Exterior Design
The 2026 Chevrolet Malibu features a sleek and modern exterior design, with sharp lines and sculpted surfaces. It measures 194.4 inches in length, 73 inches in width, and 57.2 inches in height, making it slightly larger than its predecessor. The Malibu’s body style is a four-door sedan, with a sloping roofline that gives it a sporty appearance.
Key design elements of the Malibu’s exterior include a bold grille with a prominent Chevrolet logo, LED headlights with daytime running lights, and LED taillights. The Malibu also features a power sunroof, chrome accents, and 19-inch aluminum wheels.
Compared to its competitors, the 2026 Malibu is slightly larger than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but smaller than the Nissan Altima.
| Dimension | 2026 Chevrolet Malibu | 2026 Honda Accord | 2026 Toyota Camry | 2026 Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (inches) | 194.4 | 192.2 | 192.9 | 196.0 |
| Width (inches) | 73.0 | 72.6 | 72.4 | 72.6 |
| Height (inches) | 57.2 | 56.7 | 56.9 | 57.3 |
Interior Features
The Malibu’s interior is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient experience for all occupants. It offers seating for up to five adults, with ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The cargo space is also generous, with a capacity of 15.7 cubic feet, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
In terms of materials and technology, the Malibu has received several upgrades for 2026. The cabin is now adorned with premium materials, such as leather upholstery and soft-touch plastics. The infotainment system has also been updated with a larger touchscreen display and the latest software, which offers a wide range of features, including navigation, music streaming, and smartphone integration.
Safety Systems
The Malibu is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
– Automatic emergency braking
– Lane departure warning
– Blind-spot monitoring
– Rear cross-traffic alert
– Adaptive cruise control
These systems work together to help prevent accidents and keep occupants safe.
Key Interior Features and Amenities
The following table summarizes the key interior features and amenities of the 2026 Chevrolet Malibu:
| Feature | Description |
|—|—|
| Seating | Five-passenger seating with ample legroom and headroom |
| Cargo Space | 15.7 cubic feet, expandable to 53.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded down |
| Materials | Premium materials, including leather upholstery and soft-touch plastics |
| Infotainment System | Large touchscreen display with the latest software, navigation, music streaming, and smartphone integration |
| Safety Systems | Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control |
Powertrain and Performance
The 2026 Chevrolet Malibu boasts a robust powertrain and impressive performance capabilities.
The Malibu comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. For those seeking more power, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available, producing 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that offers quick and responsive shifts.
Fuel Efficiency
The Malibu offers impressive fuel efficiency, with the 1.5-liter engine achieving an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine returns 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. These figures make the Malibu a competitive choice in its class for fuel economy.
Acceleration and Handling
The Malibu’s acceleration is adequate, with the 1.5-liter engine taking 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. The 2.0-liter engine provides a more spirited performance, reaching 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Handling is responsive and well-balanced, with the Malibu exhibiting minimal body roll and precise steering.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to its competitors, the Malibu offers a well-rounded powertrain and performance package. Its 1.5-liter engine provides comparable power and fuel efficiency to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The 2.0-liter engine offers more power than the Camry and Accord, but falls short of the Mazda6’s 2.5-liter turbocharged engine in terms of horsepower. Overall, the Malibu’s powertrain and performance are competitive within its class, offering a balance of power, efficiency, and handling.
Technology and Safety
The Malibu comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features that enhance the driving experience and protect occupants.
The Malibu’s infotainment system features a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and voice control. It provides access to a variety of features, including navigation, music, and climate control. The system is easy to use and intuitive, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road.
Connectivity Features
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allow drivers to connect their smartphones to the infotainment system and access their favorite apps, such as navigation, music, and messaging.
- Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free phone calls and audio streaming.
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability allows passengers to connect their devices to the internet.
Driver-Assist Technologies
- Forward collision warning alerts drivers to potential collisions and can apply the brakes automatically if necessary.
- Lane departure warning alerts drivers if they are drifting out of their lane and can gently steer the car back into place.
- Blind spot monitoring uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and alerts them with a visual indicator.
- Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Safety Ratings and Crash Test Results
The Malibu has received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ designation
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Chevrolet Malibu will be available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. Each trim level offers a unique combination of features and amenities, allowing buyers to customize their Malibu to their specific needs and budget.
LS
The LS is the base trim level and comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 16-inch steel wheels, and a cloth interior. It also includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker audio system.
LT
The LT trim level adds several features to the LS, including 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats. It also gets a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.
RS
The RS trim level is the sportiest of the Malibu lineup. It comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension. The RS also gets a unique blacked-out grille, blacked-out wheels, and a rear spoiler.
Premier
The Premier trim level is the top-of-the-line Malibu. It comes with all of the features of the LT trim level, plus a sunroof, leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Premier also gets a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a wireless charging pad.
Pricing
The 2026 Chevrolet Malibu has a starting price of $24,995 for the LS trim level. The LT trim level starts at $27,495, the RS trim level starts at $29,995, and the Premier trim level starts at $32,995.
| Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (mpg) | Starting Price |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| LS | 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 160 hp | 184 lb-ft | 29 city / 40 highway | $24,995 |
| LT | 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 160 hp | 184 lb-ft | 29 city / 40 highway | $27,495 |
| RS | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 250 hp | 260 lb-ft | 26 city / 35 highway | $29,995 |
| Premier | 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 160 hp | 184 lb-ft | 29 city / 40 highway | $32,995 |
FAQ
What are the key exterior design features of the 2026 Malibu?
The 2026 Malibu boasts a striking exterior with a sleek profile, sharp lines, and a bold grille. It features LED headlights, sculpted side panels, and a panoramic sunroof, exuding both elegance and athleticism.
How does the 2026 Malibu’s interior compare to previous models?
The 2026 Malibu’s interior has undergone a significant transformation, offering a spacious cabin with premium materials and enhanced comfort. It features a user-friendly infotainment system, heated and ventilated seats, and ample storage space.
What engine options are available for the 2026 Malibu?
The 2026 Malibu offers a choice of two powerful engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine and a 3.6-liter V6 engine. Both engines deliver impressive performance and fuel efficiency.
What advanced safety features are included in the 2026 Malibu?
The 2026 Malibu prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, providing peace of mind on every journey.