The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu stands out in the midsize sedan category with its blend of style, comfort, and technology. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its pricing, performance, design, and features to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
2024 Chevrolet Malibu key specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 160 HP @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Fuel Economy (City) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel Economy (Highway) | 35 mpg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gallons |
| Curb Weight | 3,135 – 3,223 lbs (varies by trim) |
| Dimensions | Length: 194.2 inches; Width: 73.0 inches; Height: 57.3 inches; Wheelbase: 111.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 15.7 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 102.9 cu ft |
| Standard Features | Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator |
| Optional Features | Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind Zone Alert |
2024 Chevrolet Malibu Pricing and Trim Levels
Chevrolet offers the 2024 Malibu in four distinct trims:
- LS: Starting at $26,195
- RS: Priced at $27,095
- 1LT: Available at $29,195
- 2LT: Top-tier trim starting at $32,595
1. Malibu LS
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Standard Features:
- 16-inch aluminum wheels
- Halogen headlights
- Cloth upholstery
- Six-way manual front seats
- 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with 8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Remote start
- Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams Chevrolet
2. Malibu RS
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder
- Transmission: CVT
- Additional Features Over LS:
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Black grille with chrome surround
- Black Chevrolet bowtie emblems and Malibu badges
- Rear spoiler
- Dual exhaust outlets with polished tips
- Eight-way power driver seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
3. Malibu 1LT
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder
- Transmission: CVT
- Additional Features Over RS:
- 17-inch aluminum wheels
- LED daytime running lamps
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Rear seat air vents
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- Heated power-adjustable body-color outside mirrors
4. Malibu 2LT
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder
- Transmission: CVT
- Additional Features Over 1LT:
- 19-inch aluminum wheels
- LED headlamps
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Six-way power passenger seat
- Driver’s seat memory settings
- Bose premium nine-speaker audio system
- Wireless charging pad
- Ambient interior lighting
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Side blind zone alert
All trims are powered by the same 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive.
2024 Chevrolet Malibu Engine and Performance
2024 Chevrolet Malibu is offered exclusively with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, designated as the LFV engine. This powerplant delivers 163 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. It features direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, optimizing both performance and fuel efficiency.
The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), driving the front wheels. This setup enables the Malibu to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
In previous model years, the Malibu offered a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine option. However, for 2024, Chevrolet has streamlined the lineup to a single engine offering. This approach emphasizes fuel economy and reduced emissions, aligning with current automotive trends.
- Horsepower: 160 HP at 5,700 rpm
- Torque: 184 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
This setup enables the Malibu to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds. Fuel efficiency is commendable, with EPA estimates of 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting.
2024 Chevrolet Malibu 0-60 Time
2024 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 160 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. This setup enables the Malibu to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds.
Reflecting on past models, the Malibu’s performance has evolved over the years. For instance, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0T Premier, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine, achieved 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. This indicates that while the 2024 model offers competitive performance, previous generations, particularly those with larger engines, have recorded quicker acceleration times.
2024 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior Design
The Malibu’s exterior exudes a blend of sophistication and sportiness:
2024 Chevrolet Malibu presents a refined exterior that blends elegance with a sporty edge. Let’s explore its design elements in more detail:
Front Fascia
- Headlights: The Malibu features halogen headlights on the LS, RS, and 1LT trims, while the 2LT trim is equipped with LED headlights, which provide enhanced visibility and a modern look.
- Grille: A prominent front grille dominates the fascia, with the RS trim showcasing a blacked-out grille complemented by black bowtie emblems, giving it a bold, aggressive look.
Side Profile
- Wheels: The Malibu offers a variety of wheel options:
- 16-inch aluminum wheels on the LS trim.
- 17-inch aluminum wheels on the 1LT trim.
- 18-inch aluminum wheels on the RS trim.
- 19-inch aluminum wheels on the 2LT trim.
- Mirrors: Standard features include body-colored, power-adjustable side mirrors. The 1LT and 2LT trims add a heating functionality, while the RS trim comes with black mirrors and Redline decals, giving it a sporty, distinct appearance.
Rear Design
- Taillights: The rear is outfitted with LED taillights on the 2LT trim, improving visibility and adding a contemporary flair.
- Exhaust: Dual exhaust outlets with polished tips are included on the RS and 2LT trims, adding a performance-oriented aesthetic to the rear.
- Spoiler: A body-colored rear spoiler comes standard on the RS trim, enhancing its aerodynamic profile and giving it an athletic touch.
Color Options
The 2024 Malibu introduces a new exterior color, Lakeshore Blue Metallic, to its palette, adding more choice for buyers looking to personalize their sedan.
Interior Comfort and Features
Step inside the Malibu to discover a spacious and well-appointed cabin:
2024 Chevrolet Malibu’s interior combines comfort, technology, and thoughtful design, creating a pleasant environment for both drivers and passengers.
Spacious and Comfortable Seating
- Seating Capacity: The Malibu accommodates up to five passengers.
- Materials: Depending on the trim level, seats are upholstered in premium cloth or perforated leather.
- Adjustability: Higher trims offer power-adjustable seats, with the 2LT featuring a standard 6-way power passenger seat.
- Rear Space: Rear passengers enjoy ample legroom, with 38.1 inches of rear legroom, ensuring comfort on longer journeys.
Advanced Infotainment and Connectivity
- Touchscreen Display: A user-friendly 8-inch diagonal touchscreen serves as the command center for infotainment.
- Smartphone Integration: Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, enabling seamless connectivity.
- Wireless Charging: Select trims offer an available wireless charging pad, enhancing convenience for smartphone users.
Climate Control and Comfort Features
- Climate Control: Automatic climate control is available, allowing personalized temperature settings for driver and passengers.
- Heated Seats: Heated front seats are standard on the 1LT and 2LT trims, providing warmth during colder seasons.
- Ambient Lighting: The 2LT trim includes ambient lighting, adding a touch of sophistication to the cabin.
Practical Storage Solutions
- Cargo Space: The Malibu offers 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space, accommodating luggage and daily essentials.
- Rear Seat Foldability: A 60/40 split-folding rear seat allows for flexible storage configurations, enabling the transport of larger items.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority in the 2024 Malibu, which includes:
- Standard Features: Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and a following distance indicator.
- Available Packages: The Driver Confidence Package adds rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert for enhanced awareness.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Malibu delivers a balanced experience:
- Ride Quality: The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth journey.
- Steering: Offers responsive handling with a steering feel that leans towards the heavier side, instilling confidence during maneuvers.
- Noise Levels: The cabin remains relatively quiet, with minimal wind noise, though some road noise is perceptible at higher speeds.
Competitors of 2024 Chevy Malibu
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Chevrolet Malibu | 1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | 163 hp | 184 lb-ft | ~7.8 seconds |
| 2024 Honda Accord | 1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | 192 hp | 192 lb-ft | ~7.3 seconds |
| 2024 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid | 2.5L 4-Cylinder + Electric Motor | 225 hp (combined) | Not Specified | ~7.0 seconds |
| 2024 Hyundai Sonata N-Line | 2.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | 290 hp | 311 lb-ft | ~5.6 seconds |
| 2024 Kia K5 GT-Line | 1.6L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | 180 hp | 195 lb-ft | ~7.2 seconds |
| 2024 Nissan Sentra SR | 2.0L Naturally Aspirated 4-Cylinder | 149 hp | 146 lb-ft | ~8.4 seconds |
When evaluating the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu’s acceleration, it’s helpful to compare it with other midsize sedans in its class to see where it stands. The Malibu, equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, clocks a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.8 seconds. While respectable, some of its competitors offer quicker acceleration and slightly more powerful engines.
One direct competitor is the 2024 Honda Accord, which boasts a 0-60 mph time of around 7.3 seconds. It’s powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine, delivering 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, giving it a slight edge over the Malibu in terms of speed and power.
Another similar vehicle, the 2024 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid, combines a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to achieve a total of 225 horsepower, resulting in a 0-60 time of around 7.0 seconds, making it both efficient and quick.
For those seeking more performance-oriented options, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata N-Line offers a notably faster 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, thanks to its 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which generates an impressive 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This puts the Sonata N-Line in a different league in terms of power and acceleration. The 2024 Kia K5 GT-Line also provides a solid option with a 1.6L turbocharged engine delivering 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 in about 7.2 seconds.
On the other hand, the 2024 Nissan Sentra SR is slightly slower than the Malibu, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds, powered by a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque.
Warranty
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu comes with a comprehensive warranty package that provides owners with peace of mind and reliable protection against unexpected repairs. Here’s a detailed look at what’s included:
Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
This warranty covers the entire vehicle for repairs, including parts and labor, to correct any defect in materials or workmanship. Coverage lasts for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, ensuring quality maintenance during the early ownership years.
Powertrain Warranty
The powertrain warranty extends coverage for the engine, transmission, and drive systems for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This extended coverage supports key vehicle components, which are often more costly to repair.
Emission Control Systems Warranty
The Malibu’s emission control systems are protected under a Federal Emissions Control Warranty for 2 years or 24,000 miles, with select emissions-related components covered for up to 8 years or 80,000 miles. This ensures compliance with emission standards while protecting vital environmental systems.
Roadside Assistance
For the first 5 years or 60,000 miles, Malibu owners have access to 24/7 roadside assistance, covering towing to the nearest authorized dealer, vehicle unlock service, flat tire changes, battery jump starts, and emergency fuel delivery.
Additional Protection Plans
Chevrolet offers optional protection plans that extend coverage beyond standard warranties. These include:
- Extended Protection Plans: Additional protection on top of the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Pre-Paid Maintenance: Covers scheduled oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance.
- Tire and Wheel Protection: Covers tire repair or replacement and, in some plans, wheel damage and roadside assistance.
To explore these plans in more depth or to add coverage, consulting with a local Chevrolet dealer can provide details on how to best enhance the Malibu’s warranty for your specific needs.
