Though Chevy officially revealed the 2019 Malibu back in April, we have not seen the refreshed sedan in the wild (on the road)… until now. So, we caught up to a tester model as it was undergoing final validation testing to get a better look, and took a plethora of pictures, which we’re bringing to you here.
This particular 2019 Malibu is the LT trim level coated in Mosaic Black Metallic (paint code GB8).
Front End
The 2019 Malibu gets a restyled front fascia consisting of redesigned grilles, headlamps, daytime running lights and surrounding bumper cover.
The headlamps are now integrated with the upper grille with significantly more chrome than before. The lower grille is notably larger and also features greater use of chrome.
Coming back to the topic of headlamps: this 2019 Malibu LT seems to continue using regular halogen lamps. The range-topping Premier model, however, features LED units.
Chevy says that the changes to the front fascia deliver a more powerful presence to the midsize sedan.
Side Profile
Chevy didn’t make any side profile changes to the 2019 Malibu. However, the revised front and rear ends are somewhat visible as they wrap around to the sides.
In addition, the tester model seen here is wearing a new set of wheels that feature a double five-spoke design. Though we can’t read the size of the rubber the wheels are wrapped in, they do look like they’re 17s.
Notably, Chevrolet has previously told us that the 2019 Malibu will feature new wheel designs in multiple sizes, including 16-, 17- and 18-inches.
Rear End
The 2019 Malibu new rear fascia starts with new dual-element LED taillamps. Standard on LT and Premier models, the new taillamps deliver a more dramatic execution of Chevrolet’s signature dual-element design.
The new tailliamps are complemented by a new rear valance that pushes the dual-exhaust outlets farther toward the corners, something that Chevy says emphasizes the car’s width.
The CHMSL remains untouched, which is not much of a surprise given that it already looks striking on current models.
Inside
Though we can’t see the interior from this photo set, we do know that the 2019 Malibu receives a new 8-inch reconfigurable color driver information center (DIC) as well as the new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 with a new, standard 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen radio. A new available navigation radio is available.
Additionally, the rear-view camera is added to the Malibu L trim for the 2019 model year, while the Malibu Premier adds rear heated outboard seats.
Under The Hood
The 2019 Malibu is available with three engine choices:
- Malibu L, LS, RS and LT are powered by the 1.5L Turbo I-4 LFV engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission, with the CVT being new for the 2019 model year.
- The Premier is powered by the 2.0L Turbo I-4 LTG engine mated to the GM 9-speed automatic transmission.
- The Malibu Hybrid is powered by a hybrid propulsion system comprised of a 1.8L I-4 engine (RPO code LKN) mated to a 50 kW Hybrid Propulsion Electric engine (RPO code HP4) driving a two-motor automatic drive unit, which sends power to the front wheels; an 80-cell, 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides electric power to the hybrid system.
Availability & Pricing
The 2019 Malibu goes on sale in the fall of 2018.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but is expected to stay close to the $21,680 starting price of the 2018 model.
About Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan sold in most markets where Chevrolet has a business presence. It is currently Chevrolet’s second-largest sedan in the U.S. and Canada, slotting above the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic and compact Chevrolet Cruze but under the full-size Chevrolet Impala.
The current, ninth-generation model was introduced in 2016. It rides on the GM E2 platform shared with the Buick Regal, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Holden Commodore NG, and the Cadillac XT4.
The 2019 model year represents the fourth year of production of the ninth-gen Malibu, for which the vehicle received a midcycle enhancement, otherwise known as a facelift or refresh consisting of revised exterior styling, a new RS trim level, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for L, LS, LT and RS models, a new infotainment system, and a new 8-inch reconfigurable driver information center (DIC), among a other new features.
The Chevrolet Malibu is produced across the following three GM plants globally:
- GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, USA – supplying the Americas
- GM Bupyeong plant in South Korea – supplying Eurasia
- Shanghai GMÂ Jinqiao North in China (GM China) – supplying China
Chevrolet Malibu Resources & Info
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Comments
The front end looks much better than the one it replaces. It turned out very well and I know the Malibu is a good car that is worthy of consideration if you need a front drive sedan.
Unfortunately fewer buyers are in the market for cars like this, and there is no shortage of competitors – including the excellent new Honda Accord and the 2019 Altima.
In my opinion, the Malibu needs available all wheel drive and a wagon model to compete properly in this crossover-obsessed market. Subaru sold 189,000 Outbacks last year without really pushing much of anything to fleets. Chevrolet could really make the Malibu relatively unique by offering a wagon model that could help supplement their sedan sales without a huge investment.
Perhaps the next generation Malibu (which will likely be merged with the Impala) on a slightly larger chassis will offer more variants, more features, and better styling.
GM sort of did a competitor to this, in the Regal tourx. The thing is they never promoted it and that makes it hard for a new model to catch on. I feel a lot of people who buy Subaru would be more drawn to Buick over Chevrolet, if only they’d promote it. Someone on the comments here a few weeks back mentioned that their local Buick dealer didn’t even know such a car existed. My searches on Buick’s Canadian site doesn’t have that model either.
It looks good but I think they could have kept the other front end and just reworked the DRL’s and got rid of the droopy jowls effect. The butt end should have been redone too, it’s too droopy looking IMO.
Because “only” with 4 or 5 crossovers………..Chevrolet is lacking in the crossover department…………so lets add a wagon……because Buick doesn’t have one of those why the F should they have anything unique.
I agree with you in theory, but in practice, the Buick Regal TourX is a premium-level offering with a premium-level price… while a supposed Malibu Wagon would start roughly $7,000 lower and thereby undercut the TourX as well as the Outback.
With rumors that the next-gen Fusion will become a ruggedized wagon like the Outback and Regal TourX (link below), perhaps exploring an idea of a Malibu wagon isn’t that crazy.
http://fordauthority.com/2018/07/well-take-it-ford-fusion-to-reportedly-morph-into-sport-wagon-a-la-subaru-outback/
The new Accord is excellent but as long as the Altima only comes with Nissan’s terrible CVT, it’s far far away from excellent.
Now toss the 1.6TD in there…
You’d think they had the good sense to have done that already.
I see no reason why they shouldn’t now that VW is fully out of the diesel market.
The Chevy Malibu Hybrid is weaker than the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Gas Engine: 1.8L 124 HP vs 2.0L 141 HP
Electric Motor: 50 kW (67 HP) vs 88 kW (118 HP)
Max EV only speed: 55 MPH vs 85 MPH
Battery sizes are similar.
The Malibu Hybrid may get better MPG ratings versus the Fusion Hybrid, but some Fusion Hybrid owners have passed 55 MPG (see their forums). So if Chevy really want to compete and gain in the hybrid sedan market against Ford and the foreign brands, the Malibu Hybrid has to improve. A PHEV version will make some Volt owners switch over.
The Malibu hybrid has gotten excellent reviews.
I hope that it’s available in the Premium trim level now. Not sure why Chevrolet limited it to the LT trim on the 2017 model.
First, what is the primary purpose of a hybrid? Is it power, speed, or fuel economy?
Yup, fuel economy. So if the Malibu hybrid gets better fuel economy than the Fusion hybrid, it has already delivered on its purpose.
Second, the Malibu Hybrid is already plenty powerful for the kind of car it is. You can manage to break grip with the tires every time you drive.
Third, I’ve driven the Malibu Hybrid for a week and have exceeded its EPA ratings… so it’s not just Fusion Hybrid owners that are exceeding them.
Fourth, and possibly most important: “if Chevy really wants to compete and gain in the hybrid sedan market against Ford”…
… all it needs to do is continue offering the Malibu Hybrid, as Ford discontinues the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid in the next couple of years.
Obviously, Ford lost big time with the entire Fusion line, Hybrid included… while Chevy will continue having a midsize sedan offering (at least for the time being).
CVT on a domestic passenger car? Were going down that road are we?
Unfortunately, yes. At least for the time being, it’s only for the L, LS and LT models…
I have a 2016 and I love it. I wish I got the turbo. Trust me it’s better than the LT the one I have. It’s much faster. Only thing I hate and I wish I knew if I can stop the engine from turning off every time I come to a stop..
Oh and it needs a front veiw cam. . And heated seats and stearing wheel. And for passenger side. I have many complains. For the 2016 Malibu LT. The back seats would be great if the reclined too
Is the 2.0T still tuned to require 93 octane gas for 2019? That’s the only downside to an otherwise really good drivetrain.
Put a 6 in it and I’ll buy it.
Will you though? Have you driven this thing with the 2.0L Turbo? It’s dang good, especially with the 9-speed.
Similarly, every offering in this segment is moving away from sixes.
Headlights remind me of those of the new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer.
The design puts it closer to the Impala, overall the design is clean and a welcomed update for the most part.
They are finally introducing the RS trim for the 2019 Malibu, something I have been nagging GM about for years. But better late then never I guess.
I have some concerns about new CVT transmission, I can imagine people complaining about it already. Why no 1.6 liter turbo diesel option? The Malibu should get more interior color and material choices, just one brown leather color and different shades of black and grey isnt good enough. L and LS models should keep current front fascia with LS model having a RS trim upgrade as an option.
That said the 2019 Malibu is a very attractive midsize sedan that will garner interest from potential buyers.