The Chevrolet Malibu has been a name that signified a larger car without being a land yacht for the early decades of its existence and has been a car that has grown and changed in style and performance over the years. Today the Malibu is at the top of the midsized sedan segment to give us the most space and cargo room without crossing over the line to being a full sized model. This puts the Malibu in an interesting place on the market where it may be looked at as an inefficient model and one you want to avoid if gas mileage is important to you.
The fact that more shoppers are heading toward crossover SUVs than ever before tells us most drivers aren’t that concerned about the difference in fuel mileage between a sedan and an SUV and would rather have the added space. How does this make for a positive note for the Malibu? This is one of the only large midsized sedans that offers a hybrid powertrain for you to enjoy, giving you serious fuel mileage, which you will want if the gas prices start to rise again, and plenty of room for everything you need.
Because Chevrolet also makes the Volt, a hybrid car with tons of range, they had no problem creating the Malibu and giving it a hybrid powertrain. The powertrain is a Voltec drive unit which makes use of two electric motors and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 122 horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque. This pairing is more than enough to keep the Malibu Hybrid efficient and driving at the right speed on the roads and highways. As for the fuel mileage, the numbers come out with 47 city/46 hwy mpg, numbers that are only bested by the Toyota Prius which is much smaller than the Malibu.
In order to enjoy the Malibu Hybrid you do have to be at the top of the trim range for the car. This car has a base price of $28,645 but it does include diamond pattern cloth upholstery, dual zone climate controls, power all around, a seven-inch touchscreen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto installed. The rear is a 60/40 split folding seat to offer you more cargo space when you need it and you can have a wide variety of driver alert features and safety assistance items installed as well to have a car that feels more like a luxury vehicle than one that wears the bowtie on the front.
Driving a typical hybrid can sometimes present you with operations and feel that you don’t understand. The Malibu Hybrid does no such thing; this car is smooth and easy to love with good acceleration, comfortable driving habits and an engaged steering. Even though this is the first non-plug-in hybrid from Chevrolet it seems they did their homework and got it right on the first try.
Should you be driving the Malibu Hybrid? Absolutely, this is a car that gives you the feel you want, the drive you can enjoy and all the features that make it feel more luxurious than some of the entry level luxury cars that will cost you a lot more money. Not to mention the hybrid Malibu offers exceptional fuel mileage, allowing you to honk and wave as you pass by gas stations on your way to your destination.
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