that gives a driver what it needs. Nothing more and nothing less.
Starting at MSRP $22,090, the 2019 Chevy Malibu is a reasonably priced mid-sized sedan that offers drivers great options for its price tag. Of course Chevy offers multiple trims and packages in order to customize the Malibu, so you can add on certain infotainment options, safety features, aesthetic components, and other optional features.
Since this year model has differed so slightly from recent year models, you might consider looking into slightly used Chevy Malibus. Even though the 2019 Chevy Malibu has a very reasonable price tag, purchasing a slightly older model may very well save you a couple thousand bucks. That being said, the 2019 Chevy Malibu is still worth taking a look at, both the gas and hybrid versions. The gas version is expected to get similar gas mileage to previous year models (27 city/ 36 highway), although those estimates have yet to be released. As noted above, the hybrid version will be significantly better. Both of these options offer decent power and spacious interior room for a basic driver who doesn’t want much but will get more than expected.
