Chevrolet completely overhauls (redesigns and re-engineers) the Malibu midsize car for the 2016 model year, delivering an all-new vehicle that boldly steps in the future with improvements in comfort, fuel economy, connectivity, safety, and overall refinement.
The 2016 Malibu is an all-new vehicle representing the ninth generation of the Malibu nameplate.
While the eight-generation Malibu is regarded as a relatively good mainstream midsize car, Chevrolet is looking to grow its presence in the segment with this new model. As such, the 2016 Chevy Malibu aims to bring refinement to the Malibu nameplate while addressing specific issues widely recognized as the weak points of its predecessor, namely the small amount of rear-seat legroom and (rather-unnecessarily) hefty curb weight.
What
A larger, spacious, more fuel-efficient Malibu with more connectivity and higher levels of refinement than ever before.
Why
To become more competitive in the midsize sedan segment and address the criticisms surrounding the eighth-generation Malibu.
When
The next-generation Malibu was at the 2015 New York International Auto Show as a 2016 model year vehicle.
“Midsize car customers tell us they want great fuel economy and connected technologies, wrapped in a gorgeous exterior. This is exactly what the 2016 Malibu was engineered to do,” said Jesse Ortega, Malibu chief engineer.
Additional vehicle highlights:
- Available segment-exclusive OnStar 4G LTE in-vehicle connectivity and available wireless phone charging
- Agile, sophisticated and sleek exterior design incorporates details that advance Chevrolet’s signature cues
- Standard preventive safety technologies include 10 standard air bags, with available features such as Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Parking Assist
- New Chevrolet MyLink with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
- All-new Teen Driver feature that allows parents to view their kids’ driving statistics, such as maximum speed, warning alerts and more
- All-new, power-dense Ecotec 1.5L LFV turbo engine with fuel-saving stop/start technology is standard, offering a GM-estimated 160 hp (119 kW)
- High-output 2.0L turbo with GM-estimated 250 hp (186 kW) is available and is mated with a new eight-speed automatic transmission
- With an all-new hybrid powertrain and technology from the Chevrolet Volt, the all-new Malibu Hybrid achieves a GM-estimated 45 mpg highway, 48 mpg city, and 47 mph combined
- Offered in L, LS, LT and Premier trims, as well as the Hybrid model
The exterior of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is longer and more dramatic than the model it replaces.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2016 Malibu is 2.3 inches (58 mm) longer thanks to a 3.6-inch (91 mm) increase in the model’s wheelbase, providing better in-cabin comfort and functionality.
Influenced by the 2014 Impala, the styling of the new Malibu advances Chevrolet’s global design language with features such as slim, sweeping headlamps and a progressive take on the brand’s characteristic dual-port grille. Three body-side creases also add drama to the design and help distinguish the Malibu as a contemporary Chevy.
The hood and the cowl – the area where the windshield meets the hood – are lower than those of the current model and contribute to the Malibu’s greater aerodynamic performance, as do active grille shutters on LS and LT models.
Premium design cues are incorporated on all models, with contemporary lighting technology featured across the lineup, including light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lamps on LT and Premier models, as well as LED taillamps on the Malibu Premier.
The 2016 Chevy Malibu will be available in the following ten exterior colors:
- Blue Velvet Metallic
- Champagne Silver Metallic
- Butte Red Metallic
- Silver Ice Metallic
- Summit White
- Mosaic Black Metallic
- Nightfall Grey Metallic
- Autumn Bronze Metallic ($395 option)
- Crystal Red Tintcoat ($395 option)
- Iridescent Pearl Tricoat ($995 option)
Complementing the ten exterior hues are three interior color combinations, each of which is offered in either cloth or leather:
- Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray
- Jet Black
- Dark Atmosphere/Loft Brown
The cabin of the 2016 Malibu is more spacious, more comfortable and more connected: the longer wheelbase allows for a more open execution of Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior while rear legroom grows by 1.3 inches (33 mm).
Highlights of the 2016 Malibu’s interior include:
- Galvano (satin) chrome accents on the instrument panel and center console
- Dedicated storage slot for mobile phones, which incorporates wireless charging, if equipped
- Perforated leather-appointed seating surfaces available on LT and Hybrid and standard on Premier
- Ventilated seats – a first for Malibu – are standard on Premier
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu delivers a multitude of in-vehicle new technologies, including:
- Chevrolet MyLink with a 7-inch-diagonal color capacitive touch screen is standard on LS, LT and Hybrid models
- Chevrolet MyLink with an eight-inch-diagonal capacitive touch screen is available on LT and Hybrid models and standard on Premier model
- Chevrolet MyLink with navigation is available with the eight-inch MyLink system and features three-dimensional map views for most major U.S. cities and attractions
- All-new Teen Driver feature is supported by the 8-inch MyLink system, allowing parents to restrict certain vehicle functions to support safer driving and to view their kids’ driving statistics such as maximum speed, warning alerts and more
- OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot is standard on all models with a three-month/3GB data trial (whichever comes first)
- Wireless phone charging available on LT and Hybrid and standard on Premier
- Dual rear-seat USB ports and a 110-volt power outlet are optional on LT and standard on Premier
- The instrument panel “center stack” is all-new, with greater delineation between the infotainment system and climate system controls for easier, at-a-glance operation
Malibu’s 7-inch MyLink infotainment system gives owners a smart and simple way to access Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The eight-inch version of MyLink will be compatible only with Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the 2016 model year. While development and testing are not yet complete, Chevy says that Android Auto compatibility may be available on the 8-inch version of MyLink later in the 2016 model year.
Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most.
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features customers want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps is at Apple.com/ios/carplay.
Android Auto
Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players.
Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is offered with a choice of two turbo-charged four-cylinder engines mated to either six- or eight-speed automatic transmissions. A full-hybrid model is also offered.
Engines
The 2016 Malibu’s more-efficient standard engine is a new four-cylinder, turbo-charged 1.5-liter LFV Ecotec engine that delivers an estimated 160 horsepower (119 kW) and 180 pound-feet of torque (250 Nm). The torque is comparable to the last-gen model’s standard 2.5L naturally aspirated engine in a vehicle package that’s nearly 300 pounds lighter. The motor is part of a new global family of small-displacement Ecotec gas engines designed with greater power density to deliver confident performance with excellent efficiency.
The 1.5L turbo engine also enables the 2016 Malibu to deliver a GM-estimated 37 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in city driving – an 8-percent increase over its predecessor. On the highway, 1.5L-equipped models also feature active grille shutters that reduce aerodynamic drag to optimize efficiency.
For those looking for more power, the 2016 Malibu offers the turbocharged 2.0L LTG Ecotec engine making 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 258 pound-feet of torque (350 Nm). The higher degree of performance does not come at the expense of good efficiency, as Malibu 2.0T models are GM-estimated at 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.
Transmissions
The 1.5L turbo engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.
An all-new, GM-developed eight-speed automatic transmission is mated to the 2.0T motor. The gearbox is the first eight-speed automatic in a GM front-wheel-drive vehicle.
Malibu Hybrid
The 2016 Malibu introduces strong hybrid technology that leverages components and knowledge directly from the plug-in Chevrolet Volt. The new Malibu Hybrid offers a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined – while maintaining the styling, comfort, driving dynamics and connectivity as gas-only models.
Powering the Malibu Hybrid is an all-new, direct-injection 1.8L four-cylinder engine mated to a two-motor drive unit, slightly modified from the 2016 Chevrolet Volt drive unit. The drive unit provides additional power to assist the engine during acceleration for 182 horsepower (136 kW) of total system power.
The engine also features Chevrolet’s first application of Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery, or EGHR, technology, which uses exhaust heat to warm the engine and cabin. EGHR improves engine warm-up and ensures consistent fuel economy performance in cold weather. Additional fuel economy benefits come from Exhaust Gas Recirculation, or EGR.
An 80-cell, 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides electric power to the hybrid system. It can power the Malibu Hybrid up to 55 miles per hour (88 km/h) on electricity alone. The gasoline-powered engine automatically comes on at higher speeds and high loads to provide additional power.
In addition to the drive unit, the Malibu Hybrid also shares the 2016 Volt’s blended regenerative braking system, which provides maximum kinetic energy recovery during braking to be stored in the battery system to help maintain charge.
Beneath the new Malibu’s athletic-looking skin is a stronger, lighter body structure that contributes to its efficiency and driving dynamics. Greater use of high-strength steels enables engineers to design the body structure with thinner components in some areas, delivering comparable crash performance with lower weight.
The 2016 Malibu uses the regular-wheelbase version of GM’s new front-wheel-drive vehicle architecture known as the E2XX platform. The E2XX architecture is shared with the second-generation Opel-Vauxhall Insignia and sixth-generation Buick Regal. E2XX is longer, wider, and lighter than the Epsilon 2 architecture it replaces.
The Malibu’s all-new architecture accounts for more than a third of its nearly 300-pound weight reduction.
The ninth-generation, 2016 Malibu sees fuel economy figures increase, as follows:
- 1.5L LFV engine: 27 MPG city and 37 MPG highway
- 2.0L LTG engine: 22 MPG city and 33 MPG highway
- Malibu Hybrid: 48 MPG city and 45 MPG highway
This is accomplished via a new and fuel-efficient engine range, a lower curb weight and better aerodynamics – factors that combine to contribute to better fuel efficiency.
By comparison, the eighth-generation Malibu delivered the highest fuel economy of 36 MPG.
The 2016 Chevy Malibu features a roster of standard safety features, including 10 standard air bags and a rear-view camera system standard on LS, LT, Hybrid and Premier models.
In addition, the new vehicle offers several new active safety features, including:
- Front Pedestrian Alert that uses a forward-looking camera to help avoid or reduce the harm caused by crashes with pedestrians ahead of the vehicle. The system can apply automatic last-second braking
- New Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert
- New Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Intellibeam, which automatically switches the headlamps to high beam for better road illumination and improved visibility
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Automatic Braking
- Automatic Parking Assist
Teen Driver
The new Malibu also launches a new technology called Teen Driver, which supports safe driving habits.
The feature mutes the audio or any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. Teen Driver also provides audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling over predetermined speeds.
To use Teen Driver, a parent enables the feature with a PIN in the Settings menu of the Malibu’s MyLink system, which allows them to register their teen’s key fob. The system’s settings are turned on only to registered key fobs.
Chevrolet’s system is the first in the industry with a built-in component that lets parents view on a display how their teenager drove the vehicle. Maximum speed reached, distance driven and number of times active safety features were engaged are among the parameters that can be confirmed.
OnStar
The 2016 Malibu will continue to include GM’s OnStar telematics technology, which includes all of the OnStar services, including Automatic Crash Response and in-vehicle Wi-Fi feature enabled by a high-speed 4G LTE connection.
The 2016 Chevy Malibu will continue offering OnStar 4G LTE, which includes all of the OnStar services as well as the in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot enabled by a high-speed 4G LTE connection.
| Trim Level | Starting MSPR |
|---|---|
| L | $22,500 |
| LS | $23,995 |
| 1LT | $25,895 |
| 1LT | $29,495 |
| Primier | $31,795 |
The MSRP does not include an $875 destination freight charge.
The 2016 Malibu will start at $22,500 for the base L trim. That base price undercuts key rivals such as the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. For the money, the standard equipment found includes the new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with stop/start technology, ten airbags, cruise control and push-button start with passive entry.
Climbing into the LS trim makes the case to drop the extra $1,495. Starting at $23,995, the 2016 Malibu LS adds a standard seven-inch MyLink infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a rear-view camera.
Moving right along to the LT trim, buyers will get daytime running lights and a choice of either the base 1.5-liter turbo four for $25,895, or the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which will bump the price up accordingly to $29,495. The 2.0-liter turbo is also paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
As you may have already heard, LTZ is out, and Premier is in for the top-of-line Malibu. The Premier trim will be sold exclusively with the 2.0-liter turbo, and at a starting price of $31,795. Of course, a host of new technology can be found on the range-topping trim level, with some being firsts for Malibu, including Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking, Low Speed Front Automatic Braking and the brand’s new Teen Driver System.
GM still estimates the base 1.5-liter turbo to return a respectable 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, while the more potent 2.0-liter turbo knocks GM estimated mpg ratings down to 22 city and 32 highway.
Chevrolet says that it will price the 2016 Malibu Hybrid at a later date, most likely once its unsurpassed 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway estimations are verified by the EPA.
The 2016 Chevy Malibu was revealed at the 2015 New York International Auto Show on April 1st, 2015.
On March 4, 2015, Chevrolet released this teaser image of the 2016 Malibu’s side profile.
To attempt to see more details of the vehicle, we enhanced the teaser image like so:
The brand continued to release information on the new car every week until its reveal.
When
The all-new 2016 Chevy Malibu began arriving at U.S. Chevy dealers in December 2015 timeframe. Launch in South Korean market followed shortly thereafter, followed by other markets globally.
Where
The 2016 Malibu has been confirmed to be available in the following markets:
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Middle East
- China
It will be interesting to see whether Chevrolet will offer the new Malibu in South America, a market in which the model has traditionally not been available.
Download the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu order guide (PDF format).
One of the biggest complaints about the eighth-generation Chevy Malibu has been about the lack of all-wheel drive. For reasons unbeknownst to us, General Motors has decided not to include or offer all-wheel drive on the vehicle, despite its Epsilon 2 vehicle architecture being capable of it.
In addition, several rivals are beginning to offer all-wheel drive on their midsize sedans, with a notable example being the Ford Fusion, Chrysler 200, and Subaru Legacy, to name a few.
- Ford Fusion
- Chrysler 200
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Altima
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia Optima
- Mazda 6
- Volkswagen Passat
- Subaru Legacy
- Mitsubishi Galant
In 2013, GM introduced the eighth-generation Chevy Malibu in Australia and New Zealand as the Holden Malibu. However, the ninth-generation Malibu was not made available in Australia. Instead, the vehicle was replaced by the Commodore ZB, which shares the same E2 platform as the Malibu.
The ninth-generation Chevrolet Malibu is produced at the following plants:
- GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- GM Bupyeong plant in South Korea
- Shanghai-GM at Jingjiao, China
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Overview
| Model: | 2016 Chevrolet Malibu L, LS, LT and Premier |
| Body style / driveline: | 4-door, 5-passenger front-engine transaxle (front-drive) |
| Construction: | steel body-frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel and trunk lid |
| Global vehicle class: | midsize sedan |
| Manufacturing location: | GM Fairfax plant, Kansas City, Kansas, USA |
| Key competitors: | Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chrysler 200, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Kia Optima, Mitsubishi Galant, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda 6 |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Engines
| Type: | Ecotec 1.5L DOHC I4 VVT DI Turbo LFV | Ecotec 2.0L DOHC I4 VVT DI Turbo LTG | Ecotec 1.8L Hybrid Naturally Aspirated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement (cu. in. / cc): | 91 / 1490 | 122 / 1998 | 110 / 1800 |
| Bore & stroke (in. / mm): | 2.91 x 3.40 / 74 x 86.6 | 3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86 | 3.17 x 3.47 / 80.5 x 88.2 |
| Block material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum | cast iron |
| Cylinder head material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing | DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing | DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing |
| Valve lifters: | hydraulic roller finger follower | hydraulic roller finger follower | hydraulic roller finger follower |
| Ignition system: | coil-on-plug | coil-on-plug | coil-on-plug |
| Fuel delivery: | high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control | high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control | high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): | 160 / 119 @ 5600 (est.) | 250 / 186 @ 5300 (est.) | 124 / 91 @ 5000 (est.) |
| Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): | 184 / 250 @ 2000-4000 (est.) | 258 / 350 @ 1700 (est.) | 129 / 175 @ 4750 (est.) |
| Recommended fuel: | regular unleaded | premium recommended but not required | regular unleaded |
| Max. engine speed (fuel cut-off): | 6500 rpm | 6700 rpm | 5000 rpm |
| Emissions controls: | close-coupled, catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system | close-coupled, catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system | close-coupled, catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system |
| GM-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): | 27 / 37 | 22 / 32 | 48 / 45 |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Transmissions
| Type: | Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic | AWF8F45 eight-speed automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Applications: | 1.5L turbo | 2.0L Turbo |
| Gear ratios: (:1): | ||
| First: | 4.58 | 5.25 |
| Second: | 2.96 | 3.03 |
| Third: | 1.91 | 1.95 |
| Fourth: | 1.45 | 1.45 |
| Fifth: | 1.00 | 1.22 |
| Sixth: | 0.75 | 1.00 |
| Seventh: | – | 0.81 |
| Eighth: | – | 0.67 |
| Reverse: | 2.94 | 4.01 |
| Final drive ratio (:1): | 3.23 | 3.07 |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Drive Unit
| Type: | electric drive unit with two integrated electric motors | |
| Motors (two); | Motor B motoring: 76 kW Motor A generating: 55 kW | |
| Transaxle: | 2.64:1 | |
| Power (kW / hp): | 136 / 182 | |
| Torque: (lb-ft / Nm): | 277 / 375 |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Chassis & Suspension
| Front: | independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings | |
| Rear: | four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar | |
| Traction control: | all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention | |
| Steering type: | rack-mounted electric rack-and-pinion power steering | |
| Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock: | 2.8 | |
| Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / meters): | 37 / 11.5 | |
| Steering ratio: | 15.8 |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes
| Type: | four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC) and brake pre-fill | |
| Brake rotor diameter – front (in / mm): | 11.8 / 300 vented; single-piston, cast iron caliper; FNC-treated Duralife rotors | |
| Brake rotor diameter – rear (in / mm): | 11.3 / 287 solid; single-piston, cast iron caliper; FNC-treated Duralife rotors |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Wheels & Tires
| Wheel size and type (standard on L): | 16 x 7.5-in. steel with cover | |
| Wheel size and type (standard on LS): | 16 x 7.5-in. aluminum | |
| Wheel size and type (standard on 1LT and Hybrid): | 17 x 8.0-in. aluminum | |
| Wheel size and type (standard on 2LT and Premier): | 18 x 8.0-in. aluminum | |
| Wheel size and type (available on Premier): | 19 x 8.5-in. aluminum | |
| Tires (16-inches): | P205/60R16 all-season | |
| Tires (17-inches): | P225/55R17 all-season | |
| Tires (18-inches): | P245/45R18 all-season | |
| Tires (19-inches): | P245/40R19 all-season |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior Dimensions
| Wheelbase (in / mm) : | 111.4 / 2829 | |
| Overall length (in / mm): | 193.8 / 4922 | |
| Overall width (in / mm): | 73 / 1854 | |
| Overall height (in / mm): | 57.7 / 1465 | |
| Front track (in / mm): | 62.6 / 1590 | |
| Rear track (in / mm): | 62.5 / 1587 |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Interior Dimensions
| Front Seating Capacity: | 2 |
| Rear Seating Capacity: | 3 |
| Front Headroom (in / mm): | 39.1 / 993 |
| Rear Headroom (in / mm): | 37.5 / 953 |
| Front Legroom (in / mm): | 42 / 1067 |
| Rear Legroom (in / mm): | 38.1 / 967 |
| Front Shoulder Room (in / mm): | 58.5 / 14686 |
| Rear Shoulder Room (in / mm): | 57.1 / 1450 |
| Front Hip Room (in / mm): | 54.1 / 1374 |
| Rear Hip Room (in / mm): | 53.4 / 1356 |
| EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L) : | 102.9 / 2914 |
| Cargo volume (cu ft / L) (L, LS, LT, Premier): | 15.8 / 447 |
| Cargo volume (Hybrid): | 11.6 / 328 |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Capacities
| Fuel tank (gal / L) (L, LS, 1LT, Hybrid, Premier 1LZ): | 13 / 49.2 |
| Fuel tank (gal / L) (2LT, Premier 2LZ): | 15.8 / 60 |
| Engine oil (qt / L) (1.5L): | 1.5L: 4 / 4 |
| Engine oil (qt / L) (1.8L): | 1.8L: 5 / 4.7 |
| Engine oil (qt / L) (2.0L): | 2.0L: 5.3 / 5 |
| Cooling system (qt / L): | TBD |
| Curb weight (lbs / kg) (L): | 3086 / 1400 |
| Curb weight (lbs / kg) (LS): | 3097 / 1404 |
| Curb weight (lbs / kg) (1LT): | 3126 / 1418 |
| Curb weight (lbs / kg) (Hybrid): | 3457 / 1568 |
| Curb weight (lbs / kg) (Premier 1LZ): | 3278 / 1487 |
| Curb weight (lbs / kg) (Premier 2LZ): | 3388 / 1536 |
