Used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu sedan offers sleek styling, good ride and handling characteristics, plus a pleasant interior with an excellent infotainment system. On the downside, many of its active driver assists only come on the most expensive trims.

The Malibu is front-wheel drive, and it comes with 10 standard airbags. All-wheel drive is not available. All models except the Premier are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends 160 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). We much prefer the turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the Malibu Premier, which has 250 horsepower and a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission.

We drove a Chevrolet Malibu Premium equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain worked well, propelling the Malibu quickly off the line, aided by a rocker switch on the gearshift selector that allows for manual gearshifts. Although this system works well, we’d prefer a pair of metal shift paddles behind the steering wheel. That stated, the electric-assist steering is direct and nicely weighted with good feedback.

Although our Malibu’s big 19-inch wheel/tire setup should have made for a jarring ride, such was not the case. The well-sorted suspension, with a multilink rear, absorbs bumps just as easily as it tackles tight corners and rapid lane changes. While the Malibu’s driving dynamics are not up to those of the Mazda6 or Honda Accord, Chevy’s midsize sedan feels livelier than some of its competitors.

The interior of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is attractive and modern, with lots of soft-touch materials and a high-quality feel to the plastics.  The Infotainment 3 System provides large icons and physical knobs that make working the system as intuitive as shifting a gear lever. Outward vision is good, but the high rear deck and narrow side windows the view a bit.

We found the front seats comfortable for people of all sizes. Although you’ll find more hip room in a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or Subaru Legacy, there’s better rear-seat headroom in the Malibu. The legroom front and rear is generous.

We think the Malibu is a handsome sedan, with a shape that benefits from scalloped side sculpting, a pronounced lower grille, and dual-element taillights that scream “Chevrolet!” The sporty Malibu RS gets a Camaro-like blacked-out grille and exposed dual-exhaust outlets, plus larger wheel and tires and a rear spoiler.

WIRELESS APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO
Every 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Without a cable, your smartphone’s screen is displayed on the Malibu’s 8-inch touchscreen, where it can be used for navigation, music, apps and the like.

REDLINE EDITION
Available at the LT level, the Malibu Redline Edition has a black grille and black (with red outline) badges, plus black wheels and mirror caps. It comes in these three colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, or Mosaic Black Metallic. A Malibu Sport is new this year, with many of the same black trim pieces.

The base 2021 Chevy Malibu L model includes must-have basics like air conditioning, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio, as well as an 8-inch infotainment screen offering Bluetooth audio streaming along with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Teen Driver, which lets parents monitor the Malibu’s speed and see where the vehicle has traveled (among other things), is standard on the LS and above.

The very good 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder — which mounts exclusively to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) — includes automatic stop/start and hill-start assist. On the safety front, the Malibu has 10 airbags, plus stability control and OnStar, which automatically dials for help in an accident. Also notable, the Premier continues to be equipped with a high-definition rear camera.

All versions but the base car, the Malibu L, are available with several option packages. If you want a power driver’s seat, it’s optional on the Malibu LS. If you want a sunroof, one can be ordered on the Malibu LT, along with a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Adaptive cruise control is available on only one mode, the Premier, which automatic climate control and optional leather upholstery.

With fuel economy in mind, the standard engine on all 2021 Chevy Malibu models from L through LT is the 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine teamed with a CVT. This frugal drivetrain has little problem moving the Malibu, although, with only 160 horsepower, the performance isn’t exactly thrilling. EPA highway fuel economy with the 1.5 is an impressive 36 mpg.

Premier models come with the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which gets the Malibu moving without hesitation. Fitted with a 9-speed automatic transmission, this Malibu gets 32 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for the segment.

Both turbocharged Ecotec engines run on regular gasoline; premium is recommended for the 2.0-liter, but not required.

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 (L, LS, RS, LT)
160 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/36 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Premier)
250 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg